Getting Maize Nutrition Right
April 2026
Maize is one of the most responsive crops to good nutrition, with early nutrient availability playing a major role in determining final yield and quality. Daytime temperatures are starting to increase; however, lower nighttime temperatures are keeping soils back currently. Although maize grows rapidly once established, early root development is slow, particularly in cool spring conditions. Any shortage of nutrients at establishment can restrict root growth and permanently limit yield potential.
Nitrogen is the primary driver of yield and quality, but balance is critical. Insufficient nitrogen reduces leaf area, photosynthesis and starch production, while excess nitrogen can delay maturity, increase lodging risk and reduce cob proportion.
Phosphate is especially important in the early stages, supporting root growth and nutrient uptake. Even soils with adequate background phosphate levels often benefit from a placed starter dressing close to the seed to promote rapid early growth.
The importance of potash
Maize also has an exceptionally high demand for potassium. Adequate soil potash is vital for cob fill, water regulation and stress tolerance, with a 40 t/ha crop removing around 175 kg/ha of K₂O, however this same crop will take up around 360kg/ha by early August. The demand for potash is particularly large in the period of rapid growth and the crop needs to take up about 8 kg/ha K2O per day. The soil must be able to supply both the total demand of 360 kg/ha and the daily requirement of 8 kg/ha without any hindrance. This requires an adequate level of readily plant available soil potassium. During maximum periods of growth, the maize plant will contain more K than N.
Organic manures can supply large amounts of nutrients, but availability is variable, making regular soil analysis essential to optimise fertiliser use, protect soil health and remain compliant.
Key nutrient messages
Key nutritional messages for maize:
- Early nutrition sets the yield ceiling
- Nitrogen drives yield – but balance is essential
- Phosphate is critical in the early stages
- Potash demand is exceptionally high
- Soil structure and availability matter as much as nutrient rate
- Organic manures are valuable – but must be managed carefully
- Sulphur improves nitrogen efficiency
- Magnesium and trace elements support crop function