In recent months, farmers from several villages in Liulin Township, including Shunshuiping, Changcunba, Longshiping, and Gaofeng, have reported a significant issue with the mulching corn: a severe lack of seedlings. The problem varies depending on sowing dates, maize varieties, and plot conditions, with seedling loss ranging from 15% to as high as 80% in some areas. To investigate this, we visited Shunhuishui Village, located at an altitude of about 1,300 meters.
**Reasons for Seedling Deficiency**
The main causes of the current seedling deficiency in alpine corn can be attributed to several factors.
First, the prolonged period of low temperatures and rainy weather after sowing has had a major impact. Corn is a warm-season crop that thrives under optimal temperature conditions. When temperatures are too low, germination slows down, and seedlings become weak or fail to emerge altogether. Research shows that the ideal germination temperature for corn seeds is between 25–28°C, while the minimum required temperature is around 6–7°C. However, if the ground temperature drops below 5°C, as it did in some high-altitude areas this year, seed germination is severely hindered. This is especially problematic in high mountain regions where cold fog, high humidity, and low temperatures persist, making it difficult for seeds to sprout properly.
Second, the quality of the seeds plays a critical role. Different maize varieties have varying levels of germination strength and stress resistance. High-quality seeds that are stored properly and have not been kept for too long tend to perform better. In contrast, lower-quality seeds or those stored in poor conditions may not germinate well, even under favorable weather conditions. This variation explains why some fields show normal emergence while others suffer from severe seedling loss.
Third, some farmers have sown corn during rainy days, which leads to overly wet soil and lower temperatures—both of which reduce germination rates. Additionally, damage from rodents and birds in the highlands further contributes to the problem.
**Preventive Measures**
To address these challenges, farmers should focus on prevention rather than correction. Here are some effective strategies:
1. **Sow at the Right Time**: In high-altitude areas, it's crucial to wait until the ground temperature stabilizes at 10–12°C before planting. Farmers should not rely solely on traditional dates but instead monitor real-time weather conditions to determine the best time for sowing.
2. **Use High-Quality Seeds**: Choose seeds with strong germination potential, good storage conditions, and high vigor. Before planting, it’s advisable to sun-dry the seeds for 2–3 days to enhance their viability.
3. **Pre-Germinate Seeds**: Germinating seeds at an optimal temperature before planting can help identify and exclude weak or non-viable seeds, ensuring better germination rates and more uniform growth.
4. **Transplant Seedlings**: Using plastic trays with double-layer film covering can improve seedbed insulation and increase survival rates. Transplanting seedlings after they have developed ensures a stronger start, reducing the risk of failure due to early spring cold.
By implementing these measures, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of seedling loss and improve the success rate of their mulching corn crops.
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