Fertilizing a Corn Field

Arrow · 05-17-2012, 07:25 AM

we have a corn field about, oh I dont know, about 20 by 40 or 50 or so.
Im looking for options on how to fertilize it. any ideas?

So far we have mixed in grass clippings and a couple bales of staw. I did this because the ground gets too hard.

I have about 10 pounds of blood meal. Would that be good? How much do I use. How many sq feet is a cup good for?

Hoosier Girl · 05-17-2012, 08:27 AM

Arrow: first, you can't go wrong with a truckload of well-rotted manure. That is the magic ingredient right there, especially if your ground is too hard (clay?)

Also, look up Steve Solomon's article on Mother Earth News, on his COF (Complete Organic Fertilizer). He is also the author of the book "Gardening in Hard Times." There is another thread running on the forum where various people have been discussing different organic fertilizers. This is one you can make yourself after a run to an agricultural supply store, and it is very cost efficient if you are buying the ingredients in larger quantities. I am just doing this for the first time this year.

Bloodmeal provides a good nitrogen boost, but not some of the other nutrients your field will need.

It is always a good idea to get your soil tested as well, of course.

Hoosier Girl · 05-17-2012, 08:43 AM

Actually, Arrow, I see now that you have already commented on the organic fertilizer thread, so you have already seen the discussion going back and forth.

Arrow · 05-18-2012, 08:55 AM

our soil is fairly alkaline. Nitrogen must be low. Low to no humus too. Aint seen a worm yet in any soil other than my beds

Blood meal.... how much is enough? can anyone tell me how many square feet one cup of blood meal will be effective on?

We just got some aged goat manure and spread it yesterday... will that do or do I need another nitrogen source? any other ideas? Corn is nitorgen hungry isnt it?

05-17-2012, 07:25 AM	#1
Arrow Junior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 22	Fertilizing a Corn Field we have a corn field about, oh I dont know, about 20 by 40 or 50 or so. Im looking for options on how to fertilize it. any ideas? So far we have mixed in grass clippings and a couple bales of staw. I did this because the ground gets too hard. I have about 10 pounds of blood meal. Would that be good? How much do I use. How many sq feet is a cup good for?

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05-17-2012, 08:27 AM	#2
Hoosier Girl Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Indiana, zone 5B Posts: 72	Arrow: first, you can't go wrong with a truckload of well-rotted manure. That is the magic ingredient right there, especially if your ground is too hard (clay?) Also, look up Steve Solomon's article on Mother Earth News, on his COF (Complete Organic Fertilizer). He is also the author of the book "Gardening in Hard Times." There is another thread running on the forum where various people have been discussing different organic fertilizers. This is one you can make yourself after a run to an agricultural supply store, and it is very cost efficient if you are buying the ingredients in larger quantities. I am just doing this for the first time this year. Bloodmeal provides a good nitrogen boost, but not some of the other nutrients your field will need. It is always a good idea to get your soil tested as well, of course.

05-17-2012, 08:43 AM	#3
Hoosier Girl Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Indiana, zone 5B Posts: 72	Actually, Arrow, I see now that you have already commented on the organic fertilizer thread, so you have already seen the discussion going back and forth.

05-18-2012, 08:55 AM	#4
Arrow Junior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 22	our soil is fairly alkaline. Nitrogen must be low. Low to no humus too. Aint seen a worm yet in any soil other than my beds Blood meal.... how much is enough? can anyone tell me how many square feet one cup of blood meal will be effective on? We just got some aged goat manure and spread it yesterday... will that do or do I need another nitrogen source? any other ideas? Corn is nitorgen hungry isnt it?