Northern cold and arid corn production pay more attention
Xuzhou Xinbaisheng Protective Equipnent Co., Ltd. , https://www.xinparkson.com
In recent updates from the water resources department of Heilongjiang Province, it has been reported that due to reduced precipitation in 2007, the water levels in the Neijiang River are significantly lower compared to the same period in previous years. Many reservoirs across the province have insufficient storage capacity, leading to a critical drought situation. According to meteorological data, from January to October 2007, the average rainfall in Heilongjiang was 402 mm, a 20% decrease compared to the same period in 2006. This has resulted in 13 large and medium-sized reservoirs experiencing severe water shortages. For example, the Fengman Reservoir on the Second Songhua River had 400 million cubic meters less storage than the previous year, while the Nenji Reservoir in Nenjiang had less than half the amount of water compared to the same time last year. In Harbin, only two significant snowfalls occurred between November and December 2007, with very limited snowfall in early 2008. The average temperature during this period was -18.2°C, slightly higher than the previous year by 0.3°C.
According to a report from the Hydrographic Bureau of Heilongjiang Province in October 2007, groundwater levels in 75% of the province have dropped significantly. The Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Department predicts that if spring precipitation does not increase substantially, up to 50 million mu of farmland may face drought conditions, with 5 million mu of paddy fields suffering from water shortages.
During the planting season for spring corn, several key practices should be emphasized. First, improving farmland irrigation infrastructure and maintaining agricultural machinery is essential. Farmers should also select drought-resistant varieties tailored to their local conditions. These include long-standing cultivars known for high yield, stability, adaptability, and disease resistance, such as Yuyu 9, Jidan 261, Si Dan 19, Dongnong 250, Longdan 13, and others. Additionally, selecting varieties that performed well in 2007, especially those that showed resilience under low-temperature and drought conditions, is crucial. Farmers should also follow the recommended variety layout issued by the Heilongjiang Provincial Seed Administration.
Adjusting planting varieties is another important step. To avoid the habit of planting late-maturing varieties, farmers should focus on early-maturing options suitable for local climate conditions. Using high-vitality seeds can improve germination, enhance seedling emergence, and increase resistance to cold and diseases. Proper land preparation is also vital—fields should be deeply tilled to a depth of 20–25 cm, ensuring evenness and moisture retention. Sowing timing must be carefully managed, ideally when the soil temperature stabilizes at 7–8°C to prevent "powder seed" issues. After sowing, proper compaction and protection against low temperatures are necessary to reduce smut risks.
For areas with soil moisture below 20%, irrigation should be applied to ensure adequate moisture for seed germination. Early sowers should closely monitor seed conditions and take immediate action if "powder seed" occurs, such as replanting or supplementing seedlings. Once corn plants emerge, timely thinning and transplanting should be done at the 3–4 leaf stage to avoid root damage and weak growth. Transplanting should involve using soil to protect the roots and ensure healthy development.
Finally, effective field management plays a critical role in promoting corn growth. Practices such as deep loosening after seedlings emerge (at 2–3 leaves) help raise soil temperature, stimulate microbial activity, and improve nutrient availability. Timely plowing, ridging, and soil sterilization are also recommended to maintain optimal moisture and temperature conditions for high yields.