Maize Fertilizer Program for South Africa

A practical liquid feeding program for maize designed for South African conditions. Improve root development, leaf colour, plant vigor and yield using efficient foliar nutrition

Maize Growth Stages and Nutrient Requirements

Each stage below explains how nutrient availability influences root development, vegetative growth, cob formation and final grain yield

Emergence (VE – V2)

Roots begin forming and seedlings establish. Early phosphorus and trace elements are critical for strong root anchoring and uniform stand establishment.
Early Vegetative Growth (V3 – V5)

Rapid leaf formation starts. Nitrogen and magnesium drive chlorophyll production and plant vigor while zinc supports hormone activity and growth rate.
Rapid Vegetative Growth (V6 – V8)

The plant determines potential cob size during this stage. Adequate nutrition increases leaf area and future yield potential.
Stem Elongation (V9 – V12)

Nutrient demand sharply increases. Nitrogen and potassium improve stem strength and resistance to lodging.
Pre-Tasseling (V13 – VT)

The plant prepares for reproduction. Micronutrients improve pollen viability and plant energy balance before flowering.
Tasseling (VT)

Pollination begins. Stress or nutrient deficiency during this stage directly reduces kernel number.
Silking (R1)

Successful fertilization occurs. Balanced nutrition ensures full kernel set and prevents blank cobs.
Early Grain Fill (R2 – Blister)

Kernels begin forming. Potassium and nitrogen support carbohydrate transport into developing grain.
Milk Stage (R3)

Rapid grain expansion takes place. Plant health during this period determines final grain weight.
Dough Stage (R4)

Starch accumulation increases. Continued feeding improves grain density and quality.
Dent Stage (R5)

Final grain size is determined. Proper nutrition maximizes kernel mass.
Physiological Maturity (R6)

Nutrient translocation finishes and yield is locked in. Healthy plants reach maturity uniformly.

Example MaxGrowPlus Maize Feeding Program

Below is a simplified example of a foliar feeding schedule used in maize production. The program may vary depending on soil type, hybrid and rainfall or irrigation conditions, but demonstrates the typical nutrient progression from early vegetative growth to grain filling.

NPSMg Starter

3–5 Leaf Stage

First foliar application after establishment

5 L/Ha

NPSMg Starter

Rapid vegetative growth

15 days after first application

5 L/Ha

Universal NPK

Pre-tasseling / ear formation

Before head (cob) formation

5 L/Ha

Get a Farm-Specific Maize Fertilizer Plan

Every soil type, climate and hybrid responds differently.
MaxGrowPlus prepares customized liquid feeding programs based on soil analysis, irrigation or rainfall conditions and yield targets.
Send us your farm details through the contact form and we will calculate a full-season maize feeding schedule and expected fertilizer cost per hectare.

Request Your Maize Program