Critical Stages for Irrigation Timing

• Emergence: Ensure uniform emergence of all plants to maximize yield potential early
• V6 – Pre-tassel: Irrigate to build soil profile before tasseling since plant water use will be greater than irrigation capacity during early grain fill
• Early Tassel: Most critical time for good pollination & kernel set
• Silking – Dough: Peak water use period by plant, irrigate continuous during dry conditions
• Dent – Maturity: Irrigate corn all the way to black layer to maximize kernel fill & depth especially during hot/dry conditions