HOW MUCH WATER DOES CORN USE AT DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES?

Water use by corn varies considerably between planting and maturity, but adequate water at each stage is extremely important if maximum yields are to be achieved. For example, water use at the V10 stage (10 fully developed leaves; visible leaf collar) is considerably less than at pollination, but that is not to say it is less important to irrigate at the V10 stage! In fact, one of the more common irrigation mistakes is not watering during the V8-V12 stages. This is the time period when the rows of kernels around the ear is being determined. Stress at this time will limit yields by reducing the number of rows around the ear. Ear size potential is determined from V12-V17. If water is inadequate during this time, a small ear size potential will be established. No matter how well you irrigate thereafter, you will never increase ear size. Listed below is a table from the University of Florida showing daily water use of corn. PLEASE DON’T WAIT FOR RAIN. IRRIGATE WHEN NEEDED!