Maize growers are urged to allow fields time to fully recover following significant rainfall and flooding before drilling, to ensure crops get off to the best start.

Severely waterlogged soils can jeopardise maize establishment and hinder effective root development, by limiting oxygen supply in the soil.

Will Andrew, South West regional manager at Timac Agro UK, says although the recent extreme rainfall has been unprecedented, there have been patterns of dry weather occurring later in the spring year-on-year, which means it could pay to delay drilling.

He says: "There are ways growers can manage the impacts of variable weather conditions to ensure effective germination, regardless of environmental pressures.

"Prioritise making the most of farmyard manure (FYM) and strengthen its value by using a starter fertiliser to help the plant establish well, even when drilled later on," he says.

"FYM will play a key role in producing a profitable crop - it's an excellent source of essential phosphate, potash, and nitrogen once the crop is up and away."

Mr Andrew explains it is important for FYM to be well incorporated into the soil prior to drilling.

This ensures adequate breakdown and availability of nutrients for their effective uptake at germination while conditioning the soil to retain precious moisture and strengthen structure.

He says: "The plant needs an easily accessible and consistent source of nutrition from the beginning.

"That's why we also advise drilling seed alongside a microgranular starter fertiliser, such as Physiostart, which provides an instant fix of essential soluble phosphorus and ammoniacal nitrogen from day one."

Seeds should be drilled a depth of 25mm to 100mm depending on moisture reserves and the soil temperature should be 10˚C at 10cm deep for seeds to thrive.

"Growers working with drier soils should aim to drill deeper, whereas wetter soils can be drilled closer to the surface," says Mr Andrew.

"Along with planting in optimum soil conditions, using a starter fertiliser acts as an insurance policy during a tricky growing season, ensuring the crop has what it needs to thrive as soon as it's put into the ground."

For further information or advice, visit: Physiostart - TIMAC AGRO UK