Corn is a staple crop in the Pasco, Grandview, Othello, Oroville, Hermiston area, thriving in the rich soil and favorable climate. However, to achieve the best yields, corn requires careful and consistent irrigation throughout the growing season. Zimmatic Pivots are the optimal choice for meeting corn’s specific water needs and boosting overall productivity, especially when combined with FieldNet for smart irrigation management.

Why Corn Needs Smart Irrigation

Corn has high water demands, especially during the critical pollination and grain-fill stages. Consistent moisture is key to maximizing yields, but over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging, nutrient leaching, and root rot. Corn also benefits from precise irrigation during the early growth stages, ensuring the crop’s roots are well-established and ready to absorb nutrients effectively.

FieldNet gives you the power to adjust irrigation in real time, making it easier to keep track of moisture levels and irrigation needs. With real-time data, Zimmatic Pivots ensure the right amount of water is applied exactly when your corn needs it—no more, no less.

How Zimmatic Pivots Enhance Corn Growth

Zimmatic Pivots offer many advantages when it comes to irrigating corn fields:

• Uniform Water Distribution: Corn requires consistent watering, especially during the pollination period. Zimmatic Pivots ensure water is evenly distributed across large areas, eliminating dry spots and ensuring optimal growth throughout the field. Integrated with FieldNet, you can monitor and fine-tune water distribution from your smartphone or computer, ensuring the exact moisture levels are maintained.
• Water Efficiency: Corn can be water-hungry, but Zimmatic Pivots help conserve water by targeting irrigation precisely where it’s needed. FieldNet allows you to set up zone-specific watering, ensuring that parts of the field requiring more water get exactly what they need, reducing waste and lowering costs.
• Efficient Nutrient Uptake: Proper irrigation allows the corn to efficiently absorb nutrients from the soil. With Zimmatic Pivots and FieldNet, you can track soil moisture and adjust irrigation based on real-time data, optimizing nutrient uptake and promoting healthy corn growth.
• Remote Monitoring with FieldNet: With FieldNet, you can remotely monitor soil moisture, water usage, and even adjust your irrigation schedule to ensure your corn gets the optimal amount of water—no matter where you are. This means you can make real-time decisions and optimize water use throughout the growing season. The ability to control and monitor irrigation from anywhere gives you peace of mind and a deeper understanding of how your fields are performing.

Key Growth Stages for Corn Irrigation

Corn has distinct phases where water plays a crucial role. Here’s a breakdown of the stages that require special attention:

• Early Growth (V-stage): During early growth, corn benefits from shallow, frequent watering to support root development and establish a strong foundation. Zimmatic Pivots can be programmed to apply small amounts of water evenly across the field during this stage. With FieldNet, you can monitor moisture levels and ensure the right amount of water is being applied, adjusting based on real-time weather forecasts.
• Pollination Stage (R1): This is the most critical stage for corn, as it determines kernel development. Zimmatic Pivots provide consistent moisture during this period, ensuring optimal pollination and grain fill. Using FieldNet, you can set up irrigation to match weather patterns, ensuring you avoid over-watering or under-watering during this sensitive phase.
• Grain Fill (R2 – R5): During the grain-fill phase, water is needed to support kernel formation and prevent stress. Zimmatic Pivots ensure your corn receives uniform water during this important period, helping to maximize your final yield. Thanks to FieldNet, you can adjust irrigation schedules remotely, monitor your field’s moisture levels, and even receive alerts if conditions change, ensuring your crops are always well-watered.

Plan, Design, and Consult for Your Corn Fields

At IrrigationSpecialists.com, we’ve been planning, designing, and guiding farmers in the Pasco, Grandview, Othello, Oroville, Hermiston and Tri-Cities region for over 20 years. With our expertise and Zimmatic Pivots, we can help you boost your corn yields while making sure you’re using water efficiently and sustainably. From consultation and design to installation and service, we’re here to ensure your corn fields thrive season after season.

By combining the power of Zimmatic Pivots with the high-tech monitoring and control capabilities of FieldNet, we provide a comprehensive irrigation solution that takes the guesswork out of managing your corn irrigation.