ROOT CROPS & MAIZE
Detailed cultivation information and fertilization programs for root crops and maize types
SORGHUM
Sorghum is an important cereal crop known for its drought tolerance and heat resilience. It can be grown for both grain and silage production. Thanks to its low water requirement, it is often preferred as an alternative to maize in arid regions. With a deep root system, it can access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. It can maintain productive growth even under high temperatures and provides high nutritional value as animal feed.
KEY FACTS
- Very high drought tolerance
- Heat tolerant (40°C+)
- Low water requirement
- Suitable for both grain and silage
Sowing & Cultivation
Sorghum is sown in April–May when soil temperature reaches 14–16°C. Frost risk must be completely over. Good seedbed preparation is required. Sowing depth should be 3–5 cm. It can be grown in different soil types, but performs best in well-drained soils.
Sowing Time
April – May
Harvest Time
September – October
Yield Potential
5–7 t/ha (grain)
Soil pH
5.5 – 8.0
Nutrient Requirements
Sorghum has a moderate nitrogen demand. Phosphorus is especially important at early growth stages. It is sensitive to zinc and iron deficiency.
Fertilization Strategy
A balanced fertilization program for sorghum:
Before Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply an NPK compound fertilizer. The full phosphorus and potassium requirement is supplied.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 10-10-104–6 Leaf Stage
Apply the first nitrogen dose (50–60%).
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or UreaStem Elongation
Final nitrogen dose and micronutrient support.
Recommended: CAB + KÖK-MixSILAGE MAIZE
Silage maize is one of the most important roughage sources for livestock production. With its high energy and nutritional value, it is widely preferred in dairy and beef farming. The green biomass and cob are harvested together and ensiled. It delivers very high dry matter yield per hectare. Under good growing conditions, 50–70 t/ha green forage yield can be achieved. It prefers warm and sunny climates.
KEY FACTS
- High dry matter yield
- Ideal roughage for livestock
- High energy content
- Wide adaptation
Sowing & Cultivation
Silage maize is sown in April–May when soil temperature reaches 10–12°C. Early sowing extends the growing season but carries frost risk. Sowing depth should be 5–7 cm. Row spacing should be 70 cm, and plant density should be 90,000–110,000 plants/ha.
Sowing Time
April – May
Harvest Time
August – September
Yield Potential
50–70 t/ha (green)
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
Silage maize has a high nitrogen demand. Strong vegetative growth requires ample nitrogen. Phosphorus is critical for root development. Zinc deficiency can cause issues at the seedling stage.
Fertilization Strategy
An intensive fertilization program for silage maize:
Before Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply an NPK compound fertilizer. Supply P and K fully and 20–30% of total nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-20-04–6 Leaf Stage
First top-dressing. Apply 40–50% of total nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or Urea8–10 Leaf Stage
Second top-dressing. Apply the remaining nitrogen.
Recommended: Ammonium NitrateTasseling
Micronutrient support via foliar feeding.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + KÖK-MixSUGAR BEET
Sugar beet is the main raw material for sugar production and has high economic value. It accumulates sugar in its root and crown. Under good growing conditions, 60–80 t/ha root yield can be achieved. It is well adapted to cooler climates and grows well under long-day conditions. It prefers deep soils rich in organic matter. It plays an important role in crop rotation and improves soil structure.
KEY FACTS
- High sugar content (16–18%)
- High economic value
- Soil-improving effect
- Suitable for cooler climates
Sowing & Cultivation
Sugar beet is sown in March–April. Early sowing increases both yield and sugar percentage. Sowing depth should be 2–3 cm. Row spacing should be 45–50 cm. Good seedbed preparation and base fertilization are critical.
Sowing Time
March – April
Harvest Time
September – November
Yield Potential
60–80 t/ha
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
Sugar beet has high nutrient demand. Nitrogen affects root growth, but excessive nitrogen reduces sugar percentage. Boron deficiency can cause heart rot.
Fertilization Strategy
A balanced fertilization program for sugar beet:
Before Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply an NPK compound fertilizer. Supply full P and K, and 30% of total nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 10-20-204–6 Leaf Stage
First top-dressing. Apply 40% of nitrogen.
Recommended: Ammonium NitrateCanopy Formation
Final nitrogen dose (30%) and boron application.
Recommended: Urea + BoronRoot Bulking Period
Micronutrient support via foliar feeding.
Recommended: KÖK-Mix + BoronPOTATO
Potato is one of the most important food crops worldwide. It stands out with high yield potential and nutritional value. It is grown for both table and industrial uses. It prefers cool and humid climates. Soil structure and pH are very important in potato production. The best results are obtained in well-aerated soils rich in organic matter.
KEY FACTS
- High yield potential (40–60 t/ha)
- Wide range of uses
- High nutritional value
- Cool-season crop
Sowing & Cultivation
Potatoes are planted in March–April after the risk of frost has passed. Seed tubers are planted 10–15 cm deep. Row spacing should be 70–75 cm and in-row spacing 25–35 cm. Hilling is important for tuber formation.
Planting Time
March – April
Harvest Time
July – September
Yield Potential
40–60 t/ha
Soil pH
5.0 – 6.5
Nutrient Requirements
Potato has high nutrient demand. Balanced NPK fertilization is essential. Magnesium and sulfur influence tuber quality.
Fertilization Strategy
An intensive fertilization program for potato:
Before Planting – Base Fertilizer
High phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Apply 30% of nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 12-24-24After Emergence
First top-dressing. Apply 40% of nitrogen.
Recommended: Ammonium SulfateBefore Hilling
Final nitrogen dose and potassium supplementation.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + UreaTuber Bulking Period
Micronutrient support via foliar feeding.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + KÖK-MixGRAIN MAIZE
Grain maize is one of the most widely produced cereals in the world. It is used both for human consumption and as animal feed. It stands out with high yield potential and energy value. It prefers warm and sunny climates. Under good growing conditions, 10–12 t/ha grain yield can be obtained. It is also used in maize starch and maize oil production.
KEY FACTS
- High grain yield
- Wide range of uses
- High energy content
- Warm-season crop
Sowing & Cultivation
Grain maize is sown in April–May when soil temperature reaches 10–12°C. Sowing depth should be 5–7 cm. Row spacing should be 70 cm and plant density 70,000–80,000 plants/ha. Adequate irrigation is critical during grain filling.
Sowing Time
April – May
Harvest Time
September – October
Yield Potential
10–12 t/ha
Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
Nutrient Requirements
Grain maize has a high demand for nitrogen and potassium. Phosphorus is important for root development and grain filling. Zinc deficiency can cause problems at the seedling stage.
Fertilization Strategy
An intensive fertilization program for grain maize:
Before Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply an NPK compound fertilizer. Supply P and K fully and 20–25% of total nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 18-18-184–6 Leaf Stage
First top-dressing. Apply 40–45% of total nitrogen.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or Urea8–10 Leaf Stage
Second top-dressing. Apply the remaining nitrogen.
Recommended: Ammonium NitrateTasseling – Silking
Micronutrient and potassium support via foliar feeding.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-Mix