Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 04:00pm
Corn, the king of the fields, plays a key role in the agriculture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its versatility — from basic nutrition to animal feed — makes it indispensable. However, climate change poses serious challenges to the cultivation of this crop. How to adjust the methods and preserve the stability of the yield in adverse weather conditions?
In this article we will not dwell on general problems. Instead, we will focus on the concrete challenges faced by farmers in BiH and offer practical solutions that are the result of science and field experience.
Corn requires large amounts of water, especially during the germination, flowering and cob formation phases. Prolonged dry periods cause stress in plants, reducing yield and grain quality. In BiH, regions that traditionally did not have a water deficit problem are now increasingly seeing yield declines due to a lack of rainfall.
Flowering corn is particularly sensitive to temperatures. High temperatures above 35°C during this period can cause pollen sterility, which directly reduces grain formation. On the other hand, sudden drops in temperature slow down growth and cause metabolic stress.
Climate change allows the survival of pests and pathogens that were not present before. Corn beetle and various fungal infections, such as Fusarium species, are increasingly posing a serious problem for farmers.
Frequent and heavy rains caused by changing climate patterns result in soil erosion. The loss of the fertile layer directly affects the soil's capacity to support healthy corn growth.
Corn hybrids adapted to drought and high temperatures offer greater resistance to climatic extremes. These hybrids have deeper roots, better water utilization efficiency, and stress tolerance.
Expert advice:Choose hybrids that have been tested in conditions similar to your local regions. Agricultural institutes often offer relevant recommendations.
Traditional irrigation methods consume large amounts of water and are often ineffective. Drip irrigation allows the water to be evenly distributed directly to the roots of the plant, reducing consumption and losses.
Our practice at Euro Farm:We have implemented soil moisture sensors that help to accurately determine the moment of watering, thus saving resources and improving yields.
Crop rotation is a key solution to preserve soil fertility. After corn, planting legumes such as soybeans or peas helps restore nutrients to the soil. Also, adding organic compost can improve soil structure and fertility.
Tip:Instead of chemical fertilizers, use organic solutions that preserve the health of the soil in the long term.
Using technology such as weather monitoring apps, moisture sensors, and soil analysis helps farmers make timely decisions. These tools not only increase yields, but also reduce costs.
As leaders in sustainable agriculture, we at Euro Farm use innovative approaches to successfully grow corn:
This combination of traditional knowledge and modern technology allows us to continuously increase yields, even in challenging conditions.
The challenges of growing corn in changing climates are not insurmountable. The key lies in education, innovation and sustainable practices. Farmers in BiH have the opportunity to adapt to these changes using more resistant varieties, efficient irrigation methods and modern technology.
Our future depends on our ability to adapt. Corn, as a symbol of agriculture, remains the foundation of the food chain — with the right approach, we can preserve it for generations to come.
From Autumn 2024, we are launching the largest online agriculture community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are dedicated to your success and healthy nutrition.
