Maize
Maize (Zea mays) belongs to the family of sweet grasses and has its origins in Mexico. It is the most cultivated agricultural crop. Besides of the main usage as a fodder crop, maize serves as food or as an energy crop.
During the sowing of maize it is important to ensure a soil temperature at planting depth (approx. 5 cm depending on soil quality) of at least 9 ° C. In contrast to that, a late sowing leads to lower yields.
In the German-speaking areas, it is necessary to dry the maize after the harvest. Immediately after the harvest, the maize grain moisture can account up to 35 %. In case of a further processing into foods, a careful drying of the maize grains down to less than 14 % moisture is essential.