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Corn begins to “build” its yield from its earliest vegetative stages, and it is precisely between V4 and V6 when a large part of its productive potential is defined. Ensuring an adequate supply of sulfur and calcium during this critical window—through the use of nanoparticles that enable faster and more efficient absorption—means investing directly in grain yield.
In Argentine agriculture, a growing trend toward soil acidification has been observed, as a direct consequence of base leaching caused by intense rainfall and increasingly intensive production systems. Among these bases, calcium is the most easily lost, creating a dual problem: on one hand, soil structure deteriorates, with lower aggregate stability and poorer water infiltration; on the other, corn plants often fail to receive an adequate supply of this essential nutrient in their actively growing tissues.
From a nutritional standpoint, it is now widely recognized that achieving high and sustainable yields depends on much more than nitrogen and phosphorus. In recent years, two previously overlooked nutrients—sulfur and calcium—have moved to the forefront. Agricultural intensification has reduced the natural input of sulfur to soils, while calcium, although usually present, does not always reach expanding tissues in sufficient quantities. As a result, both elements—traditionally considered secondary—are now key factors in maintaining high and stable yields.
Field trials by INTA and Fertilizar Asociación Civil show that, in environments deficient in calcium and sulfur, correction can result in significant yield increases per hectare.
Functions of Sulfur and Calcium within the Plant
Sulfur is a key nutrient because it is part of amino acids and proteins, making it a direct driver of biomass and chlorophyll synthesis. When sulfur is deficient, young leaves turn yellow, growth slows, and yield potential declines. Calcium, on the other hand, plays a dual role. Structurally, it strengthens cell walls and membranes, helping the plant tolerate stress. Functionally, it is crucial for nutrient transport and is essential for pollen viability and pollen tube growth—processes directly linked to kernel set.
The Critical Moment: V4 to V6
Corn goes through a decisive period between the fourth and sixth leaf stages. During this interval, much of the ear’s row number is determined, and the plant’s reproductive architecture begins to form. If the plant does not receive the necessary nutrients at this stage, yield losses may be irreversible. Therefore, foliar applications of sulfur and calcium during this period are an effective strategy to ensure the crop reaches flowering strong and well-nourished.
Sulfur is highly susceptible to leaching losses, especially in sandy soils or after heavy rainfall. Calcium, meanwhile, moves slowly toward the organs that most need it. In this context, foliar application becomes a practical and rapid tool to correct specific deficiencies. Evidence from both local and international research shows clear responses in fields with a history of limitations—though not always across all environments. The key lies in diagnosis and in directing the investment toward higher-risk fields.
Nanoparticle Technology: A Differential Advantage
When sulfur is limiting, foliar correction can lead to yield increases ranging from 500 to 1,000 kilograms of grain per hectare. Calcium supplementation, in turn, supports kernel set and plant health, particularly during seasons with water or heat stress. The advantage of nanotechnology lies in its efficiency: smaller doses achieve greater impact, turning these applications into a profitable and reliable investment.
Traditional sources often face limitations in adherence, absorption, and response speed. In contrast, nanoparticle-based products are designed to enhance efficiency. Their ultrafine size allows greater adhesion to leaf surfaces, better cuticle penetration, and a more controlled release of nutrients. MIST TPS-78®, from Kioshi Stone, exemplifies this technology. It combines calcium and sulfur in sulfate form within a single liquid formulation, simplifying application and amplifying the physiological effects on the crop.
MIST TPS-78® is a dispersion of high-purity mineral nanoparticles whose basic composition contains sulfur and calcium. During production, elemental sulfur is added, resulting in a highly efficient foliar nutrient source for the crop.
The use of MIST TPS-78® is especially recommended between stages V4 and V6. Applications should be made under moderate relative humidity and avoiding the hottest hours of the day to ensure effective absorption. As a liquid dispersion, it is generally compatible with other products, provided technical recommendations for mixing and spray solution pH are followed. Once applied, visual responses are often noticeable within a few days—greener leaves, greater leaf area, and more vigorous growth.
It is marketed in 15-liter Bag-in-Box containers, which can be stacked on a standard pallet of 56 units (840 liters total). This volume is easily transportable by pickup truck and provides enough product to treat up to 420 hectares.
Field Results
During the 2023/24 growing season, a trial conducted by Agroestrategias across seven locations showed a positive and significant response to calcium and sulfur application compared to untreated controls.
The data below correspond to the site in Cañada de Gómez, Santa Fe, where corn sown in late November received a base fertilization of 120 kg/ha of sulfurized MAP plus 220 kg/ha of urea. The trial demonstrated the benefit of complementing nutrition with foliar calcium and sulfur at stage V6. Application of MIST TPS-78® at 2 L/ha produced a 16.9% yield increase over the control—equivalent to an additional 888 kg/ha—reaching an average yield of 6,127.9 kg/ha with a 1,000-kernel weight of 312.8 g.
Conclusion
Sulfur and calcium can no longer be regarded as secondary nutrients—they have become essential components of the corn nutrition strategy. Adopting technologies like MIST TPS-78® not only enhances efficiency and ensures nutrient delivery at the right moment but also provides a practical tool for maintaining positive margins even in challenging seasons. Field experience, supported by Argentine research, confirms that these invisible allies can make the difference between an average crop and a high-yielding one.