Calculate growing degree days (GDD) to predict crop development stages, plan planting schedules, and optimize harvest timing based on accumulated heat units.
Corn (Maize) Requirements
Base Temperature: 10°C
Upper Threshold: 30°C
Maturity GDD: 1400 GDD
You might also find these calculators useful
Growing Degree Days (GDD) measure accumulated heat that drives plant development. Unlike calendar days, GDD accounts for actual temperature conditions, providing a more accurate way to predict crop maturity and plan agricultural activities.
Growing Degree Days (GDD), also called heat units, measure the amount of heat accumulated above a crop's base temperature. Plants require a certain amount of heat to progress through growth stages. By tracking GDD, farmers can predict when crops will reach key development milestones regardless of weather variations.
GDD Formula
GDD = [(T_max + T_min) / 2] - T_basePredict crop development stages more accurately than calendar-based methods.
Time pesticide applications, irrigation, and harvest for maximum effectiveness.
Compare growing conditions across different years and locations.
Track corn development from planting to harvest using base 50°F.
Predict insect emergence and time treatments effectively.
Estimate harvest dates based on accumulated heat units.
Choose crop varieties suited to your region's GDD accumulation.
The base temperature is the minimum temperature below which a crop doesn't develop. For corn, it's typically 50°F (10°C). Temperatures below this don't contribute to GDD accumulation.