kukuruz osmak
Zea mays var. indurata
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Description
Kukuruz osmak, also known as flint corn, is a traditional variety of maize known for its hard, glassy kernels. It is highly valued in regenerative agriculture for its resilience and adaptability to various soil types, making it an excellent choice for diverse agroecological systems. Historically, it has been a staple in indigenous agriculture across the Americas, used for both food and ceremonial purposes. In a food forest, kukuruz osmak serves as a canopy layer plant, providing shade and wind protection for understory crops. It is often planted in guilds with beans and squash, a traditional companion planting known as the 'Three Sisters', which enhances soil fertility and pest resistance. This variety is particularly effective in preventing soil erosion and improving soil structure through its extensive root system.
Growing Details
Prepare the soil by incorporating well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Plant seeds in full sun at a depth of 2 cm, spaced 30 cm apart in rows 75 cm apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with beans and squash can enhance growth and pest resistance. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest when the husks are dry and the kernels are hard. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Zea mays var. indurata</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Mexico
applicable geo region: Worldwide
language used: sr
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 30 days
Seed Start:
middle
of May
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The kernels of kukuruz osmak can be ground into cornmeal for making tortillas, cornbread, and polenta. They are also used to make hominy and can be popped for popcorn. The kernels are rich in carbohydrates and provide a good source of dietary fiber. Corn silk, the long threads that grow from the top of the ear, can be used to make a tea that is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Corn silk is used in herbal medicine as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract infections, cystitis, and kidney stones. It is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Cornmeal can be used as a poultice for skin irritations and rashes.
health concerns: Corn can be a common allergen and should be consumed with caution by individuals with known sensitivities.
other uses: Flint corn is used in the production of biofuels and as livestock feed. Its hard kernels make it suitable for grinding into flour for various industrial applications.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Zea mays var. indurata
common names: Flint corn
family: Poaceae
sub family: Panicoideae
tribe: Andropogoneae
sub tribe: Zeeae
genus: Zea
Growing Conditions
area needed: 1.0 m
spacing: 0.3 m
grow time (non perennials): 120 days
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Deciduous
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 0 years
succession:
growth rate:
max height: 2.5 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
pH preference:
flower type:
growth details: Prepare the soil by incorporating well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Plant seeds in full sun at a depth of 2 cm, spaced 30 cm apart in rows 75 cm apart. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with beans and squash can enhance growth and pest resistance. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Harvest when the husks are dry and the kernels are hard. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include the European corn borer and corn rootworm. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic pest control measures.
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