However, the amounts of nutrients required are relatively small and fertilizer placed in a band where the primary roots will contact it will allow effect uptake at this stage. The roots of the corn plant in the first whorl are elongating. Two weeks after the plant emerges, the V3 stage begins. Cultivation too near the plant after this time will destroy some of the permanent root system. Growth of the seedling root system has essentially ceased.
Root hairs are present on nodal roots.
The roots of the second whorl are elongating. The nodal roots now form the major part of the root system. Also by V5, a microscopically small tassel is initiated at the growing point. Above ground plant height is about 8 inches when the tassel is initiated, but the growing point is still at or just under the soil surface. However, soil temperature can affect the growing point.