Corn gluten meal
Encyclopedia
Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of corn
(maize) processing that has historically been used as an animal feed. It can also be used as an organic herbicide.
discovered that CGM displayed pre-emergent herbicidal
effects during a series of turf grass experiments. The use of corn gluten meal as an herbicide was patented in 1991, but, like many food-related substances used for gardening, is not regulated in the US.
CGM targets a range of plants include small-seeded annual and perennial herbs. It is most frequently used in lawns, but may be applied to gardens and fields as well. Large-seeded weeds seem unaffected.
The corn gluten meal breaks down over time as an organic nitrogen source (NPK rating
of 10-0-0).
Proteins in CGM inhibit root formation on newly-germinated seeds, killing the plant. Applications must be timed so that the CGM is present and effective as seeds are germinating.
or forsythia
), and again in the autumn. If the lawn is overseeded, CGM should either be applied at least six weeks before sowing, or two weeks afterwards.
s. However, some dogs and cats may develop an allergy to corn after eating CGM for an extended amount of time. It is an especially good source of the amino acid cysteine, but must be balanced with other proteins for lysine. It is also used for livestock and poultry feeds.
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
(maize) processing that has historically been used as an animal feed. It can also be used as an organic herbicide.
Herbicide
In 1985, Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State UniversityIowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
discovered that CGM displayed pre-emergent herbicidal
Herbicide
Herbicides, also commonly known as weedkillers, are pesticides used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides kill specific targets while leaving the desired crop relatively unharmed. Some of these act by interfering with the growth of the weed and are often synthetic "imitations" of plant...
effects during a series of turf grass experiments. The use of corn gluten meal as an herbicide was patented in 1991, but, like many food-related substances used for gardening, is not regulated in the US.
CGM targets a range of plants include small-seeded annual and perennial herbs. It is most frequently used in lawns, but may be applied to gardens and fields as well. Large-seeded weeds seem unaffected.
The corn gluten meal breaks down over time as an organic nitrogen source (NPK rating
NPK rating
NPK rating is used to label fertilizer based on the relative content of the chemicals nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are commonly used in fertilizers....
of 10-0-0).
Proteins in CGM inhibit root formation on newly-germinated seeds, killing the plant. Applications must be timed so that the CGM is present and effective as seeds are germinating.
Application
CGM is applied using a spreader or even by hand: the material is essentially harmless if not inhaled, and is, in fact, edible (though not particularly palatable). On lawns, CGM is applied in early spring (usually timed phenologically by the blooming of crocusCrocus
Crocus is a genus in the iris family comprising about 80 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring...
or forsythia
Forsythia
Forsythia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae . There are about 11 species, mostly native to eastern Asia, but one native to southeastern Europe. The common name is also Forsythia; the genus is named after William Forsyth.-Growth:They are deciduous shrubs typically growing to a...
), and again in the autumn. If the lawn is overseeded, CGM should either be applied at least six weeks before sowing, or two weeks afterwards.
Precautions
Though very safe to use and nontoxic, CGM should not be applied to areas where it is likely to wash directly into watersheds (it is a nitrogen source). Otherwise it is ecologically safe.Animal feed
CGM is used as an inexpensive protein source for pet foodPet food
Pet food is plant or animal material intended for consumption by pets. Typically sold in pet stores and supermarkets, it is usually specific to the type of animal, such as dog food or cat food...
s. However, some dogs and cats may develop an allergy to corn after eating CGM for an extended amount of time. It is an especially good source of the amino acid cysteine, but must be balanced with other proteins for lysine. It is also used for livestock and poultry feeds.