Field corn is a type of maize grown for animal feed and various other industrial products. The spelling of the word "field corn" is consistent with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which represents each sound of a word with a unique symbol. The word "field" is transcribed as /fiːld/ and "corn" as /kɔːn/. The two syllables of this compound word are pronounced individually, with the long vowel "ee" in "field" and the long "o" sound in "corn."
Field corn refers to a specific type of corn that is primarily grown for animal feed and industrial purposes, as opposed to consumption by humans. It is a tall, sturdy annual crop known scientifically as Zea mays indurata and is a member of the grass family, Poaceae. Field corn is distinct from other varieties of corn, such as sweet corn or popcorn, in terms of its physical characteristics, cultivation methods, and end uses.
Typically, field corn has a higher starch content compared to other types of corn, making it more suitable for processing into various products like cornmeal, corn oil, ethanol, and animal feed. The kernels of field corn are usually large, harder, and less sweet than those of other corn varieties. It also has a higher protein content, providing valuable nutrition for livestock.
Field corn is primarily cultivated in vast open fields, hence its name. It requires a long growing season and ample sunlight. The cultivation techniques involve planting seeds at regular intervals in rows, followed by proper irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
While field corn is not typically consumed directly by humans, it plays a vital role in numerous industries. It serves as a crucial component in the production of livestock feed, biofuels, industrial starches, and a wide range of food and non-food products.
The word "field corn" is a combination of two terms - "field" and "corn".
The term "field" comes from the Old English word "feld", which means an open stretch of land. Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "felthuz", which has the same meaning. "Field" has been used to refer to cultivated land or an area for farming since ancient times.
The word "corn" has a different meaning in different parts of the world. In British English, "corn" typically refers to what is known as wheat in American English. However, in American English, "corn" is used to describe the crop known as maize. The American term "corn" comes from the Old English word "corn", meaning a small hard particle or grain. This derives from the Proto-Germanic word "kurnam", which also means grain or seed.