Maize Farming in Zambia

Our maize field has started tasselling already. This maize field was started up by irrigation and the rains have supplemented it. Seen in the pictures is a late maturity maize field.

Below is a brief guide:

1. Seed Requirement per Hectare

20 - 25kg of seed is required to cover a hectare.

2. Spacing

Between the line 75cm - 90cm.

Between the plants 20cm.

Depth 3cm - 5cm.

3. Fertilization

Basal-dressing:

D-compound is applied at time of planting.

4 x 50kg bags per hectare.

Top-dressing:

Urea is applied when the plants are about 30cm or knee level.

4 x 50kg minimum.

Urea is the source of nitrogen for maize.

4 bags of urea is the minimum to apply per ha.

However, we apply more by doing a second dose as maize responds positively to nitrogen. This gives us better yields.

4. Weed Management

Pre-emergence weed control:

Apply your weed control chemicals immediately after planting. Spray within 3 days of planting.

5. Insect Management Very Crucial

The most Common insects found in maize include; cutworms, fall armyworms, earworms, borers. Ensure to make a preventative spraying program.

Checmicals such as Profenofos methomyl, Cyfos, lambda, cypermethrine. Ensure to read more on which chemical acts on each pest.

6. Disease Management

Common diseases found in maize include; Cob rots, Grey leaf spot (GLS), Maize streak virus (MSV), Northern leaf blight.

7. Maturity

Maturity of maize depends on the variety planted, we have early maturity which take up to 120 - 125 days, medium maturity 130 - 135 days and late maturity 140 - 150 days.

8. Yield

Under good management and all things being equal, good varieties can yield up to 10 tons/ha. Mostly, farmers are getting about 2 - 10 tons/ha.

Happy farming!

- Elizabeth Maanda Sianga

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