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
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
Happy farming!
- Elizabeth Maanda Sianga
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