Module Articles

Maize

Maize

Commodity management

5.1     Weeding

  • Remove unwanted plants – this is very important to reduce the competition for nutrients, and needs to be removed as soon as they appear as practically as possible
  • Effective weeding is done under dry, sunny conditions to avoid re-growth.
  • Hand weeding is very effective especially in light weeding and very wet conditions.
  • In maize weeding can be done 2 to 3 times. Use of chemicals can also help to kill the weeds such us roundup and bullet

5.2     Banking

  • This is an operation which aims at rebuilding the crop ridge to avoid loss of nutrients and exposure of plant roots to the outside environment.
  • Should be done soon after top-dressing the maize crop.
  • Banking in very wet condition should be discouraged as it results in cementing the soil creating insufficient aeration.
  • In termite prone areas, banking should be done before the plant reaches knee high and soils should not be put close to the base of the plant.

5.3     Fertilizer Application

  • Maize is a heavy feeder in as far as nutrients uptake is concerned. For normal growth and high yields it needs; Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
  • Inorganic fertilizers include CAN, 23;21;0 +4S, UREA
  • organic fertilizer include farm yard manure, khola manure, compost manure and green manure
  • Phosphorus is normally required soon after germination (approximately within a week after germination) to assist in root development. Nitrogen is particularly important for plant growth and grain formation.

5.4.1. Methods of fertilizer application

  • Dollop method is recommended for fertilizer application in Maize

5.4.2. Types of fertilizers

  • Apply basal dressing fertilizer during planting or within seven days after germination. The most common basal dressing Fertilizer for maize is 23:21:0+4S. However, refer to your Agricultural advisors for fertilizers recommended to your area.
  • Top dress within the first three weeks from day of germination. Top dressing can be done with UREA and CAN.

5.4.3. Fertiliser Rate

Fertilizer type  

Hybrid variety

 (Kg/ha) 

Composite variety

 (Kg/ha) 

Local variety

 (Kg/ha) 

23: 21: 0 + 4S  200 100 100
Urea  175 150 75
CAN 200 200 150
S/A  200 200 150