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 |