Describe briefly the cultivation of maize under the following headings: (a) land preparation; (b) propagation; (c) planting date; (d) seed rate; (e) spacing...

Cultivation of maize

(a) Land preparation

The land is cleared of bush, stumped, ploughed and harrowed to produce a fine, loose seedbed. Ridges or beds may be made where necessary for good drainage.

(b) Propagation

Maize is propagated sexually by seeds (grains). Healthy, viable and certified/improved seeds are used.

(c) Planting date

Maize is planted at the onset of the rains, usually March to April for the early season and August to September for the late season in the forest zone.

(d) Seed rate

About 20 to 25 kg of seed per hectare, sowing two to three seeds per hole and later thinning to one or two plants.

(e) Spacing

A spacing of about 90 cm between rows and 25 to 30 cm within rows (about 90 cm by 25 cm), giving roughly 40,000 to 50,000 plants per hectare.

(f) Fertilizer requirement

Maize is a heavy feeder. Apply a compound fertilizer such as N.P.K. at planting or two to three weeks after planting, followed by a top dressing of a nitrogenous fertilizer (e.g. urea or sulphate of ammonia) about five to six weeks after planting.

(g) Weeding

The farm is kept weed-free by hoeing or by the use of herbicides. Two to three weedings are usually done, with the first about two to three weeks after planting.

(h) Harvesting

Maize is harvested green (fresh) for boiling or roasting about two to three months after planting, or left to dry on the plant and harvested as dry grain after about three to four months.

(i) Storage

The grains are properly dried to a safe moisture content and stored in cribs, silos, jute bags or rhombus. They may be shelled and treated with approved chemicals to protect against weevils, rats and moulds.