Maize farming is a cornerstone of food security and income generation for many farmers. By implementing the right practices at every stage—land preparation, planting, fertilizing, and management—you can achieve high yields and improve your livelihood. Here’s an essential guide to thriving maize production.
1. Start with Proper Land Preparation
Land preparation is the foundation of a successful maize crop. Begin by clearing bushes and stumps 2–3 weeks before the rainy season. Next, till the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm using manual tools, ox-drawn ploughs, or tractors.
Why tilling matters:
Controls weeds and pests.
Improves soil aeration and nutrient distribution.
Makes it easier to apply manure and fertilizers.
Ensure your soil has a pH of 5.5–7 and is well-drained and fertile. Fine tilth is ideal for proper seed placement.
2. Seed Selection
Using certified seeds purchased from reputable dealers is crucial for good yields. Select a variety suited to your region's climatic conditions and ensure the seeds are fresh.
Seed requirements:
Use 25 kg per hectare.
Spacing: In-row: 20–30 cm; Inter-row: 60–90 cm.
Days to harvest: 90–120 days, depending on the cultivar.
3. Fertilizer Application
Maize is nutrient-demanding, requiring sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and sometimes potassium for sandy soils.
Basal Fertilizer
Apply BIO NPK 250 g + CarboAmin 2.5 L + Compound D 300 kg.
Topdressing
Use HUMUSON Grow Plus 3 L (applied in weeks 3, 5, and 7 at a rate of 1 L/ha).
Include Greensulf (PPS)/AN 34.5: 200 kg/ha in weeks 3 and 6.
4. Weed Control
Effective weed management ensures your maize gets the nutrients and sunlight it needs.
Pre-emergence herbicides:
Glyphosate: 3 L.
S-Metolachlor: 1.5 L.
Rescue 650 EC: 1.5 L.
Post-emergence herbicides:
Stella Star: 1 L.
Halosulfuron: 50 g.
5. Pest and Disease Management
Protecting your crop from pests and diseases is critical for achieving high yields.
Pest Management
For fall armyworm: Use Belt 220 ml or Volstat 250 ml.
For cutworms and stalkborers: Apply Volt 60 EC 500 ml.
Disease Management
Prevent maize streak virus by controlling vectors and removing infected plants.
Manage grey leaf spot with Mboma 250 ml.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvest your maize as soon as it is dry to prevent losses from falling cobs, pest damage, or disease. Delayed harvesting also makes the crop more susceptible to birds.
Final Thoughts
Successful maize farming is about paying attention to every detail—from seed selection to pest management and timely harvesting. By following these best practices and leveraging the recommended products, you can maximize yields and secure food for your household while increasing profitability.
Looking to purchase the right inputs? Visit trusted suppliers such as Humuson Complex, Farmbiz, Winpat, NTS FarmShop, AMTEC, FarmersChoice, Horbax Nursery, or Halsteds to stock up on fertilizers, herbicides, and pest control products.
Start your maize season strong—plan today for a thriving harvest!
