How to Manage Maize Crop for Higher Yield in 2025
Kelvin Wairimu 
Achieving high yields in maize farming primarily depends on the choice of variety and effective management practices.
In previous articles, we have discussed the best maize varieties that farmers can plant for maximum production per acre.
There are three key aspects to manage in maize farming: weed control, pest management, and fertilizer application.
Maize Fertilizer application
While I prefer not to use chemical fertilizers during planting, if manure from cows, sheep, or goats is available, I will apply it.
This type of manure aids in the slow release of nutrients and improves water retention, which is crucial during dry spells.
I recommend applying DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizer 14 days after sowing. DAP is preferred over NPK fertilizer because it has higher nitrogen and phosphorus content. Although DAP is often criticized for causing soil acidification, it promotes faster crop growth.
Apply 100 kg of DAP fertilizer only on wet soil and ensure it does not come into contact with young plants, as this can cause scorching.
Applying NPK (23-23-0) fertilizer is also important, even though it is often underrated. The aim is to promote faster growth. The ideal application rate is 100 kg per acre.
Following this, apply CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) fertilizer two months after sowing for short-maturity maize varieties and three months after sowing for long-maturity varieties. This enhances kernel enlargement, ultimately leading to higher yields.
All fertilizer applications should be done in weed-free fields.
Weed control
Using selective herbicides is economically ideal. For complete weed elimination, particularly for both broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds, the herbicides Governor 580SE and Tingatinga 500SE are effective.
These should be applied only when the maize plants are about 1 foot tall; applying them too early can risk scorching.
Maize Pest control
Pest infestations, especially from maize stalk borers and fall armyworms, cause significant crop losses in Kenya.
To combat these pests, which typically attack before the plants are knee-high, apply insecticides such as Emmaron or Escort, along with a sticker like Integra.
This application should be repeated after two weeks. Early planting, preferably in the second week of the rainy season, is highly recommended. With consistent good rainfall, you can expect a good yield.
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