In our article on maize farming, we looked at details on how to plant maize and harvest over 45 bags per acre. In this article we look at what to do next after planting your maize and germination has occurred.
The success and harvest will depend on how these three activities will be carried out.
Weeding
Weeds compete with maize for nutrients. They also host pests which destroy the maize crops leading to low yields and high costs of farming. It is always economical to control weeds early for 21-30 days after planting. For large-scale maize farms, using selective herbicides 50-60 days from planting can help control broad-leafed weeds. However, for small intercropped farms manual weeding is recommended.
Topdressing
Top-dressing with NPK 17.17.17 will help in stem and leaf growth as well as tussle development. The three-month varieties are top-dressed with CAN on the 60th day while the six-month varieties are top-dressed on the 75th day. Read Also: why DAP is the best planting fertilizer
The quantity of application depends on soil analysis results. The common application rate is 100kg per acre.
Fall armyworm FAW control
Once knee high or 50cm introduce spraying insecticide to control maize stock borer and fall armyworm. This should be repeated again after 21 days to ensure no remaining pests.
