Maize is a major staple food crop and does well under rain fed conditions. Proper land preparation and planting ensures high returns from investment.
Planting depth for maize should be 30cm. Farmers should always prepare land and plant early to control weeds, controls soil erosion and proper seed germination. Land clearing involves removing plants stones to make it easier for use of farm machines and plough with tractors or bullocks
Preparation methods
Manual ploughing, involves use of human labour to till the land and to turn to loosen soil and kills grass.
Animal drawn ploughs, this involves use of strong, trained and healthy bullocks these should be 3 years old and work at already set planting depth and width.
Tractors, ploughing it is the fastest method it involves ploughing, harrowing and immediate planting.
Herbicides method using this method involves use of knapsack sprayer and recommended weed herbicides.
Test seeds and plant however always buy seeds from trusted sources and plant one variety for proper germination and varietal purity.
Maize planting
Plant 1 seed at spacing of 20cm within rows and 75 or 80cm between rows and when planting 2 seeds use 40cm within rows and 80cm between rows.
Plant early morning for uniform plant maturity.
Plant in straight lines at a correct spacing by using a rope for proper seed germination.
Follow recommended spacing for different maize varieties
Lastly plant at 3cm depth hole, cover and step firmly.
