Maximizing Maize Production

BY AGRONOMIST H. KANYIMBO 2023

LUSAKA – This guide is intended to assist farmers who wish to maximize the yield potential of maize seed varieties. Seed companies often claim that these varieties can yield 8-14 tons per hectare (equivalent to about 160 to 280 50kg bags). However, this level of production is typically achieved by commercial farmers, while small-scale farmers only manage 2-3 tons per hectare (40 to 50 50kg bags), which is significantly lower considering the potential yield of 8-14 tons per hectare. To attain this yield potential, farmers need to ensure they prioritize crop protection (using agrochemicals) and proper nutrition (such as fertilizers) during production. Below, you will find a guide on effective maize management. Feel free to contribute and share your comments.

SEED
For the best maize variety to plant in your area, it is advisable to reach out to Seed Companies as they offer a wide range of options. Here are a few recommended medium varieties known for their stability in terms of yield: Seedco 637, DK 777, SY 6444, K2 607, and Pan 53.

SEED REQUIREMENT PER HECTARE
To cover a 1-hectare area, approximately 20-25kg of seed is required. If the price per 10kg of Pan 53 seed is k510, you will need two bags of 10kg each, which amounts to k840. Here’s the breakdown:
– 10kg × 2 = 20kg/ha
– K510 × 2 = k1,020/ha
Therefore, for the purchase of seed, you will spend k1,020 per hectare.

LAND PREPERATION AND PLANTING DATES

If the land has already been cultivated, there is no need to cultivate it again. Instead, it is recommended to practice minimum tillage in order to minimize soil disturbance. When it comes to planting, wait until the land is ready, which means after experiencing a good and stable rainfall. For farmers with access to irrigation, planting can begin as early as October, while those in dry lands should wait until November, ensuring they have reliable rainfall predictions from the meteorological forecast. It’s important to avoid planting too late in December, as this may result in low yields, expect for varieties that mature early. Additionally, late planting can expose the crop to drought stress towards the end of the rainy season, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid this situation at all costs.

Plant one seed per station.

SPACING
Between the line 75cm (max. 90cm)
Between the plants 20cm (max. 30cm)
Depth 3cm – 5cm

FERTILIZATION

Basal fertilization
Ensure D-compound is applied at time of planting.
Use a Coca-Cola grass bottle top as measure of fertilizer per station place the D-compound between the seed.

4 by 50kg bags will be sufficient for a ha.

COST CALCULATIONS FOR BASAL FERTILIZATION

Price of D –compound is k755 and in a hectare you need 4 bags, your total expense will then be k760 × 4= K3,040/ha

TOP DRESSING
For optimal maize growth, it is recommended to apply urea when the plants reach a height of approximately 30cm or when they have developed 4 to 6 leaves, typically occurring within 3 to 4 weeks after planting. Urea serves as a valuable nitrogen source for maize. Applying a minimum of 4 to 5 bags of urea per hectare is advised, but if feasible, applying more is beneficial as maize responds positively to nitrogen. Increasing the nitrogen application can lead to higher yields.

COST CALCULATION FOR TOP DRESSING

Price of Urea is k750 and in a hectare you need 4-5 bags, your total expense will then be k750×5=k3,750/ha

WEED MANAGEMENT (CHEMICAL SPRAY PROGRAM)

PRE-EMERGENCE
For effective pre-emergence weed control in maize, it is crucial to apply weed control chemicals right after planting. It is advisable to plant maize in the morning and spray the planted area in the afternoon. Alternatively, ensure that the area is sprayed within three days of planting to prevent weed germination alongside the maize crop. Conducting a pre-emergence spray is highly important as it helps avoid the situation where weeds germinate together with the maize crop. Failure to do so can result in a potential yield loss of up to 50%.

Spray a combination of the the two chemicals below at planting or within 3 days before the seed germinates.

To effectively control grasses and broadleaf weeds before germination, apply 3 liters per hectare of ANCHOR along with 1 liter per hectare of PARAQUAT. These products can be obtained from any Agricrop outlet. ANCHOR is specifically designed to target grasses and broadleaf weeds before they start to grow, while PARAQUAT is effective in eliminating small weeds that have already emerged at the time of planting. Contact Henry on 0975683867

POST-EMERGENCE SPRAY
In addition to its pre-emergence use, Anchor can also be applied as an early post-emergence herbicide. It is recommended to spray Anchor after the maize plants have developed 4 leaves. This application will effectively kill small germinated weeds and stunt the growth of larger weeds, allowing the maize to establish and grow. If feasible, it is beneficial to spray Anchor twice, both as a pre-emergence and early post-emergence treatment.

For post-emergence weed control, other options available are Nico and Mesotrione. Nico is effective in controlling emerged grasses, particularly Mulungwe grass. On the other hand, Mesotrione is a contact and residual selective herbicide that targets late germinating weeds. These products provide additional choices for managing weeds during the post-emergence stage of maize growth.

INSECT MANAGEMENT
It is important to regularly monitor your maize crop for insect activity as soon as it emerges from the ground. Common insects that can affect maize include cutworms, fall armyworms, earworms, borers, and grain moths. Once these insects are observed attacking your crop, it is crucial to make timely decisions regarding insecticide application. Various insecticides are available for maize insect control, such as Elufen, Cyfos, and lamthrin, among others. Consider using these insecticides to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of insect pests on your maize crop.

Best insecticide for fall armyworms in maize is Elufen , this can be purchased from all Agricrop outlets . Contact Henry.K on 0975 683867 for purchase

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

After your maize crop emerges, it is essential to regularly monitor for diseases and make informed decisions regarding spraying. Common diseases that can affect maize include Cob rots, grey leaf spot (GLS), maize streak virus (MSV), and northern leaf blight (NLB).

To combat these diseases, Agricrop offers a range of fungicides. Proteb is a preventive and curative fungicide that can be utilized as a preventive measure or to treat existing disease. Another option is Maxgarde, which should be applied at the first sign of disease to halt its progression.

By promptly identifying and addressing diseases with appropriate fungicides, you can protect your maize crop and mitigate the impact of these common diseases.

MATURITY
Maturity of maize depends on the variety planted, we have early maturity which take up to 120-125 days, medium maturity 130 – 136 days and late maturity 140 – 148 days. Consult seed companies on the best variety to plant in your area.

YIELD
With good management and a good variety you can get a yield of 14tonnes/ha.(That is 280 50kg bags) . On average farmers are getting 4 – 12ton/ha.
NOTE: 1ton is equivalent to 1000kg (I.e 20 ,50kg bags) .

TOTAL EXPENSE IN A HECTARE
This is based on the purchase of seed, fertilizer and chemicals above.

Seed total/ha k1,020
Fertilizer total/ha k6,790
Chemical total/ha k1,700

The total cost per hectare for seed, fertilizer, and chemicals is K9,510.00. This amount covers only those inputs, and you can include your own farm expenses to calculate your overall cost of production.

Maize selling price per 50kg bag ,price will be based on the current market price by FRA k300 per 50kg bag and if you had a yield of 4ton/ha on average that’s equivalent to 80, 50kg bags of maize.

Please note that farmers can achieve high yields by implementing effective crop management strategies, such as ensuring proper crop protection, supplying the necessary nutrients to the crops, and benefiting from favorable weather conditions.

For any questions on this write up contact Agronomist H. Kanyimbo on 0975 683 867.

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