Are you thinking of going into maize farming? Do you know that many are making millions every year from maize farming business? Many still see farming as a low mentality concept and prefer to go for low paying jobs than go into maize farming process.
Maize farming is one profitable agricultural business with low capital that anyone can venture into and make good money. And it is one common crop that is popularly eaten by people around the world.
Starting a maize farm is very easy if you have the knowledge of what you need to do to achieve success in the business. Though it is a seasonal crop but it has the potential to make you millions yearly and it does not involve any intensive training like other farming business.
I will share with you here how to start maize farming and I want you to give it your attention if you really are interested in starting a farm.
How to Start Profitable Maize Farming
1. CHOICE OF LAND AND PREPARATION
Maize can be well in a well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil. Use any method (Mechanical, Chemical or Manual) that can adequately remove weeds and keep the soil loose for good seedbed. Plant seeds immediately after land preparation to allow maize to get ahead of weeds.
1. CHOICE OF LAND AND PREPARATION
Maize can be well in a well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil. Use any method (Mechanical, Chemical or Manual) that can adequately remove weeds and keep the soil loose for good seedbed. Plant seeds immediately after land preparation to allow maize to get ahead of weeds.
The land should have adequate drainage. To grow maize, you must first choose the best spot to grow it. The soil should be wind sheltered, exposed to direct sunlight, well sourced with a good drainage system and sufficient humus to ensure that the ground will not dry quickly.
The top layer of the soil must be fertile and slightly acidic. You must put a substantial grade of compost into the soil complemented with a reasonably good source of fertilizer two weeks in advance to sowing the seeds.
2. TIME OF PLANTING
There are no specific dates to plant your maize. However, it is best to plant after it has rained consecutively for 2 times.
There are no specific dates to plant your maize. However, it is best to plant after it has rained consecutively for 2 times.
Early Season
In the Forest zone, the optimum planting date is between March and April, although planting could be done as soon as rainfall becomes steady.
In the Derived Savannah zone, plant as soon as the rainfall becomes steady, between 1-30 April.
In the Southern Guinea Savannah zone, planting could still be done as late as May and June, depending on rainfall.
Late Planting
This is done early august which is not appropriate.
In the Forest zone, the optimum planting date is between March and April, although planting could be done as soon as rainfall becomes steady.
In the Derived Savannah zone, plant as soon as the rainfall becomes steady, between 1-30 April.
In the Southern Guinea Savannah zone, planting could still be done as late as May and June, depending on rainfall.
Late Planting
This is done early august which is not appropriate.
Poke holes that are 1 inch deep for heavy soil and 2 inches or less in sandy soil. Make straight rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. The distance allows the roots room to grow. This pattern will help in proper pollination and provide wind protection as well. The seeds must be directly planted in the soil rather than in trays and pots since corn is difficult to be transplanted.
Plant 3 or 4 seeds per hole and cover each hole with soil. Looking after and tending to each seedling individually is of the utmost importance. Netting must be provided to shelter the saplings in order to protect them against birds and the weeds must be kept low.
3. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
Fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen is the best for maize to grow healthy. Maize needs a lot of nitrogen to grow and do well. A 4 bag fertilizer of NPK 25:10:10 (200 g) per hectare for proper growth.
Fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen is the best for maize to grow healthy. Maize needs a lot of nitrogen to grow and do well. A 4 bag fertilizer of NPK 25:10:10 (200 g) per hectare for proper growth.
Note that it is ideal to carry out soil test before applying fertilizer. It is important because that same fertilizer may have been used on that same land for years which might affect the growth.
4. WEED CONTROL
There are many types of weeds, pests and diseases that affect maize plants. Weeds do not only choke the crops, it also zaps off soil nutrient that is meant for the crops.
There are many types of weeds, pests and diseases that affect maize plants. Weeds do not only choke the crops, it also zaps off soil nutrient that is meant for the crops.
Hand Weeding
Carry out the first weeding 14–21 days after planting or as soon as necessary. A second weeding may be done if necessary before the second application of fertilizer.
Carry out the first weeding 14–21 days after planting or as soon as necessary. A second weeding may be done if necessary before the second application of fertilizer.
Herbicide Application
Fortunately, there are several herbicides you can apply to prevent a breakout on your farm. Apply Atrazine pre-emergence at the rate of 3 kg ai/ha on a clean seed bed. 4 For 50% flowable (PW), rate is 3.0 kg active ingredient per hectare.Local unit is 1 small tomato tin full/4.5 liters (1 gallon) of water. For type 80% wettable powder, rate is 3.0 kg active ingredient per hectare. Local unit is approximately one standard match box full/4.5 liters (1 gallon) of water.Volume of Water to be Used:Ideally, the sprayer should be calibrated to determine the spray volume.
Fortunately, there are several herbicides you can apply to prevent a breakout on your farm. Apply Atrazine pre-emergence at the rate of 3 kg ai/ha on a clean seed bed. 4 For 50% flowable (PW), rate is 3.0 kg active ingredient per hectare.Local unit is 1 small tomato tin full/4.5 liters (1 gallon) of water. For type 80% wettable powder, rate is 3.0 kg active ingredient per hectare. Local unit is approximately one standard match box full/4.5 liters (1 gallon) of water.Volume of Water to be Used:Ideally, the sprayer should be calibrated to determine the spray volume.
5. DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL
Diseases
Some important diseases of maize are Maize Streak Virus, Downy Mildew, and Highland Blight among others. Planting early can also help minimize the attack.Rodents, birds and termites are also another threat to maize farming in Nigeria. Termite hills in the field and surrounding area should be located and destroyed.
6. HARVESTING
When the cobs are ready for harvesting, each cob should be tested to see its ripeness. This is usually carried out when the tassels have turned a dark brown and the rear part of the sheath is pulled to check quality of the liquid squeezed out from a couple of grains.Harvest your maize when the plants are mature. The amount of maize that can be harvested per hectare depends on the variety you planted, amount of rainfall, sunshine, weed, pest and disease control management that was applied.It is said that corn is at its best when cooked within 10 minutes of its harvest. However, even if you don’t get the corn right after harvesting, quality grown corn is still good and very fresh to eat. Good corn always tastes good.Hope you have learnt how to start a maize farming today?
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