CORN (MAIZE) FARMING PART 2: Land Preparation, Planting, Weed, Pest and Disease Control

Corn also known as maize is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and other minerals. It is consumed as a starchy base in a variety of meals across Africa. It is useful cereal across the world. It is useful as livestock feed especially in the production of animal feed. Corn farming is relatively easy to manage. Maturity occurs between 2 to 5 months. Cultivation of corn includes land preparation(Ploughing or harrowing) with tractors or manual methods. It doesn't tolerate high moisture. Improved varieties that resist diseases should be planted in ridges or heaps. Hybrid and open pollinated varieties are different options for planting. Viability of the seeds to be planted should be checked. Improved variety yields up to 12 tonne per hectare. Corn can be multi cropped with soybeans, cow peas, cassava and other crops. Planting should be done 75cm between ridges 40-50cm apart between maize plants on same ridge 2-3 seeds per hole Fertilizer application must be applied at appropriate time as corn is sensitive to Nitrogen. NPK 120 60 60 is recommended in middle belt Nigeria (200kg-600kg/hectare) Weed control: weeding should be often at least 2-3 weeks after planting either using chemicals or manual weeding Pest and Disease: stem borers, army worm, termites white flies: Clean all corn stalks from previous harvest. Use insecticides root,rot, blights. Plant disease resistant varieties.