LAND PREPARATION

In flat lands, from February to March:

Plow moist (not damp) soil at a depth of 30cm.

You may consider using a big tractor or a hand tractor, whichever is available. 

If maize is cultivated in a lowland rice field, use a rotavator to bury rice straw and stalk into the soil.

If possible, flood the soil for 7 days then drain it and let it dry for 5-7 days. Plow and harrow the field while it still has moisture.

DO YOU HAVE ACIDIC SOIL?

If yes, apply 200kg of lime powder per rai

In sloping land:

A contour line must be created.

• Plow the soil between contour lines
• Use big tractors only if the land is less sloping, otherwise use a hand tractor
• Plant the maize between grass strips.

You may use the following fodders combined with fruit trees in parallel to the slope to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff:

• Guinea grass
• Paspalum atratum
• Tephrosia candida

Planting grass strips will increase water retention and infiltration into the soil.

• Apply organic and chemical fertilizers
• Organic fertilizer improves soil structure and soil biological activity

For chemical fertilizers:

• Apply 60kg N, 30kg P, and 30kg K
• Apply the fertilizers by making a ditch beside the maize plant.

Using quality seeds is very important to increase maize production:

Select high quality of hybrid or composite maize varieties to grow

Seed source must be known and use popular varieties among farmers

Good varieties have stable yield, good growth and performance, and preferred by farmers and consumers