Maize cultivation

Maize, also known as corn, is a major crop for farmers in India. Due to changing food habits and growing health awareness, the cultivation of maize is gaining popularity once again. It is not only nutritious but also beneficial for the environment, as its cultivation requires less water and fertilizers. Let’s explore some important information regarding maize farming during the rabi season.

Ideal Climate and Soil for Maize Cultivation:

Maize thrives in a warm, temperate climate.

• Temperature: The ideal temperature for maize cultivation is between 21-27°C.
• Soil Type: Loamy soil is the best for maize, but it can also be grown in sandy loam and black soil.
• Drainage: Proper drainage must be ensured in the field to prevent waterlogging.

Field Preparation and Tillage Process:

Proper tilling and field preparation are crucial for successful maize farming.

• Tillage: Use a moldboard plow for 2-3 rounds of tilling to soften the soil and eliminate weeds.
• Rotavator Use: A rotavator helps in making the soil loose and crumbly.
• Fertilization: Apply 10 tons of farmyard or organic manure per acre to enhance soil fertility.

Seed Selection and Sowing Process: Proper sowing and seed selection significantly increase maize yield.

• Seed Treatment: Prior to sowing, treat the seeds with 6 ml of Thiamethoxam 19.8% or Cyantraniliprole 19.8% per kilogram of seeds.
• Sowing Time: Sow maize in the rabi season during October-November.
• Seed Spacing: Maintain a distance of 20-25 cm between seeds and 60 cm between rows.

Irrigation and Moisture Management: Maintaining soil moisture is crucial for maize growth.

• Irrigation Timing: Check soil moisture 45-65 days after sowing and irrigate accordingly.
• Flowering and Grain Formation: Ensure adequate moisture during the flowering and grain-setting stages.

Weed Control: Weeds compete with maize plants for nutrients, negatively impacting yield.

• Weeding: Consistent weeding is crucial to avoid nutrient competition and promote healthy plant growth.
• Herbicides: Use the appropriate herbicides to control weeds effectively.

Fertilization and Nutrient Management: Balanced nutrition enhances maize yield.

• Nitrogen: Apply half of the nitrogen fertilizer during the first irrigation and the remaining half during flowering.
• Micronutrients: If there is a deficiency of zinc or sulfur, apply foliar sprays for correction.

Best Maize Varieties for Rabi Season: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed advanced maize varieties for the rabi season.

• Pusa Popcorn Hybrid-2 (APCH 3):
  1. This variety can be grown with irrigation during the rabi season.
  2. It matures in 103 days.
  3. Yields up to 46 quintals per hectare.
  4. Suitable for farmers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion: Maize farming during the rabi season is beneficial from both nutritional and environmental perspectives, as well as economically profitable. By selecting the right seeds, climate, soil, and farming practices, farmers can achieve higher yields. If you are considering growing maize, follow these tips for better results and increased productivity.