Fertilizer Application in Maize production: Why should I?

 Did I just heard you right? did you asked why should you apply fertilizers in your maize farm?
Well, maybe that's because you haven't read through the factors that increase profitability in maize farming. 

If you have, then let me walk you through the importance of fertilizer application in maize production, but before then, let me give you a quick introduction of what I experienced last year.

Last year, I cultivated lands and grew maize in two different locations. In one of the plot, I applied Fertilizers and in the other I didn't. After 3 - to - 4 days, I noticed that almost every seed grew in the plot where I applied Fertilizers while in the other almost about 30% didn't grow on time.

Furthermore, I noticed that there were uniformity in the growth of the maize in the plot with manure/fertilizer because there was a uniform distribution of manure/fertilizer in the entire plot, while in the other there weren't. In fact, many of the maize plants in the plot without manure were stunted at random points in the farm which is actually due to insufficient nutrients in the soil.

A maize farm.
Source:pixabay

Lastly, I noticed an unusual increase in the yield of the maize in the plot where I applied Fertilizer as opposed to a decrease in that of the maize in the plot without fertilizer.

Though, this article is intended to strictly deal with the importance of fertilizer application in maize farming, but I think it is very important to also get you comfortable with the methods in which you can use to apply these fertilizer in your maize farm.

Methods of fertilizer application in maize production

Basically fertilizers or manure can be applied before planting, during the course of planting and after planting. All that been mentioned, now let's quickly dive into the methods of fertilizer application in maize production.

• Broadcasting Method: This is when you throw the fertilizers/manure evenly on the farm land using (mostly) your hands or any other means. This method is particularly done in vegetable farms or gardens, but can still be carried out in maize production.
  In maize, you should carryout broadcasting for like a day or two before ridging. Also try to ensure that the land is wet (not water logged) before you apply fertilizers or manure on it.
  Broadcasting (when done before ridging) is a very effective method of fertilizer application in maize production. It helps to ensure that there is even distribution of manure all round the plot and brings the manure to a position where they can easily be accessed by the plants root.
• Ring method: This is when the fertilizers are applied round the plants in ring form. In using this method to apply fertilizers in your maize or any other plant, please ensure that the fertilizers are well spaced round the plant to avoid them coming into direct contact with the plant which can adversely affect  your plant.
• Side placement method: This is similar to ring method. But unlike ring method, the fertilizers are only placed along one side of the plant. You can apply fertilizer on your maize plant using this method.
• Fertigation: Fertigation is when liquid fertilizers are applied through irrigation water directly to the plant. It is mostly used where trickle irrigation method is carried out in the farm. Applying fertilizers using this method in your maize farm would be a very effective approach.

You may also want to read how to grow maize from day one till maturity

Importance of fertilizer application in maize

Most times, some farmers complain of poor yield, low Return On Investment (ROI). These is because they have actually not been farming in the right way. Several factors contribute to high yield in plants and fertilizer/manure is one of the first among these factors.

Fertilizers are of great importance in maize production. So if you are a maize farmer and haven't been using fertilizers or manure then I think you should take this extra step of applying fertilizers when next you want to grow maize.

A maize cob.
Source: pixabay

The importance of fertilizers in maize production are as follow:

• Increased yield: One of the reasons for fertilizer application is for increase yield and that certainly also applies to maize plants. Studies have shown that fertilizers can actually lead to about 40% increase in the yield of maize.
• Increased income: As a farmer you sure know that one of the reasons for farming is to earn money at the end of the farming season. And that's exactly what the use of fertilizers can bring to you. An increase in plants yield subsequently means an increase in profit.
  Though, the cost of fertilizers maybe very high but the profit you get at the end of the farming season is enough to compensate that.
• Encouragement for the farmer: Have you ever been to a maize farm where almost every plant has a yellowish color which is due to nitrogen deficiency? if yes, then how do you feel as a farmer or a potential farmer? Discouraged I guess. Yes, it's true. Most times farmers like me are encourage to go more into farming when the plant are doing well and that type of encouragement is what fertilizer application can bring to you.

Read more>>five highly lucrative agribusiness you may consider investing your money

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