How To Use Manure In Maize Farming (Beginners Guild)
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.
was this article helpful? Drop your comment bellow let's get your feedback.
You can also follows us on Facebook at UgNaija to get more of our farming articles or subscribe to our newsletter below.
Comments
Trending posts
How To Use Manure In Maize Farming (Beginners Guild)
In less than six months from now the rains will come by in approximately every part of Nigeria. So I guess you are already preparing to produce your maize as usual. maize farm While I may not know the approaches that you have been using to produce your maize, I hope you are not doing what most persons are doing out there which are: farming (growing maize) on the same piece of land year after year... without adding manure/fertilizers... And using not or less improved seeds.. Well, if you have been doing these or simply want to venture into maize production as a complete beginner then this article is certainly for you. In this guild we are going to strictly deal with the use of organic manure (specifically poultry droppings). You may also want to read through the importance of fertilizer application in maize production . How to use organic manure in your maize farm Firstly and obviously you have to clear your land. After clearing, pack your debris away from the farm land Av
How To Grow Tomatoes At Home Or Gerden
Are you tired of the high cost of tomatoes in your area? Or maybe tired of cooking with not so fresh tomatoes? Or....? Well, which ever way you feel I will teach you how you can actually grow tomatoes at home or in your backyard garden, so relax and read to the end. First of, you have to know that tomatoes are propagated (grown) by seeds as explained below before transplanting them to their permanent location where they develop till fruiting and eventually die off. A tomato plant How to grow tomatoes by seeds at home Firstly, ensure that you purchase viable and high quality seeds from reliable producers or you can use seeds extracted from the fresh tomatoes you bought from the marked (note: they may not be as highly prolific as those from known producers). Now get a plastic bow and fill it with soil mixed with a moderate amount of fertilizers (preferably organic fertilizers) Thereafter, apply water on the soil to keep it wet but not water logged (full of water). Furthermor
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective.
ReplyDeletevisit my blog- Modern and Traditional Agriculture Techniques, Information
Very impressive info about farming. We are provide farming equipment. Just click at Tractors for sale
ReplyDelete