As the rainy season approaches, now is the time to prepare your fields for a successful maize crop. Here is a step-by-step guide for Zimbabwean farmers.
1. Soil Testing First
Before applying any fertiliser, get your soil tested. A soil analysis will tell you exactly what nutrients your soil needs and save you money on unnecessary inputs. Contact us for affordable soil testing services.
2. Land Preparation
Begin land preparation in September or October. For conventional tillage, plough to a depth of 20–25cm. If practising conservation agriculture, prepare planting basins or rip lines early. Remove crop residues only if pest pressure (e.g., stalk borer) is high; otherwise, retain them as mulch.
3. Variety Selection
Choose varieties suited to your natural region. For Natural Regions I and II, long-season varieties (140+ days) can maximise yield. For Regions III–V, consider medium to short-season varieties (120–130 days) that can escape late-season drought.
4. Planting Window
Wait for effective rains — at least 30–40mm within a few days. The optimal planting window for most of Zimbabwe is mid-November to mid-December. Planting too early into false rains can result in poor germination and replanting costs.
5. Fertiliser Programme
A typical programme: Compound D at 250–300 kg/ha at planting, followed by Ammonium Nitrate (AN) at 150–200 kg/ha as top dressing when plants are knee-high (4–6 weeks after emergence). Always adjust based on your soil test results.
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