Maize INformation
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MAIZE CULTIVATION MANUAL
Suitability of variety for the area
Maize varieties are highly adaptable and can be cultivated across Kharif, Rabi, and Spring seasons in
diverse agro-climatic zones of India. Their performance depends on selecting hybrids suited to local
temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and soil types, especially well-drained loam to silt-loam soils.
Regions with moderate temperatures (18–32°C) and assured rainfall or irrigation provide the best
environment for high-yielding hybrids. Choosing the right variety for the local climate ensures better
establishment, uniform flowering, optimal cob development, and higher grain yield.
Selection of field/land preparation
Loam or silt loam surface soil and brown silt clay loam are ideal soil types with 7.5 to 8.5 ranges of pH.
The soil should be brought to good tilth by ploughing once and harrowing two times. Basal application
of Zinc Sulphate at 10 Kg/acre is also recommended. Application of organic manure/rotten
compost/FYM at the rate of 8 MT/acre is most ideal for increased yield.
Sowing time
Kharif, Rabi (sowing should not be done when temperature is below 10°C and above 40°C)
Seed rate/sowing method
7-8 Kg seeds required for per acre planting depending on growing season. Maize is sown in rows with
maize planter or is dibbled by hand in furrow and spacing row to row 55 or 60 cm and plant to plant
22 or 25 cm.
Fertilizer
It is advisable to follow N: P: K application at the rate of 80:32:24 per acre for best yields or as per your
soil requirement. All P & K and 1/3 of N should be applied as basal dose at the time of sowing. Balance
Nitrogen can be applied in two split doses – first dose between 30-40 days and the second dose at the
time of tassels emergence. For effective fertilizer doses follow the guideline from your respective SAU.
Weed control
Spray Atrazine @ 2.5-3 g/lt water as pre-emergence weed control. For post emergence weed control
follow the guideline from your respective SAU.
Disease and pest control
Fall Army Worm:
For effective control spray Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG @ 0.5 g/lt or Novaluron
5.25% + Emamectin Benzoate 0.9% SC @ 0.5 g/lt at 15 DAS. A repeat spray after 10 days of first
application is necessary for effective control.
Stem Borer:
Spray Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% w/w @ 1ml/15 lt water at 15 DAS followed by application
of Carbofuran 3G granules @ 3 Kg/ac in the whorls at 30 DAS.
Rusts & Foliar Diseases:
Spray Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC @ 0.5 ml/lt of water or
Propiconazole 25% EC @ 200 ml/ac for protection. A repeat spray after 15 days of first application is
necessary for effective control.
Irrigation
Regular irrigation should be given in maize at an interval of 6-10 days depending upon soil and climate.
The Critical Stages for Irrigation are just after germination, knee height stage, flowering stage, milky
stage and grain hardening stages.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 7 to 8 weeks after flowering depending on growing season and prevailing local
weather conditions. Maize ears are harvested after physiological maturity.
Note
It is advised to approach the nearest KVK or Agricultural Department or Agricultural University scientist
to take appropriate measures. Good yield can be expected under optimum management and
favourable climatic conditions.