Kenya Farmers
Maintenance of an optimum soil pH ensures nutrients are readily available and maximizes growth. The preferred pH is in the range of 6 – 7.2 (Measured in water). maize has poor tolerance of low (<5.0) pH soils when aluminum toxicity reduces root development and manganese toxicity reduces plant development.
Use of lime to increase soil pH, and gypsum to improve soil structure and calcium saturation, will help to increase maize yield. The sulphur from gypsum complexes with free aluminum, reducing the toxicity to the plants.
Good soil structure is essential for strong root development and good growth – maize is particularly sensitive to soil compaction.
Spacing, planting density and rotation with other crops help increase maize yield by minimizing disease, pest and weed incidence.
Weed control is essential to ensure a good, competitive start and pest and disease control will minimize damage to root and productive leaf area. Water supply particularly around silking is important for grain set.
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