Maize

Question 1

Preparation of seedbed

Answer 1

• Soil should be rotavated and ploughed in March.

- Soil should then be harrowed to produce a fine seedbed.

Question 2

Sowing the seed

Answer 2

• 70% Maize is grown under plastic in Ireland.
• When Maize is grown under plastic, it can be sown earlier, resulting in a longer growing season and a higher yield.
• Plastic film increases the heat, raising the temperature under the plastic.
• This leads to a germination time of 7 days in comparison to germination time of 3 weeks in the open.
• Early germinating maize takes advantage of warm sunny weather in June, which will lead to an increase in grain yield.
• Maize sown after 10 May leads to a lower grain yield and higher forage yield.
• Maize seed is sown at a rate of 10k seeds/ha using a percision seeder.
• If maize is grown under plastic, a specialised maize seeder can be used.
• The distance between rown when planting maize is as follows:
  Under Plastic: 66cm apart
  Open sowing: 76cm apart.

The optimum temperature is 37 degrees

Question 3

Soil Suitability

Answer 3

• Requires a warm, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 - 7.0.
• The most suitable soils are brown earths or sandy loams.
• Maize cannot reach its full potential in waterlogged soils.
• Deep soils are advantageous, since maize roots can penetrate the soil to a depth of 1.5m, improving its structure and utilising nutrients unavailable to other crops.