In my case, we use 150 kg ha-1 for OPV and 200 kg ha-1 for hybrid varieties are recommended to be applied with three splits: 1st at planting, 2nd at knee height, and 3rd at flowering (silking and tasseling). But, still, farmers of the lowlands (hotter areas) use less than this rate and generally miss the 3rd split due mainly to fear of the burning effect caused by high temperature and/or low moisture.
What is African Farm Resource Centre telling us?
"For hybrid maize, 400 kg ha-1 of NPK is recommended to be applied just before planting, which should be followed up four weeks after planting with 250 kg ha-1 of CAN as side-dressing."
400 kg ha-1 before planting + 250 kg ha-1 after planting"
https://www.facebook.com/page/1545504252384805/search/?q=when%20to%20fertilize%20my%20maize%20plant%3F
- How is this possible?
- Is that logical? I don’t understand it!!
- What about the law of diminishing returns?
- Could poor farmers afford this? Is this acceptable by farmers?
- What would be the benefit-cost ratio of this? Is this economically feasible?
- Nitrogen fertilization is the main cause of Carbon Footprints in agriculture. Did African Farm Resource Centre consider this?
Many thanks and respect to all RG members!!!
Alem
In case of Nepal, 180:60:40 NPK kg/ha has been recommended for commercial hybrid maize cultivation. Urea, DAP and K20 are used as sources, respectively. The 18% N in DAP works in initial stage. The whole Phosphorus and potash should be applied during last field preparation. It will be better to apply N fertilizer in four splits: I: First weeding II: Knee high stage III. Prior to silking and tasseling and, IV: Initial grain filling stage. Each time, top-dress from opposite side of the row where previous top-dress was carried out. Cover the N fertilizer immediately after top-dressing. Irrigate the field before top-dressing if needed, and not just after top-dressing to protect nutrient from leaching.
Hi Dr Alem Redda . See the following links:
1. https://www.pda.org.uk/pda_leaflets/17-forage-maize-fertiliser-requirements/
2.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e8cJJ8GYumA
3.Article Fertilizer recommendations for maize production in the South...
Dears Dr. Keshab Babu Koirala and Dr. Aref Wazwaz, thank you for all your insightful thoughts and valuable sources.
STAY BLESSED!!!
Alem
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