Getting A Good Maize Harvest

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Late planting of maize (Zea mays L.) or any other crop for that matter has severe consequences that affect the growth and productivity of the crop. Let’s look at some of those adverse effects of late planting.
Late planting of maize causes poor development and reduced grain yield. This is because the critical stages (tasseling, silking, and grain filling) can coincide with periods of adverse weather conditions such as heat, drought, etc. This may result in pollen abortion, poor grain development, and reduced harvest.
Increased incidence of pests and diseases is another consequence of late planting. Maize crops may be more susceptible to pest and disease infestation due to the prolonged exposure to the changing weather conditions. This creates a conducive environment for the growth of pests and pathogens, leading to significant yield losses.
Late-planted maize frequently has a shorter growing season, which can prevent the crop from reaching its full potential because of inadequate resources (water, nutrients) available during the late period. This implies that the maize plants might not grow to their maximum height and grain formation potential due to increased unhealthy competition of the crops for water and nutrients, which may be on the decline as the season advances. This can affect all aspects of maize development.
The economic impact of late planting cannot be overemphasized. Crop producers may become less profitable due to decreased yields and higher expenses for managing pests and diseases. Late-season planting can have a significant financial impact on crop producers, especially the resource-limited farmers whose livelihoods depend on the production of maize.

What farmers can do
Farmers should ensure that planting is done during the appropriate planting window, which usually coincides with the start of the rainy season. This maximizes productivity and reduces risks by guaranteeing that the crucial growth stages take place during ideal weather conditions.
Farmers can maximize maize yield by adopting best agronomic practices and making well-informed decisions about planting schedules after learning about these effects.

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