Expert Guide to Maize Farming in Kenya
Climate and Soil Requirements for Maize Farming in Kenya
Climate Requirements
Maize is a warm-season crop that requires a minimum temperature of 10-15°C for germination and growth.
In Kenya, the ideal climate for maize farming is found in areas with an altitude ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters above sea level.
These areas have a mean annual rainfall of 600 to 1,200 mm, which is well distributed throughout the growing season. However, maize can also be grown in drier areas with the help of irrigation.
Soil Requirements
Maize can grow well in a wide range of soils, but it performs best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
The soil should have good organic matter content, which improves soil fertility and water-holding capacity. In areas with high rainfall, soils should be well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to poor crop growth and yield.
Soil testing is recommended to determine the nutrient status of the soil and to guide fertilizer application.
Varieties of Maize Cultivated in Kenya
Kenya is a diverse country with various ecological zones, each with its unique maize varieties. Some of the common maize varieties grown in Kenya include:
Hybrid Maize
Hybrid maize is a cross between two different types of maize plants that produce plants with specific traits, such as higher yields, improved resistance to pests and diseases, and better drought tolerance. Some popular hybrid maize varieties grown in Kenya are H624, H614, and H512.
Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPVs)
Open-pollinated maize varieties are those that have not undergone genetic modifications and rely on natural pollination by wind, insects, and other natural factors. They are adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions and have been grown in Kenya for many generations. Some popular OPVs in Kenya are Katumani, MH18, and PH4.
High-Altitude Maize
High-altitude maize varieties are adapted to cooler temperatures and higher altitudes. They take longer to mature but produce high yields. Some popular high-altitude maize varieties grown in Kenya are Longe 5, H614, and H621.
Quality Protein Maize (QPM)
Quality protein maize varieties are a special type of maize with higher protein content and better-quality amino acids than regular maize. They are grown in Kenya to address malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable groups. Some popular QPM varieties in Kenya are Mwaiwathu, Makueni, and KDV4.
Farmers in Kenya choose the maize variety to grow based on their specific needs, such as the soil type, climate, market demand, and farming practices. The government and agricultural research institutions provide guidance on the appropriate maize varieties to grow in different regions to achieve maximum yields and profits.
Land Preparation for Maize Farming in Kenya
Land preparation is a critical step in maize farming in Kenya, and proper preparation can contribute to higher maize yields and better crop quality.
Clearing the Land
Before planting maize, the land needs to be cleared of any bushes, trees, or grass. This is done by either manual or mechanical means. Manual land preparation involves using hoes, machetes, or slashers to cut down bushes and trees, while mechanical land preparation involves using tractors or ploughs to clear the land.
Tillage
After clearing the land, the soil needs to be tilled to prepare a suitable seedbed for maize planting. Tilling involves loosening the soil and breaking up any clumps of soil to create a smooth and even surface. This can be done using a disc harrow, chisel plough, or cultivator.
Soil Fertility Enhancement
Maize requires fertile soil for optimal growth and yields. Before planting, the soil should be tested to determine its nutrient content. If the soil lacks essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, fertilizers should be applied to enhance soil fertility.
Organic fertilizers, such as manure and compost, are preferred over synthetic fertilizers due to their sustainability and affordability.
Soil pH Adjustment
Maize grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. If the soil pH is too low or too high, it can affect maize growth and yields. Lime or sulfur can be added to adjust the soil pH to the optimal range for maize cultivation.
Ridge and Furrow System
In areas with high rainfall or poorly drained soils, a ridge and furrow system can be used to improve soil drainage and reduce waterlogging.
This system involves planting maize on raised ridges and leaving furrows in between. The ridges provide a suitable planting bed for maize while the furrows allow excess water to drain away.
Planting Techniques for Maize Farming in Kenya
Planting is one of the crucial steps in maize farming that determines the yield and quality of the crop. The following are the planting techniques that farmers in Kenya use for maize farming:
Time of planting
Maize is usually planted in Kenya during the rainy season. The ideal time for planting is at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure that there is enough moisture in the soil. In some regions, farmers plant two or three times a year to take advantage of the available rainfall.
Spacing
Proper spacing is important for maximizing the yield of maize. The recommended spacing for maize in Kenya is 75cm between rows and 30cm between plants. However, the spacing can be adjusted depending on the variety, soil fertility, and rainfall.
Depth of planting
Maize should be planted at a depth of 5-10cm. Planting too shallow can lead to poor germination, while planting too deep can lead to delayed emergence and poor growth.
Seed rate
The recommended seed rate for maize in Kenya is 20-25 kg per acre. However, this can vary depending on the variety, spacing, and soil fertility.
Planting methods
There are different planting methods used in maize farming in Kenya, including drilling, broadcasting, and dibbling.
Drilling involves making furrows in the soil using a tractor or hand hoe, placing the seed in the furrow, and covering it with soil.
Broadcasting involves spreading the seed on the soil surface and covering it with soil using a hoe or rake.
Dibbling involves making small holes in the soil using a stick or dibble, placing the seed in the hole, and covering it with soil.
Pre-planting treatment
Some farmers in Kenya treat their maize seeds before planting to control pests and diseases, increase germination rates, and improve plant growth.
Treatment methods include soaking the seeds in water, applying fungicides or insecticides, and using biofertilizers.
By using appropriate planting techniques, farmers in Kenya can ensure optimal maize growth and yield, leading to increased income and food security.
Nutrient Management in Maize Farming in Kenya
Maize farming in Kenya requires careful management of fertilizers to ensure optimum yields. Both basal and foliar fertilizers are recommended for maize farming in Kenya. Basal fertilizers are applied at the time of planting, while foliar fertilizers are applied after the crop has emerged.
Basal Fertilizer Application
During planting, a teaspoonful of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer should be placed into each planting hole, mixed thoroughly with the soil, and then the seeds placed. Alternatively, well-calibrated planters with fertilizer hoppers can be used for mechanical planting. The fertilizer can also be mixed with soil before planting at a rate of 50kg per acre. DAP contains phosphorus, which is essential for root development. It is important to ensure that the fertilizer is thoroughly mixed with the soil to prevent burning of the seeds.
Foliar Fertilizer Application During Early Stages
Foliar fertilizers are applied to the leaves of the maize plants.
Top Dressing Fertilizer Application
Top dressing with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer should be done after 2-3 weeks after planting or when the crop is 45cm or 1.5ft high. Apply 1 teaspoonful of CAN fertilizer at the base of each plant in a ring or along the row, about 15 cm away from the plant.
In high rainfall areas, top dressing is done in two splits, with the first split done 6 weeks after sowing and the second split done 10-15 days later or just before tasseling. In low rainfall areas, fertilizer is applied once, at a rate of 50-100Kg per acre.
CAN fixes nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for the green color of the leaves and for the plant to produce its own food. Other nitrogenous fertilizers like urea can also be used.
article sourced from: https://www.greenlife.co.ke/expert-guide-to-maize-farming-in-kenya/
