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Flashcards in Maize Deck (3)
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1
Q

Preparation of seedbed

A
  • Soil should be rotavated and ploughed in March.

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

2
Q

Sowing the seed

A
  • 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

3
Q

Soil Suitability

A
  • 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.