High-Density Planting & Strategic Management: A Chinese Approach to Maize

Maize (corn) is a staple crop in many parts of the world, including China. Chinese farmers have developed innovative cultivation methods to increase yields and optimize the growing process. This guide outlines a specific Chinese maze cultivation technique emphasizing plant density, spacing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pest control strategies.

Innovative Chinese Maze Cultivation Method

Spacing and Plant Density:

• Sow maize at a density of 34,000 plants per acre using 11 kg of seeds per acre.
• Plant in rows 4 feet apart.
• Each row has two lines of seedlings spaced 1.25 feet apart, with individual plants also 1.25 feet apart. Sow two seeds at each point.
• Install drip irrigation lines between the two lines in each row, with drippers placed 1.25 feet apart.

Reason for Arrangement:

• This specific arrangement enhances maize pollination. Maize is a self-pollinated crop, with male flowers at the top and female flowers at mid-height. This spacing fosters optimal self-pollination, potentially leading to higher yields.
• The arrangement also maximizes sunlight exposure for each plant, aiding photosynthesis.

Yield and Fodder:

• Individual corn weight can reach 150 grams with this method.
• Expect yields of 50 quintals (5 metric tons) of corn per acre along with 29-35 metric tons of fodder.

Fertilization:

• Apply a basal dose of 100 kg 10-26-26, 15 kg zinc sulphate, 4Kg Ferterra granules along with weekly drip irrigation of 10 kg urea for the first 6 weeks.

Weed and Pest Control:

• Spray Atrazine herbicide (1 kg in 200 liters of water) immediately after sowing to control weeds.
• A second herbicide, 2,4-D (800 grams in 250 liters of water), can be sprayed on the soil 21 days after sowing.
• Fall armyworm poses a significant threat. Install 5-10 pheromone traps per acre for monitoring.
• If pests are found in traps, initiate foliar pesticide spray that continues until corn begins flowering.
• Rotate between chropyriphos, cypermethrin, chlorantraniliprole, and emamectin benzoate every 15 days to prevent resistance.
• If growing for fodder, consider biological controls like beauveria, verticilium, and metarizhium (BVM).

Stress Management (Summer Crop):

• For summer crops, apply two foliar sprays of 19-19-19 (1 kg) + micronutrient mixture (1 liter) in 200 liters of water when the crop is 30 days and 55 days old.

Conclusion

This Chinese maze cultivation method aims to increase yields and crop health through precise plant spacing, strategic fertilization, and integrated pest management practices. While local conditions and maize varieties will require adjustments, these techniques provide valuable insights for farmers seeking to optimize their maize production.