Sowing maize
To Maximize Your Yields
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Plant early – if the conditions are right it often gives better yields
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Slow and steady – The slower the sowing, the more precise the seed placement
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Soil Conditions – Target a minimum soil temperature of 10°C and soil that is of proper moisture
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Seeding Depth – Plant the seed at a depth of 4 at 7 cm and periodically monitor your placement
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Planter Settings – Adjust your planter settings to match the type of seed and field conditions
Seed Bed Preparation
Good soil to seed contact is needed for proper germination. Plant into soils that:
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Have good moisture level around the seed
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A texture that is fine soil, but be careful of the risk of surface sealing in silty soil
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Some small surface clods
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Have soil fragmented under seed bed at 8-9 cm depth
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Are slightly compacted
Favourable Conditions
While we can’t control Mother Nature you can choose to seed in a window that gives you seed the best possible start. Target planting when:
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Soil temperature above 10°C
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There is good soil moisture
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Weather forecasts are favourable for a 5-7 day period
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Air temperature allowing quick emergence
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No big rainfall before emergence
Maize Germination Dynamics in relation with Soil Temperature
Planter Maintenance
Checking and calibrating your seeder before you get to the field ensures you make the most of your time. Before you start planting check:
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Your tyres pressure is around 2 kg/cm²
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That planter blades in very good condition for a V furrow
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Settings are optimised for perfect coulter pressure and clod clearing
Maize Sowing Troubleshooting
Here are some tips for fine tuning when you plant your MAS Seeds maize hybrids.
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Sowing density – customise based on variety and field characteristics
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Sowing depth 4-5 cm with 2 cm wet soil above seed
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Too deep: 7-8cm depth lowers your emergence
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Too shallow: 2-3 cm depth risks birds predation
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Seed spacing in the row and sowing depth regularity – target 5 to 7 Km/h for best results
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Watch for double seeds or misses – make sure you planter is properly calibrated to match the seed size
Plant Losses as a function of Sowing Speed linked to Sowing Heterogeneity
To get planting advice or find seed, contact your local MAS Seeds representative.