CULTIVATING MAIZE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2632, 30 November 1915, Page 10

CULTIVATING MAIZE

Opinions differ amongst growers as to. how often maize crops should be cultivated. ■_ The number., of times the necessity arises for working the ground during the growing period is largely governed by.>existing oonditions. The principal objeots of intertillage are to destroy weeds and to establish a soil mulch:, A light set of harrows is one of the best implements for killing undesirable • growths. Its use can be commenced when the plants show abovo ground ajul the leaves begin to open out, and continued until, they are a foot high. If tile points are kept sharp there will be no danger, of pulling out the ' .young 'plants'' if tho weather is warm and dry. Should it Le "wefo; they liavo a . tendency to break off, and ;it is better to substitute a ■ 'Harrowing ' and horseJioeing. should .bo done after showers, to prevent the germination-of -the seeds of weeds; It' loosens' tlio surface, and lioops the; nioisturo in t'lie subsoil when tho roots of -the maize can draw on tho reserves.' When no longer.possible to ' "work harrows the double horse-hoe can 'bo operated, and" kept' going as frequently. as deemed necessary, till tho maizo is 3ft. high or even higher. It; should'be hilled when from 18in. to 2ft. in the-rows. As the crop grows tho roots expand,.and form-a network in every..direction. They are found a few inches below the surface of . the ground.. . If. cultivation is done too deeply the development of'the plants is regarded by the interference with their ability to feed. It is unwise to set implements' to cut deeper than after . the crop is well. established. While , 'tho plants are small, tie depth; . does not milch signify, as they ; have ' not then commenced to send out their roots :in,search of;.nourishment. In -the majority of cases from ; three ..toifive. cultivationsduring t'he .season .will suffice.. No. definite advico can bo given on this subjects-it • must'be ;left' to v the grower's own judgment. It may -be laid down, that successful maize-growing largely depends on the soil being kept well stirred and not allowed to cake, the destruction of weeds,-and, the conservation of moisture. -