LAND PREPARATION

In flat lands, from February to March:

Plow moist (not damp) soil at a depth of 30cm.

You may consider using a big tractor or a hand tractor, whichever is available. 

If maize is cultivated in a lowland rice field, use a rotavator to bury rice straw and stalk into the soil.

If possible, flood the soil for 7 days then drain it and let it dry for 5-7 days. Plow and harrow the field while it still has moisture.

DO YOU HAVE ACIDIC SOIL?

If yes, apply 200kg of lime powder per rai

In sloping land:

A contour line must be created.

• Plow the soil between contour lines
• Use big tractors only if the land is less sloping, otherwise use a hand tractor
• Plant the maize between grass strips.

You may use the following fodders combined with fruit trees in parallel to the slope to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff:

• Guinea grass
• Paspalum atratum
• Tephrosia candida

Planting grass strips will increase water retention and infiltration into the soil.