It is all systems go for the planting of summer grain crops, and as beckoning rains prepare to fall, crop farmers brace themselves to get out of their lair to prepare land once more.
According to a crop specialist based at the Mooifontein Local Development Centre, Rebecca Gaasenwe, the November month is the optimal planting period for the normal maize cultivar in the North West province and this depends on the rainfall. Gaasenwe says those who are unable to plant due to other reasons like late rainfall, have until the last week of December to plant, using short term cultivars.
“Normally during the planting season, soil preparation is the ground work and the first step farmers embark on, and this also depends on the rainfall. The first October rainfall is crucial to dampen the soil for farmers to start tilling the soil. This is done to level the soil and get rid of uneven soil. It is vital for farmers to plough their land in time so that by the time planting time gets under way, they are ready,” Gaasenwe, the crop specialist emphasised.
During this period the soil is tested and analysed for acidity and to determine nutrients needed. If found to be acidic, through experts’ recommendations lime will be applied appropriately to neutralise the acid content. It is also the time to apply fertiliser which contains essential nutrients such as phosphate, nitrogen, calcium, and this also depends on the results of soil analysis.
“Maize responds well to applied fertilizer”, Gaasenwe explains, “hence the highest yields are usually obtained from fertilised soils.
Planting a cultivar choice or selection such as long term or short term can influence plant population and yield. Long term cultivar is used during normal planting period in November. It is recommended for farmers as it is affordable and takes three months to flower. The short term cultivar on the other hand is applicable during late planting in December and is more expensive. Both cultivars have high yields.
In the North West province planting depends solely on the rain fall. The appropriate period for planting in the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Kenneth Kaunda districts is 15 to 30 November where the long term cultivar is used and planting can continue up to 15 to 30 December suitable for the short term cultivar.
In the Bojanala district planting time is from the 15 November depending on rainfall, whereas planting in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district is done until the end of November.
In providing support to especially crop farmers, the North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development has already this financial year distributed mechanisation packages comprising tractors, ploughs, rotovators, planters and other equipment to 10 agricultural cooperatives in the province, with more still to be distributed.
MEC for Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene says farmers should also make use of advanced farming advises provided by extension officers in order for them to get good returns. MEC Tshwene encourages crop farmers in the province to make use of this time and wishes them a prosperous planting season, as the country looks forward to a better yield in order to sustain food security.
Enquiries:
B Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719 or 5768
Fax: 018 384 4571
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development, North West Provincial Government
9 November 2009
