MAIZE 95 



CONDITIONS OF GROWTH 



Range of Climate. Maize ranks with the potato, and 

 before tobacco, as a plant which grows under the widest 

 range of climates. In Canada it is profitably cultivated 

 as far north as 51, and in the tropics it grows in Peru at 

 an altitude of 3500 meters. Different varieties, of course, 

 fit different climates. Some varieties mature in so short 

 a time as 75 days; many require 100 days, and some 

 1 20 days. 



Corn matures most favorably during hot weather. 

 There is no part of the Philippines whose climate is 

 not suited to the growth of some varieties of maize. 



O 



Maize requires much light, and will not thrive at all in 

 the shade. Even a few days of cloudy weather check its 

 growth. 



Rainfall or Irrigation Essential. Showers are especially 

 favorable to the growth of maize while it is still young. 

 To produce a good crop, the roots must take up an 

 amount of water equal to a layer 15 to 25 cm deep over 

 the whole field. Of course they cannot do this unless 

 the rainfall is much greater than this, or unless the field 

 is irrigated. A rainfall of 30 to 60 cm is desirable dur- 

 ing the growth of maize. Irrigation is very helpful, and 

 in a moderately dry season has been found in Louisiana 

 to increase the crop 100 per cent. 



The roots of maize go deeper into the ground than do 

 those of any other common annual plant. Therefore 

 they can draw water from deep in the ground, even as 



