MAIZE. 85 



In South Africa maize cultivation is restricted to the 

 summer rainfall area. The optimum conditions are found in 

 those parts of this area having a mean temperature from 

 November to February, inclusive, of 65° to 80° and a mean 

 minimum temperature for these months of over 55°. Never- 

 theless maize is grown profitably in parts having a mean mini- 

 mum during this period of as low as 50°. It requires a frostless 

 season of 160 to 180 days ; an annual precipitation of 30 inches 

 and above ; but constitutes an important part of the agriculture 

 in districts with a rainfall as low as 24 inches. Of greater con- 

 cern, however, is the seasonal distribution, and it is found that 

 maize is most successful in those parts having 12 inches well 

 distributed throughout the months of December, January and 

 February. Maize should have as much sunlight as possible; 

 this is shown by the indifferent results obtained in the mist- 

 belt and in parts experiencing a large number of cloudy days. 

 In this connection it might be mentioned that to obtain the 

 maximum sunlight it is the practice of some farmers to plant 

 maize having the rows running east to west where topographi- 

 cally possible. 



Maize grows well on a wide range of soils varying from a 

 light sandy soil, e.g., sandveld in the north-western Free State, 

 to heavy clays (turfs), e.g., Springbok Flats, in favourable 

 seasons. It prefers deep, well-drained, rich, sandy loams and 

 loams well supplied with organic matter. It does better on 

 relatively acid soils than on those whose alkali content (brak 

 soils) is high. In general, calcareous, as well as more or less 

 neutral, soils are best. 



CULTUEAL METHODS. 



Soil Preparation. — A thorough preparation of the seed 

 bed is essential. Methods will naturally vary according to 

 localities and prevailing circumstances. In South Africa, as 

 moisture is the chief limiting factor in agronomic production, 

 all steps for its conservation should be taken. Where possible 

 the land should be ploughed as soon as the previous crop has 

 been removed, and it should be left in a rough condition. This 

 facilitates weathering and leaves the soil in a receptive state 

 for the early spring rains. Prior to planting, this land may 

 have to be cross-ploughed to a lesser depth. In any case the 

 soil should be worked by discing and harrowing into a fine tilth 

 to destroy weeds and to ensure a favourable seedbed. Before 



