MAIZE. 87 



ordinary way, because when the ridges are broken down by 

 subsL'quent cultivation the root system is left at a depth un- 

 affected by severe soil moisture fluctuations. 



The rate of seeding is affected by the following considera- 

 tions : — (1) Climatic and soil conditions. The more produc- 

 tive the soil and the more favourable the climate the larger the 

 quantity to be sown per acre. (2) Vigour and size of seed. Less 

 seed of good vitality is used than of that having low vitalityj 

 the smaller the grain the less is the quantity required per acre. 

 (3) The variety grown. Some varieties have a tendency to 

 stool, and in these less seed is planted ; others are more luxuri- 

 ant in growth and should, therefore, be more widely spaced. 



The rate of planting is governed by the average carrying 

 capacity per acre for the locality in question. It is a factor to 

 be determined by the farmer himself. Too close planting is 

 mjurious because it reduces the plant food available for each 

 plant, and in drought each plant may be less able to secure 

 sufficient moisture ; it prevents proper weeding and retards 

 photosynthesis. There is no uniform distance suitable for all 

 districts. Generally speaking, 3 feet by 18 inches (9,680 plants 

 per acre) is the best average spacing. This will require 12 to 

 15 lbs. per acre of the large grained varieties such as Hickory 

 King ; about 10 lbs. per acre of the medium sized grain varieties 

 such as Iowa Silver Mine, and of the very small grained breeds, 

 e.g., King of the Earlies, about 6 lbs. per acre. These quan- 

 tities are those recommended for grain growing. When the 

 crop is grown for silage, 50 per cent, more seed is used. At 

 Potchefstroom the largest tonnage of silage maize was obtained 

 when sown in rows 3 feet apart and 1 foot apart in the row. 

 For fodder 40 to 50 lbs. are broadcasted per acre. 



It will be appreciated from what has already been said that 

 the date of planting will necessarily vary in different parts. It 

 must be borne in mind, however, that each variety makes an 

 optimum growth during certain periods in each district, deter- 

 mined by experience. 



The beginning of the regular rains is frequently the decid- 

 ing factor. Consequently only approximate times can be given, 

 and then only for normal seasons and for the varieties com- 

 monly sown. On the highveld the bulk of the crop is put in 

 during October ; in November in the middleveld, and in Decem- 

 ber in the lowveld. 



After Cultivation.— On sandy soils the field should be 

 harrowed lightly as soon as the plants have appeared above the 



