CHAP. 

 IX. 



396 MAIZE 



Depth. 



5-inch ; seedlings first appeared above ground 30 Nov. germinated most evenly 



and looked best. 

 6- , ,, „ ,, 30 ,, only a few appeared. 



7" 11 .1 11 11 " 11 2 fee. 



8- „ ,, „ „ ,, ,, 2 



Germination was poorest (though growth was at first most 

 rapid) in those planted at 1 inch ; but these had made the least 

 subsequent growth when examined a few weeks later. The 

 most vigorous growth was attained by those planted at 5 

 inches. 



This experiment should be repeated, for some at present 

 unexplained factor affected the growth of those planted at 4 

 inches, which were less vigorous than those planted at 3 inches. 



356. Planting behind the Plough. — This method is largely 

 practised by Boers and natives, especially in breaking new 

 veld, but the resulting crop is not as good as when the land 

 has been properly prepared. 



357. Planting before Ploughing. — This method is sometimes 

 practised by natives, especially on sandy soils ; it naturally 

 results in an uneven stand, and in irregularity of germination, 

 growth, flowering, and ripening, and is not the best method of 

 producing a profitable crop ; as a rule it is said to result in a 

 crop of not more than \\ bags per acre. 



358. After-cultivation. — Maize requires a better quality of 

 land and a higher grade of farming than any other of the great 

 staple crops. One of the principal causes of low yields is the 

 prevalence of weeds, such as pig- weed, mest-briede {Amarantus 

 paniculatus), Bermuda quick or quagga kweek-gras (Cynodon 

 Dactylon), uintjes (Cyperus esculentus), and the sweet grasses 

 (Chloris virgata and Panicurn Icevifolium). Weeds rob the 

 maize roots of moisture and plant food, and thus reduce the 

 yield of grain. Their successful eradication is one of the most 

 important problems the South African farmer has to face. 

 Occasional fallowing of the soil and rotation of crops do much 

 to reduce the weed crop. Frequent harrowing, while the weed 

 seedlings are small, is one of the most economical and rapid 

 methods of treatment. But the frequent use of the cultivator 

 between the rows of a check-rowed field is far the best. Cul- 

 tivation not only keeps the land clean but also helps to retain 

 the moisture in the soil during dry spells, by maintaining a soil 



