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February 12, 2025
William Hunt

Maximise Your Maize Yield in 2025: Essential Steps for Ghanaian Farmers

Maximise Your Maize Yield in 2025: Essential Steps for Ghanaian Farmers

Maize is grown by over one million farmers in Ghana and remains the backbone of food security and rural incomes. However, maize productivity in Ghana averages around 1.8 metric tonnes per hectare, significantly lower than the global average of 5.6 metric tonnes per hectare. To close this gap, careful planning and execution are essential. Every farm is unique, and small adjustments can make a big difference in yield. This guide provides key steps, but for personalised advice tailored to your specific conditions, our agronomists are here to help.

1. Soil Preparation and Fertility

Healthy soil is the foundation of a good maize yield. Have you tested your soil recently? A soil test determines nutrient levels and pH balance. Maize thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5 to 7.0). Poor soil quality, low nutrient levels, and soil compaction can limit maize growth. Based on the test results, apply appropriate fertilisers such as NPK blends or organic matter to enrich the soil. Consider soil amendments like Calciprill to correct acidity and improve soil structure. Micronutrients are just as important—are you giving your maize the complete nutrition it needs?

Img. 1: Soil conditioner application on maize farm


2. Choosing the Right Seed Variety

Not all maize varieties are created equal. Are you choosing the right one for your conditions? Consider:

  • Climate suitability: Choose drought-tolerant varieties for dry areas and disease-resistant ones for humid regions.
  • Maturity period: Early, medium, or late-maturing varieties depending on your farming cycle.
  • Market demand: White maize is preferred for local consumption and processing, while yellow maize is often used in animal feed. Understanding your market before planting ensures you grow what buyers want.

Certified seeds from reputable suppliers ensure high germination rates and resistance to common pests and diseases. Beware of seeds that have been stored for a long time in hot conditions, as their germination rate may be lower.

3. Timing of Planting

Planting at the right time is critical for success. Have you considered the rainfall patterns in your area? Rainfall varies across Ghana, with the south generally experiencing earlier rains than the north. Delayed planting can expose your crop to drought stress and pest infestations, reducing yields significantly.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Are you prepared for pests like fall armyworm? These and other threats can cause severe damage. Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as:

  • Using resistant seed varieties
  • Timely application of recommended pesticides
  • Practicing crop rotation to break pest cycles
  • Regular field monitoring to detect early signs of infestation
Img. 2: Growing maize crops attacked by armyworm


5. Weed Control

Weeds can silently rob your maize of nutrients, water, and sunlight. How are you keeping them in check? Employ effective weed management techniques, including:

  • Pre-emergence herbicides to suppress weeds early
  • Timely manual or mechanical weeding
  • Mulching to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth

6. Water Management

Water is essential, but too much or too little can be disastrous. Do you have a plan for managing rainfall variations? Most maize farms are rain-fed, so proper drainage and moisture conservation techniques are key. Liquid fertilisers, such as OMEX (which you can view in our previous fertiliser blog), can improve nutrient uptake, but they still require moisture to be effective.

7. Fertiliser Application

Are you applying fertilisers at the right time and in the right way? Proper fertilisation is key to maximising maize productivity. Split application ensures efficient nutrient uptake. Apply basal fertilisers at planting and top-dress with nitrogen-based fertilisers such as urea when the maize reaches knee height. View our fertiliser product range here that can help you do this.

Img 3: Urea application to growing maize crops


8. Harvest Preparation

Harvesting is often overlooked until it's too late. Are you ready for a smooth harvest? Ensure you have the necessary machinery or labour to avoid delays that can compromise quality. Proper drying and storage conditions are key to preventing losses caused by pests and mould.

9. Market Access

A profitable harvest starts long before you plant. Have you secured a buyer? Identify buyers early and plan for storage and logistics to avoid post-harvest losses. Having a clear sales strategy ensures you get the best price for your maize.

10. Sustainable Farming Practices

What are you doing to protect your soil for future seasons? Sustainable practices such as conservation agriculture, intercropping with legumes, and minimal tillage help preserve soil health and improve yields. Thinking long-term ensures continued productivity and profitability.

Conclusion

The 2025 maize planting season is fast approaching. Are you taking all the right steps to maximise your yield? From soil health to market access, every decision counts. For expert guidance and high-quality agricultural inputs, call or WhatsApp our agronomists at +233 24 529 7047 or email us at info@demeterafrica.com. Don’t leave your success to chance—get in touch today!

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