Land Preparation, Planting Dates, Seed Rates, Spacing, and Sowing Depth - SS1 Agriculture Lesson Note

Maize:

Land Preparation: Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing to create a fine seedbed. Weed control is crucial to reduce competition.

Planting Dates: Maize is typically planted in the spring when soil temperatures have reached around 50°F (10°C) or higher.

Seed Rates: The recommended seed rate for maize is about 20,000 to 30,000 plants per acre.

Spacing: Row spacing can vary but is often between 30 to 36 inches (75 to 90 cm).

Sowing Depth: Plant maize seeds about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep, depending on soil moisture levels.

 

Sorghum:

Land Preparation: Similar to maize, prepare the land by plowing and harrowing.

Planting Dates: Sorghum is typically planted in the spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.

Seed Rates: The recommended seed rate for sorghum ranges from 4 to 10 pounds per acre, depending on the variety and row spacing.

Spacing: Row spacing varies but is often between 30 to 40 inches (75 to 100 cm).

Sowing Depth: Plant sorghum seeds about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep.

 

Rice:

Land Preparation: Rice fields, or paddies, require leveling and flooding. Pre-soaking and plowing are common practices.

Planting Dates: Rice is planted in the spring in temperate regions and in the wet season in tropical regions.

Seed Rates: Typically, 90 to 150 pounds of rice seed are used per acre, depending on the rice variety.

Spacing: Rice is usually transplanted at a spacing of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) between plants.

Sowing Depth: Rice seeds are transplanted into the flooded fields at a depth of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm).

 

Millet:

Land Preparation: Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing, similar to other cereals.

Planting Dates: Millet is usually planted in the spring or early summer when the soil is warm.

Seed Rates: Millet seed rates vary by variety but typically range from 6 to 10 pounds per acre.

Spacing: Row spacing can vary but is often between 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).

Sowing Depth: Plant millet seeds about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep.