It depends on target yield and soil fertility status. Clay soils are thirsty while sandy soils are hungry. The basic recommended levels are 200 kg basal D/C plus 200kgs urea per hectare. Note that maize varieties respond positively to increased fertiliser and other crop management factors.

All our current maize varieties produce a single cob, so one kernel will produce one cob.

Insufficient fertiliser will give below potential grain yield.

Basal fertilisers do not move in the soil, while straight or top-dress fertilisers move in the soil. Most fertilisers are water soluble. Basal fertilisers are better applied to a soil depth where the crop roots will reach it. Basal fertiliser is applied at the time of planting and top dressing fertiliser after 4-6 weeks of germination.

Left-over hybrid seed is what is referred to as re-cycled seed. This has detrimental effect on the next crop yield because some plants will have self-pollinated and will result in small plant progenies (offspring) in the next generation which will give small cobs and reduce the grain yield potential.

As much as there are weeds because weeds will compete with the crop for fertiliser, space, light and other factors required for good crop growth and optimum grain production.

It is ideal to plant one seed per planting station to reduce plant competition for nutrients, space and light.

It is detrimental because D compound is required by the plant during early growth stage for total plant establishment relative to urea which is required for the reproductive stage for grain filling support.