Dry season sludge husbandry is the civilization of sludge during the dry season in Nigeria, which includes sowing seeds, maintaining the field, and harvesting cobs. This process occurs in the southern region between October and March, while northern Nigeria practices it between September and April. Due to low number of growers, the profitability of this process is high.
Start by following these guidelines:
1. plan
To successfully engage in dry-season maize farming in Nigeria, it is crucial to plan, including creating a business plan and conducting a feasibility study, and addressing financing and capital availability issues.
2. Farmland Location
To successfully dry season maize farming, it’s crucial to choose a suitable farmland with nutrient-rich soil and accessible roads for easy transportation of maize produce to the market.
3.The Right Maize Seeds
When planting maize seeds for dry season farming, consider the type of variety that can tolerate drought better. Hybrid varieties are more resistant to pests and illnesses and have higher yields than open pollinated varieties, making them a more suitable choice for planting.
4.Preparing the land
Land preparation involves removing trees, stumps, and weeds from farmland, ploughing, harrowing, and ridging. For dry season maize farming, ploughing multiple times ensures loose soil, which drains well and positively impacts the crop. Small farms use animals for this task, while larger farms use tractors.
5.irrigation
Dry season maize farming in Nigeria requires various irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, rain gun irrigation, spray tube irrigation, thin irrigation, and drip flood irrigation systems, which are essential for the successful cultivation of maize.
6.labour
To succeed as a dry-season maize farmer in Nigeria, address labour issues by hiring farm hands aged 18 and above, and pay them a set price at the end of the season or at an agreed time.
7.planting
Maize planting in the dry season should occur between September and April, with southern Nigeria having a different planting time than northern Nigeria.
8.fertilizers
Before starting dry season maize farming in Nigeria, it’s essential to conduct a soil analysis to determine the soil’s nutrient profile. There are various types of fertilizers, including NPK 15:15:15, urea, Potassium Nitrate, and Calcium Nitrate.
9.pest and diseases
In Nigeria, pests and diseases are prevalent during the dry season, necessitating efficient management. Various methods, including fungicides, insecticides, nematicides, bactericides, and acaricides, can be used to effectively control these pests and diseases in maize cultivation.
10.Harvest
Harvest maize when mature, as grains are typically more expensive and sold at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the rainy season.
