Sequential maize planting: A cropping strategy for the small farmer*

The influence of planting date and temperatures during growth on the yield and rate of phenologlcal development of maize was investigated. Maize (hybrid Pnr 6428) was planted at 14‐day intervals from mid‐August to early February with the object of developing a cropping strategy which could result in a sustained supply of table maize for the small farmer in central Ciskei. Sequential plantings provided a sustained supply of table maize for 171 days. One hectare of maize, yielding 1,5 tons in central Clskel, used for home consumption, has a current monetary value of R855,36 when costed in terms of saving on purchased maize products, as opposed to R62,02 when sold as grain.

The results indicated that the Ontario system and a modification of the heat stress system of temperature summation predicted time to silking more accurately than the calendar day and standard methods.

The composition of kernels with regard to protein, fat and total digestible nutrients on a dry mass basts was not materially affected by stage of development after the milk stage. A schedule is presented for central Ciskei which proposes a planting time pattern intended to provide weekly harvests of table maize for a period of approximately six months. The increase in acreage required to compensate for premature harvesting and. yield decline due to late planting is also shown.