How to Get 40 Bags of Maize Per Acre
Imagine walking through your field at harvest time and seeing 40 full bags lined up from just one acre. It’s totally possible, but only if you do more than just plant and wait. Getting that kind of yield means treating your maize like a business: selecting the right seed, managing soil, timing fertilizer, controlling pests, and tending well. Let me show you step by step how farmers who hit 40+ bags do it.
Quick Answer — At a Glance
Choose a high-yield, hybrid variety suited to your agro-ecological zone
Prepare the land well: till, remove residue, test and amend soil
Get planting density and spacing right; plant at start of rains
Apply fertilizer (basal & top dress) at the right times
Keep weeds & pests under control, harvest well
Step-by-Step Guide
Select the right maize variety
Pick hybrid varieties proven for your altitude (e.g. highlands, medium, or lowland). Some highland hybrids can yield 43-68 bags per acre under ideal conditions. agcenture.com+2Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+2
Make sure the variety is disease-resistant, drought-tolerant (if needed), and suits your growing season.
Prepare the soil and site well
Clear old crop residue and weeds, plough or till early so the soil rests before planting.
Test the soil for nutrients (N, P, K) and pH. If acidic, lime accordingly. Add organic matter/manure to improve fertility.
Choose good land with good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Use correct spacing and seed rate
Use recommended spacing: for many regions, 75 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants in good rainfall areas, or 90 cm x 30 cm in drier or low rainfall zones. Farmers Trend+2Nation Africa+2
This gives a plant population of about 44,000 plants per hectare (which translates well into about 18,000-22,000 plants per acre depending on spacing). Farmers Trend+1
Fertilize properly
Basal fertilizer application at planting, using balanced NPK or phosphorus source.
Top-dress (apply nitrogen later) once plants are about knee high (about 5-6 weeks after planting) or when they begin rapid vegetative growth. Nation Africa+1
Ensure fertilizers are applied when soil moisture is adequate so nutrients are accessible.
Manage weeds, pests, and diseases actively
Weed early and often especially in the first 4-6 weeks. Weeds compete for moisture, nutrients, light. Nation Africa+1
Monitor for pests like fall armyworm, maize streak virus, ear rots; use certified seed and fungicides/insecticides when necessary.
Use good crop rotation, avoid planting maize continuously on same land.
Harvest, dry, and store properly
Harvest when moisture content is correct (~13-14%) to avoid post-harvest losses.
Dry maize adequately before storing; poor drying leads to mold, aflatoxin issues, quality loss.
Use clean sacks or storage and avoid insect infestation.
Important Notes & Tips
Rainfall and climate are factors you can’t fully control, but planting early and choosing suitable varieties can reduce risk.
Hybrid seeds and fertilizers cost more — budget properly; but returns per acre can far outweigh costs if management is good.
Soil testing is one of the most cost-effective things you can do; fixing soil issues early pays off.
Keep good records (when planted, fertilizer used, pest control) so you learn what works on your land.
FAQs
Is 40 bags per acre a realistic goal for smallholder farmers?
Yes, especially in high-potential areas with good rainfall and where hybrids, soil fertility, and management practices are well done.
What if I’m in a low rainfall area?
You might adapt spacing (wider), choose drought-tolerant varieties, and time planting just before rains; but yield may be lower unless irrigation or moisture conservation is available.
How much seed do I need per acre?
Recommended seed rate is about 20-25 kg per acre for hybrids depending on spacing and seed size. ShunCy+1
When should I top-dress with nitrogen?
Around when maize is knee high, or roughly 5-6 weeks after planting, but this depends on growth stage, soil moisture, and variety.
Will costs eat up profit if doing everything correctly?
Input costs (seed, fertilizer, labour) are high, but good yield can offset this. Cost-benefit tends to be favorable if you hit yields like 40 bags as opposed to low yields.
