The Principal Consultant to Dolapo-Frank Farmers Organization, an agricultural NGO, has advised farmers not to rush into planting with the early rains, as they are often followed by dry spells which can damage crops and affect yields, resulting in crop failures. Professor Adekayode’s advice corroborates the earlier announcement made by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on the issue. The water needs of arable crops like maize, cowpea, and yam at various growth stages (germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and grain filling) are presented for illustration.
For maize:
– Germination: consistent moisture for seedling emergence
– Vegetative stage: adequate water for leaf growth.
– Flowering and grain filling: critical period; water stress can reduce yield.
For cowpea:
– Germination: sufficient moisture for emergence.
– Vegetative stage: moderate water.
– Flowering and pod filling: adequate water is crucial for yield.
For yam:
– Sprouting (0-4 weeks): moderate water; ensure soil is moist for sprout emergence.
– Vegetative growth (4-12 weeks): adequate water promotes vine growth and tuber initiation.
– Tuber bulking (12-20 weeks): high water demand; ensure consistent moisture for tuber growth.
– Maturation (20-24 weeks): reduce water to promote tuber dry matter accumulation.
NB: Yams are sensitive to waterlogging, so ensure good drainage.
Details and other agricultural posts accessed via:
https://farmingbrief.org/early-rain-nimet-warns-farmers-against-planting-drinking-rainwater/
Courtesy: Dolapo-Frank Farmers Organization (NGO).