To develop a good weed control strategy, one has to know the weed types involved.
Additionally, for better control of weeds, farmers need to identify the main weed types in the field and select the most appropriate method of control.
Hoeing and hand pulling should be carried out at least two weeks after planting. It is easier to weed using a hand hoe if the maize is planted in neat rows.
But overall, the number of times one weeds will depend on the type of weeds and the amount of rainfall, plus the overall soil fertility.
It is also worth noting that the density and intensity of planting may also determine the ease with which weeds are controlled on a farm.
For example, it may not be so easy fighting weeds in densely populated crops. Crop rotation can also be used as a method of weed control. This is the planned planting of different crops at different times on the same field.
For example, maize can be planted and then a legume like soya bean planted in the next season. The change of crops helps do away with crop specific weeds like striga.
Inter-cropping of maize with a secondary crop is also recommended. This crop, for example, beans, will occupy the space that would otherwise have been occupied by weeds.
