Sunday, 26 July 2015 10:30

Growing maize under film

Written by 
A greenhouse effect keeps the young maize seedlings in a warm and humid environment. A greenhouse effect keeps the young maize seedlings in a warm and humid environment.

One of the biggest recent advances in maize agronomy has been the growing of maize crops under film using the SAMCO System. 

This allows the production of higher yielding maize crops in cooler regions and can even allow the establishment of successful crops in areas previously considered marginal. 

The SAMCO System 3-in-1 maize-planting machine was awarded the Innovation Award for International Distinction at the 2014 National Fieldays. Developed in Ireland, it plants the maize seed, sprays the soil with a pre-emergent herbicide and covers the planter rows with a degradable film in a single pass.  

The degradable and breathable film creates a greenhouse effect by keeping the young maize seedlings in a warm and humid environment for four-six weeks. During this time, plants are protected from late frosts and adverse weather and they grow faster because there is more heat. The film also helps to conserve soil moisture. 

When the maize plant touches the film, the root system develops more rapidly and this helps to sustain the plant in the later growth stages. Eventually the plant breaks through the film and is on its way to producing a high-yielding crop. The SAMCO film itself is naturally broken down by warm temperatures and ultraviolet light, and the residue is eaten by soil microorganisms, meaning eventually it completely disappears. 

I’ve observed the SAMCO System in various regions over the past growing season. It offers a number of advantages.

In traditional maize growing areas crops can be planted up to four weeks earlier, allowing earlier harvest and subsequent establishment of pasture or a winter crop. Alternatively growers can plan a longer maturity maize hybrid and achieve higher drymatter yields. 

In cooler or higher altitude areas SAMCO offers the opportunity to grow crops in areas previously considered too cold. It also protects the young plants from late season frosts for four-six weeks.

In drier areas SAMCO retains moisture for successful maize crop establishment. Ventilation holes in the film limit temperature buildup and prevent the young seedlings from overheating.

Research overseas and locally shows a number of factors that help get the best results out of the SAMCO System. These include:

  • Choose a flat paddock, or near flat with consistent contour. Square or rectangular paddocks are ideal.
  • Spray out existing pasture several weeks prior to planting.
  • Plough the paddock to bury the trash and work the top to form a fine, even, clod-free seed bed.
  • Soil test and apply the required fertiliser before final cultivation.
  • The SAMCO planter works best in a seed bed 75-100mm deep with a maximum clod size of 30mm.

For further information on growing maize under the SAMCO System, call 0800 746 633 or speak to your local Pioneer representative.

• Ian Williams is  a Pioneer forage specialist. Contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More like this

Setting up for next season

As the season draws to an end for spring calving systems, increased attention and planning should be focused on next season.

Establishing a high yielding maize crop

The most profitable maize silage crop is the one which delivers the highest amount of energy per hectare. To achieve this, crop establishment is critical as maize silage and grain yield are greatly influenced by plant population.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter