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How does drought affect the production of maize?
Due to high demand for white maize, it will be imported from various countries to meet the demands. Maize prices have also increased to a record high due to the decrease in production. Livestock farmers are also feeling the pinch, due to lack of feed for their animals.
How does drought influence the farming project of producing maize in South Africa?
Under drought stress, stomata in the leaves of maize plants close to reduce transpiration. This can have a negative effect on flowering, pollination and grain fill. A soil moisture deficit of just four days can reduce maize yield by up to 50%.
How does drought affect farming?
Farmers may lose money if a drought destroys their crops. If a farmer’s water supply is too low, the farmer may have to spend more money on irrigation or to drill new wells. Businesses that depend on farming, like companies that make tractors and food, may lose business when drought damages crops or livestock.
What are the factors that influence production of maize?
These inputs are, inter alia, adapted cultivars, plant population, soil tillage, fertilisation, weed, insect and disease control, harvesting, marketing and financial resources. In developed countries, maize is consumed mainly as second-cycle produce, in the form of meat, eggs and dairy products.
Is maize a drought resistant crop?
Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties (DTMVs) are one such promising avenue. These maize (Zea mays, also known as corn) varieties have an enhanced ability to withstand an abiotic stress like drought.
What crops are affected by drought?
Most specialty crops (such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and medicinal herbs) are more vulnerable to drought than field crops and have a higher value per unit of land/water. They may therefore represent a higher risk for experiencing economic loss in drought if the crop water demand exceeds water supply.
Why is the drop in maize production a major concern for South Africa?
However there has been a decrease in the production of summer crops over the last year. We are going to have a problem in the supply of yellow maize in the country because the yellow maize crop was not pollinating, as the plants were too hot; and therefore the yield will be lower this year.
What are three effects of drought?
Examples of drought impacts on society include anxiety or depression about economic losses, conflicts when there is not enough water, reduced incomes, fewer recreational activities, higher incidents of heat stroke, and even loss of human life. Drought conditions can also provide a substantial increase in wildfire risk.
How does drought affect agriculture in South Africa?
The impact of lower rainfall has negative effects on the agricultural sector, resulting in decrease in agricultural activities, loss of livestock, shortage of drinking water, low yields and shortage of seeds for subsequent cultivation in the district. The lowest average annual rainfall recorded was 438 mm in 1992.
What is maize farming?
Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world, with the total production of maize surpassing that of wheat or rice. Maize is also used in making ethanol and other biofuels. Maize is widely cultivated throughout the world, and a greater weight of maize is produced each year than any other grain.
What are the factors affecting crop production?
The four most important factors that influence crop yield are soil fertility, availability of water, climate, and diseases or pests.
What is drought tolerant maize?