Curriculum (PDF) - Biovision

Fig 13. Applying fertiliser or manure
Step 3: Place a three node cane into each
hole at an angle of 30 o -45 o all facing one
direction (Fig 14).
Fig 14. Two nodes of cane in a hole
Step 4: Cover with soil ensuring that two
nodes of the cane are well covered (Fig
15).
Fig 15. Cane covered with soil
Step 5: Repeat Steps 1 to 4 for the second
and third rows, ensuring that the rows are
75 cm apart and 75 cm between the plants
within the rows.
When complete, you will have three rows
of Napier grass all round the maize field.
Fig 16. Rows and plants at 75 cm apart
Note
If you are using root splits, place them upright
into the planting holes and cover with
soil (Fig 17 below).
Fig 17. Planting splits
Some farmers prefer to establish Napier grass
in the short rains. The desmodium and maize
intercrop are established in the subsequent
season. This helps to control stemborer in the
first season of Push-pull establishment.
(2) Planting desmodium
Step 1: Start from the fourth peg at the corner
of the marked plot and run a string to the
fourth peg on the opposite side. Do the
same for all the sides (Fig 18).
Fig 18. Strings running across the plot
Step 2: Mix thoroughly desmodium with fine
sand in the ratio of one part desmodium
seed to two parts dry sand (Fig 19).
To plant a 21m by 21m plot you need
250g to 300g of desmodium seed
Push-pull curriculum | 25