The practice of growing maize under a total cover of very thin degradeable plastic film was pioneered and developed in Ireland. Samco Agricultural Manufacturing Ltd. designed and manufactured a drill capable of precision sowing maize seed, spraying a pre-emergence residual herbicide and laying a total cover film in one pass. Maizetech Ltd. identified suitable maize hybrids and developed agronomic methods and in-field support practices that helped growers integrate the system into their farming practice. Both companies have now developed oxo-degradable plastic films for use with the system – now known as The Samco System.

Independent research has demonstrated that The Samco System provides the potential for significant yield increases and/or earlier harvest dates in the maize crop. Such effects have been shown to be particularly valuable in marginal areas or seasons with low amounts of accumulated heat. The thin plastic film creates a microclimate for the maize seeds as they germinate and grow. This microclimate increases the crop’s ability to survive during periods of cold temperatures and frost compared to that of crops sown in the open. It has been shown in independent trials that the temperature of the air and soil underneath the film can rise rapidly after sowing, and early growth and establishment can be significantly advanced.

Trials and commercial experience have shown that certain maize hybrids are more suited to sowing under film than others. Some are clearly unsuitable. The Pioneer hybrids JUSTINA and BENICIA have been extensively grown under film with significant success and have become the backbone of the system.

The agronomic practices required for cultivating maize under film vary significantly to those normally adopted when cultivating maize in the open. In addition to selecting a suitable hybrid it is important that appropriate advice is sought on all the other appropriate crop management techniques relevant to this method of cultivation.

‘A fundamental part of The Samco System is the use of maize hybrids that we know are suited for cultivation under film’ says Samuel J. Shine of Samco. ‘Samco and Maizetech have worked closely with Pioneer to identify and develop hybrids that respond significantly to the conditions that exist under the film. JUSTINA and BENICIA were the first Pioneer hybrids that we identified as being suited to The Samco System. Other hybrids such as PR39D60, PR39K13, PR39T83 and PR39W67 now create a full line up to cater for the different locations and end-use aims that those growers adopting The Samco System require.’

For further details about The Samco System please contact Samco, Tuogh, Adare, County Limerick; Tel: 00 353 (0)61 396176; Website: www.samco.ie