Guidelines for land preparation
Land Preparation: Before planting, it is crucial to prepare the land properly. Start by ploughing the soil to break up clumps and loosen it. This helps in creating a favorable environment for root development and nutrient absorption. Additionally, make basins and dig trenches to provide adequate water retention and drainage for the crops.
Planting Seeds: When planting seeds directly into the soil, it is advisable to do so when the soil is dry. After planting, gently water the area to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact. This helps the seeds establish contact with the soil and initiates germination. However, if you are planting seedlings, it is better to water the ground first before planting them. This helps to cool the soil, preventing the seedlings from drying out when transplanted.
Spacing: Spacing between plants is an important consideration for their healthy growth. In your case, with trenches of about 2-3 meters, the recommended spacing between plants should be between 40-50 cm apart. Proper spacing allows each plant to have sufficient access to nutrients, sunlight, and water, and also provides ample room for applying fertilizers when needed.
Fertilizer Application: Fertilizers play a crucial role in providing essential nutrients for plant growth. When applying fertilizer during planting, it is beneficial to use a startup fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus promotes root development and overall plant growth. Alternatively, fertilizers can be applied after planting, following the specific recommendations for the crop being cultivated.
Pest and Disease Management: Protecting crops from cutting insects and fungal diseases is vital for their successful growth. One effective method is drenching, which involves applying a liquid pesticide or fungicide solution to the soil around the plant base. This helps to prevent pests and diseases from damaging the young and delicate crop.
