Farm Equipment

Potato (Solanumtuberosum) is an essential vegetable crop around the world used as a staple food in many countries that belongs to the family Solanaceae. They are a rich source of starch and contain good amounts of Vitamin-C. Potato is said to be a poor man’s friend.

How to Grow Potatoes

Verities of potato:

Kufrilalima

Kufribadsha

Kufrichandramukhi

Kufrijawahar

Kufrisindhur

Kufrialankar

Kufrichamtkar

Kufri deva

Kufrijeevan

Soil:

Potato can be grown in a wide range of soils, ranging from sandy loam to silt loam, loam, and clay soil. Well-drained sandy loam soils and medium loam soils, rich in humus are most suitable for potato cultivation. Avoid alkaline soils for potato cultivation. As acidic conditions control the scab diseases prefer acidic (pH 4.8-5.8) soils potato cultivation.

Climate:

Basically, potato is a cool-season vegetable crop. It does well in cool regions where there are sufficient moisture and fertile soil. The temperature for optimum tuber growth is 17 and 19°C. There will be an adverse effect on tuber growth if the soil temperature is high. At 30°C or above temperatures tuber growth will stop. Long day conditions during growth and short-day conditions during tuber development will increase yield potential.

Land preparation:

Well pulverized soil is necessary for better tuber development of potato. Plow the field to a fine tilth for potato cultivation. Potatoes are grown under ridges rows to protect the developing tubers from sun greening. Ridges and furrows should be prepared with a spacing of 45 cm apart.

Seed rate:

Using tuber pieces of 45-50 grams or 35-40 mm are said to ideal for potato cultivation. To break dormancy, tubers are treated with thiourea 1%.

It requires around 3000 kg to 3500 kg tubers per ha if we use 45 grams tubers.

Spacing:

Recommended spacing for the cultivation of potato is 60 cm × 20 cm. It can accommodate 23,000 plants per ha.

Sowing:

Mostly potato is grown as a cool-season crop.

Sowing time- Autumn/ spring/ winter- In plains

Summer / autumn- In hills

Intercultural operations:

Weed control:

Care should be taken to control weeds in potato; otherwise, they will compete with the main crop plants for available resources. They may harbor various pests and diseases.  The first 60 days are said to be a critical period of weed competition. Spraying of pre-emergence herbicides like alachlor, Simazine, Nitrofen, etc., within five days after planting. Take up first hoeing after 45 days after sowing.

Dehaulming:

Removal of the top portions of the crop to avoid the infestation of virus-carrying insects is called dehaulming. It can be performed by cutting the tops manually or by spraying herbicides like Paraquat. When the aphid population increases above the threshold level, chances of a viral infestation too will be high.

Earthing up:

Covering the exposed tubers from the soil with soil is called earthing up. It can be done 40 days after sowing. It is mainly done to avoid the greening of developing tubers.

Irrigation:

Keep soil always moist enough. Potato is highly responsive to excellent irrigation facilities. Avoid conditions like hardening and high moisture conditions. Provide proper drainage. Provide irrigation at 7-8 days intervals before germination and at 4-5 days interval during the tuber development stage.

Fertilizer application:

Add 10-12 tonnes of farmyard manure before the last plowing. Add 40 kg urea, 150  kg SSP and 30 kg MOP before first plowing as a basal dose. Apply 40 kg urea after 30 days and add 20 kg urea, 30 kg MOP after 50 days after sowing.

Nitrogen is the essential fertilizer for potato crop and maximum responsiveness for nitrogen was recorded in alluvial soils.

There will be a phosphorous deficiency in acidic hill soils and it leads to dull dark green color leaves without luster.

Deficiency of K leads to shortening of internodes and high responsiveness to K is recorded in alluvial soils in potato.

Plant protection:

Major Pests and diseases:

Tuber moth:

Management: 

• practice earthing up, collection and distribution of affected plants
• Spray carbaryl 3 g per liter.

Leaf eating caterpillar:

Management:

• Spray carbaryl at 3 grams per liter.

Nematodes:

Management:

• Practice crop rotation
• Apply carbofuran 3 G granules at 33 kg per hectare while sowing.

Diseases:

Late blight:

Management:

• Use resistant verities like .kufrijyothi, kufri malar.
• Sparymancozeb 2 grams per liter or chlorothalonil 2 grams per liter

Early blight:

Management:

• Spray mancozeb 2 grams per liter or chlorothalonil 2 grams per liter provides effective control against early blight.

Brown rot:It also causes wilting of plants so, it is also called bacterial wilt.

Management: 

Use healthy planting material.

Avoid water stagnation in the field.

Collection and destruction of affected plant parts.

 Harvesting:

Potato crop will be ready for harvesting within 90-100 days after sowing, depending upon the variety. It can be done 20-25 days after haulm cutting. Tops will dry and turns into yellow to brown color. While plowing, care should be taken to avoid damage to the tubers. Irrigation should be stopped 10 days before harvesting to facilitate easy harvesting. Store the tuber after they were cured properly under shade.

Yield:

The yield potential of potato is 15-20 tonnes per hectare.

Uses of potatoes

It can be used either fresh or in dehydrated forms.

Potatoes are used in the preparation of chips and French fries.

In a few countries, it is used as a staple food.

It can also be used in the preparation of fuel-grade ethanol.

Protein powder extracted from potato is used after mixing with water for reducing weight.

It is also a good source of starch, fiber, Vitamin-C, and riboflavin, etc.

Soil organic matter comprises the decomposing plant and animal residues.

This organic material contains microbial synthesized compounds and other derivatives produced from the microbial activity.

An excellent organic matter is one that is completely decomposed. This decomposed material is also called humus.

Organic matter improves the soil’s physical structure and increases soil water movement and provides proper aeration by making the soil loose.

What is soil organic matter

This soil organic material is the material formed from dead plant and tissue matter.

It is especially made from the plant tissues, leaves, branches and roots.

Hence, the plants form the primary source of organic matter while the animals act as the secondary source of organic matter. The decomposition process mainly occurs due to the bacteria and fungi present in the soil.

Composition of Soil Organic matter

The organic matters consist of both organic and inorganic materials.

Organic materials include the nitrogenous organic compounds (Water-insoluble – protein, peptides and water-soluble – nitrate) and non-nitrogenous compounds.

Inorganic materials are the minerals present in the soil like the calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, etc.

Decomposition of Organic matter

The dead plant and animals matter which lie on the earth’s surface comes in contact with the soil and the water present in the soil.

The decomposition of these materials occurs slowly. However, the microbes boost the process by releasing enzymes that help in the breakage of the organic materials.

Microbes absorb the nutrients released during decomposition. The compounds of especially nitrogen and carbon are used for their growth and multiplication.

The rate of decomposition is directly affected by the number of the microbes population.  The higher the microbes, the faster is the decomposition.

The decomposition is also affected by the presence of nitrogen and carbon compounds in the decaying materials.

Factors affecting decomposition

Important factors regulating the decomposition of the organic residues in the soil are

• Temperature – Temperature directly affects the rate of decomposition. The rate decomposition of organic materials increases with the increase in temperature and vice verse.
• Soil moisture – Moisture in the soil and atmosphere favors the decomposition process.
• Soil reaction – Soil reactions affect the microbial activity and thereby affecting the decomposition of organic residues. Generally, pH 6-8 is optimum for the organisms. The decomposition of organic matter is slow under acidic and basic soil conditions.
• Soil texture – Soil texture indirectly influences the rate of organic matter decomposition.

The functions of organic matter

• Organic matter reduces the loss of surface soil due to erosions by forming granules with the soil particles.
• Organic matters influence the color of the soil. Presence of organic matter in the soil gives a dark black color to soil
• Organic matter increases soil fertility.
• The organic matter enhances the soil water holding capacity.
• Organic matter binds soil particles to form aggregates; these aggregates help to maintain the porosity of soil and maintain the aeration in the soil.
• This organic matter maintains the pH of soil
• Organic matter reduces plasticity, cohesion, stickiness, etc. in soil.
• During decomposition of organic matter, various organic acid and CO₂ liberate in the soil which helps to reduce the alkalinity of the soil.
• Organic matters are the storehouse of various nutrients that are essential for the growth of plants.
• Organic matters are the source of energy for microorganisms.

Management of organic matter in soil

• Tillage – reducing tillage minimizes the loss of organic matter from the soil. Tillage is done for field preparation, but this process affects the soil structure.
• Ground cover – by covering the ground, we can prevent the loss of organic matter from the surface erosion by the wind and water.
• Addition of organic matter- The addition of more organic matter in the soil will recover the organic matter which was lost.

Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree that is native to Australia. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae. It grows up to a height of 25 to 50 meters with around 2-meter diameter. However, there will be differences in the heights of the plant depending upon the species.

The essential oil of eucalyptus leaves is used for its medicinal properties. The plant is also known as a gum tree and Nilagiri tree.

Uses: The essential oil is a rubefacient and used for many purposes.

• It helps in reducing cold and fever.
• Leaves of eucalyptus are used in the preparation of air fresheners.
• Eucalyptus is useful in the preparation of various dental products and antiseptics etc.
• Ointments prepared from eucalyptus are used to treat minor aches and pains.
• The timber of eucalyptus is used for various purposes.
• Used in the treatment of sinus and allergies.
• Oil of eucalyptus gives temporary relief from the muscle and joint pains when they are applied.
• In some parts of the world, its oil is used as a bug repellent.

Clones and varieties:

FRI- 4, FRI – 6,271, 3, 288, 413, 7, E. globules and E. citriodora

Soil:

Its cultivation is possible under a wide range of soil conditions including those with low fertility. However, well-drained, loamy soils with rich in organic matter are most suitable for eucalyptus cultivation. Avoid eucalyptus cultivation under saline or alkaline soils that affect the growth and development of the plant. Optimum pH for eucalyptus cultivation is 6.0-7.5.

Climate:

It can be grown under tropical to temperate climatic conditions. Suitable temperature for cultivation is 0 – 40 ̊ C. Average rainfall required for eucalyptus cultivation is 4400 – 1250 mm. It can tolerate drought conditions. Hence, eucalyptus can be cultivated under wastelands and drought-prone areas. However, severe drought and frost are detrimental to the eucalyptus cultivation.

Propagation:

Eucalyptus propagation is done by either by seed or vegetative propagation. However, mostly it is propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown in poly bags in the nursery. Seeds will germinate within 10-15 days after sowing. These seedlings will ready for transplanting when they are 2- 3 months old and attain a 5 – 6 leaf stage. The root system of eucalyptus is susceptible. Hence, care should be taken during transplantion.

Land preparation:

Remove all weeds and stubbles before plowing the land. Perform around 1 – 2 are plowings to get a fine tilth of the soil. The addition of farmyard manure before plowing is beneficial.

Time of sowing:

June – October or commencement of monsoon (southwest) is said to be an ideal time of planting of eucalyptus.

Spacing:

Spacing followed in eucalyptus plantation is either 2 m × 2 m which can accommodate around 1200 plants per acre or 1.5 × 1.5 m it can accommodate 1690 plants per acre.

Inter crops:

As eucalyptus does not have spreading canopy we can grow various crops in the same filed in between.

This is called as intercropping and can be done in the early 2 – 3 years of growth.

Fertilizer management:

Apply farmyard manure yearly. Along with farmyard manure apply chemical fertilizers also as eucalyptus is highly responsive to the fertilizer application. Fertilizer applications should be done at the end of the monsoon.

First year 30: 20: 20 grams of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per tree.

Second year 60: 40: 40 grams of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per tree.

Third year 90: 60: 60 grams of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per tree.

Fourth year 120: 80: 80 grams of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per tree.

Fifth year 150: 100: 100 grams of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per tree.

Apply the recommended dose of nitrogen in 3 split doses.

Thinning:

Removing overpopulated, weak and diseased plants, from the field is called thinning. In eucalyptus thinning is practiced after one year. Remove all diseases, excessive and plants with weak growth.

Gap filling:

Fill the gaps of died plants to maintain an optimum population in the field. It should be done up to 2 years.

Staking:

Provide staking to the young growing plants with help bamboo sticks etc.to protect the plants from wind damage etc.

Weeding:

There no problem with the weeds with later stages of growth. But it is important to keep the field in the early stages. 2- 3 hand weedings are necessary to control weeds in the early stages. Spray herbicides if necessary.

Irrigation:

Provide irrigation immediately after transplanting. Eucalyptus can tolerate drought conditions to some extent. In monsoon, if the rainfall is good, you need not provide irrigation. In the case of monsoon failure providing protective irrigations will be necessary.

Pruning:

Removals excessive growth of the plants like outgrown twigs, dried leaves, and diseased plant parts, etc. is called pruning. Pruning ensures better growth and development of the plant. In eucalyptus, pruning is carried out at the end of the second year.

Pest and diseases:

Termites: Termites cause great damage to the plants.

Management: Spraying of Nimbicides at 2 grams per liter of water immediately after termite attack with the help of knapsack sprayer will control termites effectively.

Galls:

Management:

Use resistant verities

Collection and destruction of  affected plant parts.

Stem canker:

Management:

Application of Bordeaux mixture controls canker effectively.

Harvesting:

Generally, harvesting is done at the end of every fourth year by coppicing 5 cm above the stem. Leaves are collected at every 6 – 12 months intervals to extract the essential oil through steam distillation. Leaves are dried for three days before subjecting to the steam distillation. Best time for harvesting the leaves in March to May as leaves contain a high content of essential oil at this time. In some parts of the country collection of the leaves was done twice per year. On average leaves yield about 1 % oil.

Yield:

The average expected yield is 80- 100 MT per hectare in 8 years. There might be differences in yield depending upon various factors like variety used, the package of practices adopted, etc.

Also, see how to grow rhubarb, tomato indoors

The concept of farm security is a challenge for many farmers. This is often applicable to farmers with a large area of land that are difficult to watch. Farmer leave the crops and animals that are left on the farm after the daily operation. Besides them, even expensive equipment and machinery are also kept within the farm.

Theft in any form have devastating effects on the farm. Small equipment such as sprayers, weighing balance, and planters can be stolen without trace. Loss of tools and equipment makes farming difficult for the farmer.

Farm insecurity causes not only the theft of working equipment. There is also a risk of possible loss of crops and livestock. The harvested crop and farm animals could be carried away.

Thus, it is essential to secure your farm by following simple security solutions. You need to install security systems on your farm. With that, you can deter thieves from entering into your farm, save money, time and stay hassle free.

Types of farm security systems.

1. Electronic system: This system consists of installing electronic devices. Examples include alarms, access control, and video surveillance cameras on the farm.
2. Non-electronic system: This system uses locks and lights.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS.

Alarms can be installed on the farm connected to a monitoring station outside the farm. The alarm generate signals to the monitoring station. This would alert the police to inform them of unauthorized access. You can buy Solar Sound & Light Alarm Motion Sensor from amazon for $16.

Electronic access control cards are better alternative to key locks. Electronic access control cards prevent unauthorized access into the farm. Not only can you control access, but you can also record the card used to gain entry, the date and time of entry. There is a chance that a worker may accomplice in the theft. The identity of the person would be known through the card used to gain access into the farm. These design access control systems that can be used on the farm.

Cameras, monitors, and recorders are combined as a video surveillance system. This video surveillance system is more effective with the integration of motion sensors. The motion sensor triggers the video recorder when human movement is detected. A eight-camera wireless CCTV setup from amazon can cost $399.

Advantages of Electronic System

You will be able to get the identity of who broke into your farm and what they stole. This provides a concrete evidence for the police. Installation of alarms can signal alert on mobile devices anywhere and anytime. Thus, it is of excellent benefit to buy and install a high-quality system.

Disadvantage of Electronic System

The cost of acquiring the CCTV surveillance security cameras is expensive

NON-ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS.

Keep locks on all your farm gates especially the ones that lead to yards or anywhere your farm tools are stored. This may not stop all thieves but will slow down others who will have to make some noise to get inside. Thieves will not want to make alert anyone to them. Thieves cannot peep into your store to see the equipment you have before attempting to steal it. If they don’t know for sure what’s inside, they may be reluctant to break in. You can get locks such as Abus, Squire, APC, Sterling, and Abloy for about £20-£40.

Install light sources to dark areas at night such as the farm pathway to prevent clear entry of thieves. Lights should always stay on all through the night till dawn. Passive infrared security (PIR) light is an advanced electronic device. It turns on anytime there is movement on the farm. PIR security light could have wires or wireless. A wired PIR is connected to the main electricity supply while the wireless to a solar power. There are some areas of a farm which are far from an electric source. This is where a solar powered security light will work fine. So, you can install it almost anywhere. PIR lights can be purchased at Screwfix.

Advantages of Non – Electronic Systems.

Buying of locks and lights is inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Non – Electronic Systems.

Locks are easy to break. You cannot record any crime scene as police evidence compared to electronic systems.

Agricultural Sprayers are the equipment used for applying liquid substances to plants. These substances could be fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Based on the specification, size, and crop requirements sprayers are of different types like

1. Hand operated sprayers
2. Low-pressure sprayers
3. High-pressure sprayer
4. Air carrier sprayers
5. Foggers

Besides, these sprayers can be used to supply water for irrigation. Sprayers are one of the essential tools required for crop production. Pest infestation affects plants and you need to protect them. You can do this by applying pesticides with the aid of a sprayer. Sprayers are convenient to use than conventional watering can. Moreover, you can cover a large area of land within a short duration.

Types of Agricultural Sprayers

HAND OPERATED SPRAYERS

Hand operated sprayers are for small plant treatments. It involves applying water or liquid chemicals in a small land area. Hand operated sprayer works through an air pump. The pump compresses air into the tanks and pressurizes the liquid content. The spray pattern from the nozzle increases with a higher pressure. Once the pressure in sprayer decreases, the spray pattern is slow.

The applicator must pump the air before continuing to spray. The tank size of these type of sprayer can be up to ten liters and operate at low pressures of 350 kilopascals or less.

Back-pack sprayers is a hand operated sprayer carried on the applicators back. Backpack sprayer has a tank capacity as large as 20 liters, a hand lever, and a spray nozzle. The user operates the hand lever to exert pressure into the tank.

Advantages of hand operated sprayers

It is cheap, portable and convenient to use. It is good for spraying for crops like paddy, cotton, rhubarb when they are smaller in height. It can also be used for spraying pesticide for garden or indoor cultivation of tomatoes and other varieties.

Disadvantages of hand operated sprayers

Hand operated and backpack sprayers work with low pressures. This low pressure makes them slow and inefficient enough to use on large farms.

LOW-PRESSURE SPRAYERS

Low-pressure sprayers are of different types based on the capacity and size of the tanks. These include tractor mounted, trailer mounted, and truck-mounted models. They work on the principle of hydraulics. These sprayers consist of an air compartment, pressure gauges and regulators. The air compartment provides a constant nozzle pressure.

Tractors mounted sprayers:

A Tractor-mounted sprayer is one which is fixed on to a tractor. The capacity of the tank ranges from 150 to 500 gallons. A hydraulic motor attached to the power take-off shaft drives the pump of the sprayer.

Trailer-mounted sprayers: These are similar to above but are placed on a trailer coupled to the tractor. These sprayers have a tank capacity of up about 1000 gallon. The pump of the sprayer is driven by a hydraulic motor coupled to the power take-off shaft. The boom spray can reach between 3.7 – 15 meters in length.

Truck-mounted Sprayers: These are powered by an auxiliary engine which is placed in a truck. These are large sprayers with a tank capacity of up to 2,500 gallons, and the boom spray can reach up to 18 meters long.

Advantages of Low-pressure sprayers

They are more efficient than hand-operated sprayers and compatible with large farms.

Disadvantages of Low-pressure sprayers

They are expensive to get and the cost of maintenance is high.

HIGH-PRESSURE SPRAYERS

High-pressure sprayers are used to spray thick bushes and tall trees by foresters. These sprayers are more cumbersome and more expensive than low-pressure sprayers. The working principle of high-pressure sprayers is like that of low-pressure sprayers. They are also operated on hydraulics but can operate at pressures up to 6800 kilopascals.

AIR-CARRIER SPRAYERS

Air sprayers are useful for the application of concentrated chemicals through the air. The air which transports the chemicals dissipates and dilutes them. One common type of air carrier sprayer is the orchard sprayer used for fruit trees. They are also expensive to get, and the cost of maintenance is high.

FOGGERS

You can use foggers to spray liquid pesticides in the form of air vapor. They function in greenhouses or an area infested with a crop pest that needs treatment. The electric motor of about 110-120 volt current serves as the power source of foggers. Some larger foggers use a 12-volt horsepower electric motor. Their pumps operate at pressures up to 12,400 kilopascals with a durable spray power. Foggers are prone to drifting as a result of windy conditions. Meanwhile, the pesticides released in the form of vapor causes environmental toxicity.