Farm Practices

Soil Water Content |Its Types, Retention and Measurement

The water present inside the pores of soils is called the soil water. This water comes from the surface of the soil by the process of infiltration (the movement of water into the soil), percolation (the downward movement of water within the soil), and seepage from the nearby water supply canals.

The movement of water within the soil depends upon its permeability. Permeability is the ability of the soil to transmit the water or air. Soil permeability is commonly measured in terms of the rate of the flow of water through the soil in a given time period.

Structure of Water

Water is a simple compound containing atoms of oxygen and hydrogen. One molecule of water contains one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. These elements are bonded together by a covalent bond, where hydrogen shares its electron with an oxygen atom to form the bond, which is arranged in a ‘V’ shape arrangement.

The atoms form 105 degree angle with an oxygen atom. Due to this V-shaped arrangement, water is polar in nature which means there is an uneven distribution of electrons.

The water molecules have a negative charge near the oxygen atom and a positive charge near the hydrogen atom.

Soil moisture retention

Water is retained in the soil due to the force of adhesion, cohesion force, capillary force, and surface tension. These forces hold the water against the gravitational force.

Cohesion force – It is the force of attraction between two similar molecules. Through the cohesive force, the atoms of oxygen get attracted to the other atoms of other water molecules present in the soil to form a bond. This is a cohesion bond. The bond between two molecules through a single hydrogen atom is called a hydrogen bond. The water film in soil maybe 15-20 layers thick, and approximately 60% of this water is available to the plant, which they utilize for their growth.

Adhesive force – Attraction between two different molecules is the adhesive force. Due to adhesive force, the water is attached to the particles of soils. Adhesive water is not available for the plant because the force is strong, so the root of the plant cannot absorb the water.

Water-repellent soils are the soil which is coated with some oily or fatty substance present in the soil or may come from the surface water due to leaching , this coat prevents the attraction of soil with water molecules, and such soils are water repellent soils.

Capillary force – The force which holds water in between the capillaries of the soil particles is the capillary force. The capillary water is retained on the soil particles by adhesive force between the soil particles and water molecules.

The heat of wetting – when the clay particles are hydrated, a certain amount of energy is released, which is known as the heat of wetting. The heat of wetting decreases as the layers of water molecules increases on the soil particles which means the first layers of water molecules will release more amount of energy as compared to its substituent layers.

Types of soil water

There are two classifications of soil water

Physical classification
Biological classification

Physical classification

It is further divided into three types

Gravitational Water
Capillary water
Hygroscopic water

Gravitational water – Gravitational water is the water that is held at a potential greater than -1/3 bar. This water moves under the force of gravity. It is mainly found in the macrospores of soil, and this water is littles use to plant.

Capillary water – Capillary water is held at a potential of -1/3 bars to -31 bars. Capillary water is found in the micropores of the soil; these water are retained by the adhesive force between the soil particles and water molecules. Capillary water is available for the use of the plant.

Hygroscopic water – Hygroscopic water is the water that is held at a potential of more than -31 bars. They are mainly found in the vapor form in soil due to which it is not available for the plant.

Biological water

This classification is based on the water which is available to the plant for their utilization.

Available water – Available water is the water that is held in the soil at a pressure of -1/3 bars (field capacity) and -15 bars (permanent wilting coefficient). These water are easily available for plant use.

Unavailable water –Unavailable water is the water that is held in soil at a pressure of -15 bars. These waters are not available for plant use.

Factors affecting the soil water

Soil water is affected by the texture, structure, organic matters, soil pores sizes.

1) Soil pore size – soil pore means the voids present in between soil particles ,which are filled by water or air. The size of soil pores affects the soil water as the small and medium-size pore holds the water with more strength than large ones.

2) Soil structure – soil structure differs from soil to soil; soil structure determine the quantity of water a soil a hold

3) Organic matters – Organic matters is very important for the soil as it increases the soil fertility and also soil water holding capacity. It increases the pores in the soil.

4) Soil texture – Soil texture affects the soil water content as the fine texture soil helps water to percolate in soil from the upper surface.

Soil moisture measurement

Soil moisture can be measured by

Tensiometer
Gravimetric method
Electrical conductivity method

Soil moisture by Tensiometer

It is used to determine the soil moisture tension in the soil. It consists of a glass tube with a porous ceramic cup and is filled with water, and the tube is attached with a vacuum gauge.

It is used in irrigation scheduling. It can also be used to determine the amount of water need to irrigate.

Gravimetric method

It is a mathematical method used to determine the soil moisture content. In this method, the soil is taken from the field in a container, weight is noted, which will be the initial value, and after that, it is oven dried for 24 hrs, and again weight is taken. After that moisture is calculated by

%moisture= (Initial weight – oven dry weight)/oven dry weight x100

Electrical conductivity method

This works on the electrical conductivity method. In this method, gypsum blocks are buried in the soil at the desired depth; these gypsum blocks are connected with two electrodes, then conductivity is measured with the help of the Wheatstone bridge. This method is used to calculate soil moisture.

Importance of soil water

Soil water is an important agent for physical, chemical and biological weathering
It is an important medium for the transportation of minerals in the plant body
It maintains cell turgidity and regulates body temperature.
It helps in the gaseous exchange during transpiration.

It is an excellent solvent for most of the soil nutrients.

How to Grow Lemon | Details on Cultivation and Harvesting

Lemon is the most important fruit crop around the world belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is also the most popular fruit of the citrus group. It is a good source of Vitamin – C. It is useful in improving skin quality.

It also improves digestion. Used in preparations of mouth fresheners. Lemon juice is also used in the preparation of juices and beverages etc. drinking lemon juice with honey and water will cause a reduction in weight. It contains 27 % of the protein in it. Lemon also reduces the incidence of heart diseases. As the peels are rich in pectin, they are also used for the preparations of jellies, marmalades, etc.

Details on How to Grow Lemon

Verities:

Eureka

Libson

Plant lemon – 1

Villafranca

Kagzikalan

Climate requirement

Areas which are relatively dry with low moisture content in the air are most suitable for lemon cultivation. Lemon cultivation requires an average rainfall of 750 mm. areas prone to high wind velocity are not suitable for cultivation lemon. High rainfall and high humidity will not favor its cultivation as they cause uneven flowering at uneven times.

Soils selection

Deep red soils with proper drainage are suitable for lemon cultivation. Requires p.h for citrus cultivation is 6.5 – 7.5. soils with high lime content need to be avoided for lemon cultivation. Do not cultivate lemon in soils that are rocky and shallow.

Propagation of lemon

Lemons mainly propagated by seeds, or they are also propagated by budding on trifoliate orange or mandarin lime. Care should be taken while procuring the planting material as the life span of the orchard will be affected.

Planting tips

Dig the pits of 1 × 1× 1 m size before one month of planting and allow the pits to dry for some days. Add 20-kilo grams of farmyard manure, 1-kilo grams of single super phosphate along with 1kilo grams of neem cake for a pit.

Note:

Planting should be done during evening times.

Provide support for the seedlings by staking.

Avoid plating weak, unhealthy and diseased seedlings.

Spacing:

General recommended spacing in citrus fruits is 6 -8 m × 6 – 8 m.

Irrigation

Lack of proper irrigation leads to poor growth and reduced flowering, fruiting. So, proper irrigation should be provided whenever it is necessary. Provide frequent irrigations for plants during the summer season at the juvenile phase. Flowering and fruit development are critical stages for water requirements. Irrigate the crop immediately after fertilizer application. Irrigation through drip will save water, increase the growth of plant and fruit quality.

Inter cultivation

In the early years of crop growth, we can go with intercrops like chickpea, chili, onion, brinjal, and tomato, etc. growing intercrops will decrease the nematode population. Grow green manure crops and plow them during flowering will increase soil fertility.

Fertilization

It is a very important operation in the lemon orchards. Lack of good proper fertilization leads to the attack of different pests and diseases. In lemon 25 % nitrogen should be applied farmyard manure, 25 % should be provided in the form of neem cake, and the remaining 50 % should be applied in the form of chemical fertilizers in two splits the first dose during December – January and second split during June – July. Phosphorous should be applied inform of single super phosphate; potash should be applied in the form of muriatic of potash.

During the first year: 375: 150: 200 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the second year: 750: 300: 400 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the third year: 1125: 450: 600 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the fourth year: 1500: 600: 800 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the fifth year and after 1500: 600: 800 grams of N: P: K per plant.

Stop irrigation a few days before flowering and apply the recommended dose of fertilizers and irrigate the crop sufficiently.

Flowering regulation

In lemon, there will be flowering round the year. But a major part of flowering occurs in 3 seasons from January to February, June – July, and September to October. We can regulate this flowering and take up the crop in any one season depending upon market demand and pest and disease incidence etc. by adopting crop regulation (water regulation).

In crop regulation, we will stop the irrigation before 1 – 2 months of flowering, and roots were slightly pruned and exposed to the sun. by doing, plants we go into dormancy whenever they met with favorable conditions they start flowering. By adopting crop regulation we can get uniform flowering, high yield, and quality fruits.

Controlling flower and fruit dropping

Fruit and flower dropping may happen due to various reasons like changes in the temperature, high rainfall and chemical changes inside the plants, etc. Avoid plowing during flowering and fruiting in the orchard. Mix Alpha naphthyl acetic acid 1 ml per 4.5 liters of water or 2 – 4 D 1 ml to 100 liters of water and spray during flowering and fruiting when fruits are pea-size will control this problem effectively.

Training:

Training is an important operation in lemon orchards to develop a good canopy structure. Generally, lemons trained as low headed plants. An open leader system is followed in lemons, which can get abundant sunshine.

Pruning:

Pruning is mainly the removal of diseased, dried and extra growth. In lemon, orchards practice light pruning every year to remove the previous season fruiting branches.

Harvesting

In lemon, first, harvesting can be done after 3 – 4 years of planting. Fruits come to maturity after 5 – 6 months after flowering.

Yield:

Yield will depend upon various factors like the type of soil, variety, pest, diseases, and climatic conditions. We can take around 2000 – 5000 fruits from a single lemon tree. Do not keep the harvested fruits under the sun. Harvesting during and after rain is not advisable. Yield varies depending upon the various factors like variety used, climatic conditions and soil fertility, etc.

Storage:

Lemons can be stored for 8 – 12 weeks at 85 – 90 % relative humidity at 7.2 to 8.6 ̊ C.

Major pest and diseases:

Pests:

Leaf minor:

Management:

Employing natural enemies.

Spraying phosphamidon at 1 mi per liter 2 -3 times.

Spraying of NSKE 5 %

Citrus butterfly:

Management:

Spray Nuvan 1 ml per liter.

Hand-picking of larvae.

Employ parasitoids like Trichogramma etc.

Fruit sucking moth:

Management:

Removing of weeds that act as hosts for the insect.

Grow trap crops like a tomato.

Hand-picking and destroying the larvae.

Bagging of fruits with polythene bags reduces the damage of fruit sucking moth.

Thrips:

Management:

Spraying of malathion 0.05 % or carbaryl 0.1 %.

Collect and destroy the affected plant parts.

Termites:

Management:

Apply facial 2 % near the base of trees.

Spray chlorpyriphos 4 ml per liter on the affected branches.

Nematodes:

Management:

Apply 50 grams of carbofuran granules per plant near the base.

Avoid cultivation of tomato, tobacco and brinjal, etc. crops as intercrops.

Apply 15-kilo grams of neem cake or castor cake per plant.

Mites:

Management:

Spraying Dicofal at 2 ml per liter or Propargite 57% 1 ml per liter during once in September, October, and November months.

Diseases:

Canker: The most serious problem in citrus fruits.

Management:

It is mainly controlled by controlling the leaf miner by which it will spread.

Spraying of streptomycin at 500 ppm will provide better control.

Color rot:

Management:

Maintain proper sanitation in the field.

Carry out pruning operations at timely intervals.

Spraying of the Bordeaux mixture will also control collar rot.

Scab:

Management:

Spraying of copper oxychloride along with white oil.

Greening:

Management:

it is mainly propagated by psyllids controlling psyllids by spraying chemicals like Monochrotopus is advisable to control greening in lemons.

Powdery mildew:

Management:

Collection and destruction of affected plant parts.

Two to three Cabendizem sprays at 20 days intervals.

How to grow mushrooms indoors | Types and Method

Mushroom is an above-ground fruiting body of a fungus having a shaft and a cap. Mushrooms are used in the preparation of many kinds of flock medicine. These are also used in preparation of dyes for dying wool and natural fiber. The demand for mushrooms was increasing day by day for their properties like anticancer, antiviral and immunity enhancement. Mushrooms are a good source of proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Used as the best supplement for meat in terms of proteins. Mushrooms are the low calorific food.

Mushrooms are good source of all minerals, contain high amounts of calcium. It also contains high amounts of sodium and potassium so, it can be useful for the patients suffering from hypertension.

Mushrooms are considered as a delight for the diabetics due to high protein, low calories, no sugar and starch. Hence, these are recommended for heart patients and diabetic patients.

It contains low amounts of fats but rich in essential amino acids like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, etc.

Mushrooms are rich source of fiber which helps in better digestion and prevents constipation, acidity problems.

Mushrooms also contain a good amount of moisture, almost 90 %.

We can also prepare various food items with mushrooms like mushroom biryani, mushroom soup, mushroom omelet, mushroom cutlet, mushroom curry, mushroom pickle, and mushroom mutter, etc.

Types of mushrooms:

There are around 50,000 mushroom species; among those, only 10,000 are edible ones. However, among all those only six types are recommended for commercial cultivation. Those are

Paddy straw mushroom
Oyster mushroom
Button mushroom
Milky mushroom
Jews ear mushroom
Shiitake mushroom

Now, we will discuss briefly how to grow mushrooms at our homes easily in this article.

How to grow mushrooms indoors

Required materials for mushroom cultivation at home:

We need very fewer materials which can be availed easily to grow mushrooms at our home.

Mushroom spawns
Straw
Plastic bags

Spawn:

Spawn is nothing but a vegetative mycelial network of a mushroom developed after the germination of fungal spores. It contains mycelia along with supporting medium, which provides nutrition to the fungus for growth and development.

Precautions:

Purchase the good quality spawn of required type from reliable resources like mushroom growing points, training centers, etc.

Well, dried, fresh straw should be used for mushroom cultivation at homes. Don’t use wet, rotted straw. Avoid bringing straw from unhygienic places.

Select polythene bags of proper size, which relatively think enough to bear the weight of media in it. Don’t use polythene bags, which are very thin. Because they might prone to tearing problems, which totally damages cultivation.

Procedure:

Mostly oyster and white button mushrooms are suitable for cultivation at home.

Sterilization:

In commercial cultivation, we will use machinery for sterilization as we are growing mushrooms at home; we can do sterilization of media by boiling on the stove in the kitchen.
Collect the dried straw and shred the straw into small pieces and boil the shredded pieces of straw by adding water to it for 10 minutes.

Uses of sterilization:

Boiling is very important in mushroom cultivation at home because it sterilizes the media from harmful microbes etc.
It also softens the lignin and cellulose bonds present in the straw, which facilitates the easy growing of mushrooms and softening of straw to ensure better packing it in polythene bags.
Stop boiling after 10 minutes. Avoid excessive boiling. Then squeeze the straws with the hands to remove the excess water.

Drying of the media:

Then spread and place the straw in a place with good aeration for drying purposes.
Keep it overnight.

Filling the media into a polythene bag:

Place the straw in the polythene bags by pressing firmly with hands up to a layer of 2 inches and place a layer of spawn and place 2-inch layer of straw over the spawn.
Repeat these layers of straw, spawn, and straw up to 8 -10 inches of height. Then there will be around 4 – 5 layers of spawn.
Clean your hands properly before filling the media into the bags to avoid further contamination.

Packing:

After completion of this operation, we have to twist the mouth part of polyethylene bag and tie it with help of strings.

Note:

Before closing the bag, remove the all air inside the polythene bag and do not make the straw very compact by pressing should be done gently.
Then after closing, makes small holes with the help of a pen, etc. to the polythene bag from where mushrooms growths will come out. Around 7 – 10 holes will be enough.

Placing it in favorable conditions for the growth:

Mostly mushrooms grow well in cool, dark and moist places.
Place the bag in a dark place.
Within seven days, the spores start sprouting; we can observe this by finding the whitish color growth inside the bag.

Relocate the mushrooms:

After ten days, the germination of total spawn will occur.
Then bring out the mushrooms for dark place and place it in a relatively lighter region of the house.
Then make holes every 3 – 4 inches apart on the bag from which growth of mushrooms will come out.

Watering:

Spray the water with the help of rose can or hand sprayer daily to the growing mushrooms.
Avoid giving excessive watering. Maintain proper moisture inside the bag because mushroom growth and development are hindered by lack of moisture.
After 25 days we can observe excellent growth of mushrooms coming out from the holes which can be harvested and immediately used in the kitchen.

Harvesting:

After 25 – 30 days, we can harvest the well-grown mushrooms by giving a small twist with hand at the base of mushrooms, or we can use a sharp knife to cut the base of mushrooms. We should ensure that there is no damage to the growing mushrooms during the process.

Storage:

Harvested mushrooms can be stored at refrigerated conditions for some days. However use these mushrooms as fast as possible. Because storing under refrigerated conditions for longer times is not advisable.

Conclusion:

As mushrooms are with a wide range of uses we can grow them at homes with little efforts and enjoy all the benefits of mushrooms by bringing down the expenses to purchase mushrooms at shops.

How to Grow Coriander

How to grow ParsleyCoriander (Coriandrum sativum)is an important spice crop that belongs to the family Apiaceae. Coriander is also called Chinese parsley. It is an annual herb. In coriander all parts of the plant are useful. Leaves and grains of coriander are mostly used in preparation of various dishes. Coriander is indispensable part of cooking all over the world. Coriander is rich source of Vitamin – C. It also possesses high medicinal value. In this article we will discuss all the possible aspects of coriander cultivation.

Verities of coriander:

Karan – it is highly resistant to stem gall and wilt disease.

Sadhana – It is resistant to aphids and 70 cm tall. Thrives well under black cotton soils and yield is 1000-1100 kg grains per hectare.

Co-1 – It is a dual-purpose type. Duration110 days. It is tolerant to grain mold.

Co-2 – It is tolerant of drought and high yielding, dual purpose.

Co-3- Duration of this crop is 90 days. It is least susceptible to wilt and mold.

CS-2 – It is a bushy type with a profuse branching habit

CS-287- It is suitable for rainfed conditions.

Soil:

Coriander requires well-drained loamy soils. It performs well at soil pH ranging from 6-8. It does well in soils rich in organic matter. Avoid soils with poor drainage facilities for coriander cultivation.

Climate:

Generally coriander is a warm-season crop. It requires cool and dry climate for its cultivation. It cannot tolerant of frost conditions. The optimum temperature for coriander cultivation is 15-28 ̊ C, and it requires an average rainfall of 75-100 mm. Don’t go through coriander cultivation during hot summer.

Land preparation:

Incorporate 4-5 tonnes of farmyard manure during the preparation of land. Plough the land twice or thrice to get a fine tilth. For an irrigated crop, prepare the beds of convenient size. Remove the weeds, stubbles, and residues of the previous season before plowing the land.

Seed rate:

The seed rate will be different for irrigated and rain-fed crops. Seed treatment with Azospirillum and Triciderma etc. will provide protection from diseases like wilt etc.

8-10 kilograms per hectare – under irrigated conditions

18-20 kilograms per hectare- under Rainfed conditions

Sowing:

Mostly coriander is grown as rabi season crop. However, round the year its cultivation is possible.

Sowing time between June- July and September – October

Germination will occur within 10-15 days after sowing. Breaking seeds into two and Soaking of seeds in water for 8-10 hours before sowing ensures better germination. Germination will not occur when whole seed was sowed.

Spacing:

Recommended spacing for coriander cultivation is20 – 30 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.

Weed control:

Weeds are a major problem during the initial stages of coriander; protecting the crop at this stage is very important to get higher yields. Spraying of pre-emergence herbicides like pendimethalin at 1.3 to 1.6 kg per acre after mixing with 220 liters of water will provide better protection from weeds. Two to three hand weeding cycles are necessary for better weed control.By controlling weeds effectively we can reap out higher yields.

First weeding should be carried out after 30 days of sowing.

Second sowing should be carried out after 2-3 weeks after sowing.

Irrigation:

First irrigation should be provided immediately after sowing. Subsequent irrigation should be provided at every 7-10 days intervals. Avoid water stagnation in the field. In rainy season irrigation intervals can be prolonged depending upon the moisture content of the soil. Provide irrigation whenever it is necessary and do not let the crop to dry up without irrigating the crop.

Fertilizer application:

Add 10 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare during the last plowing.

Basal dose: 40 kilograms of N, 40 kilograms of P and 20 kilo grams of P.

Topdressing: 10 kilograms of N per hectare at 30 days after sowing.

Plant protection:

Major Pests and diseases:

Aphids:

Management: spraying of imidacloprid at a rate of 6 ml per 10 liters of water will effectively control aphids.

Powdery mildew:

Management:Foliar spray of wettable sulfur of 1 kilogram per hectare or spraying of Dinocap at 250 ml per hectare controls powdery mildew.

Wilt:wilt is the most serious disease in coriander cultivation.

Management:

It can be controlled by seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 grams per kg seed.

Grain mold: High humidity favors the development of this disease.

Management: Avoid humid conditions during grain development, for this spray carbendazim at 200 grams per hectare to controls this problem.

Harvesting:

For leaf purposes, coriander will be ready for harvesting within 30-40 days after sowing. The whole plant is pulled out, and they were tied into small bundles after cleaning the roots without soil, and for grain purposes, the crop should be harvested when fruits mature enough, and 60-80 % grain turns in to straw yellow color. The crop should be harvested at proper stage as there could be lost in yield losses and also reduction in quality of the product.

Yield

By cultivating coriander in one-hectare, a farmer can get a yield of 6-7 tonnes of leaf yield, 500-600 kilograms of grain yield (irrigated), and 300-400 kilograms of grain yield (under rainfed conditions).

Conclusion:

As demand for coriander leaves and seeds is evergreen in the market, by adopting coriander cultivation, we can bag good returns.

Also read How to grow Parsley.

Uses of coriander:

It contains antioxidants.

Coriander protects the health of heart and brain health.

Improve digestion and promote gut health.

Provide protection to the skin.

Coriander also helps in lowering blood sugar.

It also plays a role in reducing Diarrhea and cough.

How to Grow Potatoes | Soil, Irrigation and other Requirements

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.