Pre-planting operations
Land preparation
Tilling and pulverization of soil
Preparation of seed bed
Addition of organic manure
Land preparation
Sequel to the allocation of plots for vegetable production, operations began immediately with land clearing which involved slashing, removal of stumps, and packing of debris. Implements used for clearing includes cutlass, rake etc. the clearing of the land lasted a period of 1 week.
Tilling and pulverization of the soil
Tilling was carried out immediately after clearing. Hoes and hand forks were used to break down large clods of soil hence helping in the proper pulverization, loosening and turning of soil.
Seed bed preparation
The seed bed was made using a hoe. The soil was further pulverized and raised above the ground level. Hand fork and hand trowel was used to break had pans so as to ensure proper percolation of water in the soil and root establishment.
Application of manure
Decomposed poultry droppings obtained from the teaching and research farm was used as manure on the vegetable plot. The droppings were evenly distributed and mixed thoroughly with the soil. Application of manure was done to improve the fertility of the soil.
Planting
Planting of Amaranthus hybridus seedswas done on the 23rd of February, 2015. The drilling method ofplanting was used and it was done at a spacing of 35cm apart. Amaranthus seeds was mixed with wood ash to ensure even distribution of seeds on the bed. The ash also help protect young seedlings from nematode attack which results in root rot. Three rows were planted 35 cm apart on the bed.
Post-planting operations
The post-planting operations carried out included:
-Wetting of the vegetable plot
-Weeding
-Wetting of vegetable plot
Water source for wetting the vegetables was the Ajibode stream running adjacent the vegetable farm. Wetting was carried out using buckets (to convey water from stream to the plot) and watering can. Wetting was done twice daily between the hours of 7 and 10 in the morning, and 4:30 and 6 in the evening.
Weeding
Weed control was carried out manually using hoes, hand trowel, and hand picking. Soaked neem leaves extract was used as a modified insecticide to control infestation of leaf defoliators.
The post-planting operations continued until the period of harvesting.
Harvesting
Harvesting of mature took place at about 5 to 6 weeks after planting of Amaranthus seeds. Harvesting was done early in the morning before wetting of the plots and then conveyed to the sales point. Freshly harvested vegetables were sold to market women. In total, I was able to harvest 45kg of Amaranthus.
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Very useful article... More post like this please.
The power of agriculture
Col
Infact you make it simple and succint. I think i can start planting too. Kudos to you @iamfranklinn
Agriculture is very crutial