Factors contributes to the Crops Growth Stages:
Some
farmers do not consider crop growth stages w.r.t age (Degree Days) of the crop. According to my observation based on my farming experience
(Crop-Production), it is one of the best indicators that link with most
factors.
· Climate is the very first factor, check the history of Min & Max temperature
levels as well humidity, if climate is OK then go far next parameter
· Irrigation
Scheduling: Soil Condition can be verified by touch and feel
method
· Under Irrigation can slower the photosynthesis means, slower
down the biological processes of the plant. Immunity reduces to sustain with the harshness of the climate and other influences. The Most critical is the Sap of the
plant taste become more favorable for sucking pest to attack, at this point of
movement new task of insect and pest control adds to your plan. More detail
will be discussed in the future.
· Over Irrigation is as
critical as the under irrigation. Most critical is the prolonged period of
saturation. (48-hours of pounding in the field is fatal for the plant, in this
period oxygen of the root zone approaches to vanish and permanent damage to
roots starts). The second possibility is very common is the saturation period of
the root zone. Saturation of root zone means minimized aeration (gases exchange)
of the root zone. What will happen when -Co2 – released, if not
exchanged with oxygen, carbon dioxide will react with water and greater chances
are there for the formation of HCo3 carbolic acid, the abundance of that
acid is deadly because it dissolute the nutrients from the water.
· Plant-Morphology.· It is the study of the physical structure of the plants. Farmers must be
aware of the plant-morphology of the crops and variety-specific information e.g.
Cotton has a single tiller as well as a bushy structure variety. Plan your sowing
according to the variety-specific recommendations. Green pea has a vine type and
bushy type of varieties. Each crop has specific information can be obtained from
seed supplier as well as Agri-Extension Departments.
· Fertilizers
Plan.
Best way to plan the fertilizer is that plan should be based on the Soil
analysis report
Second option is a plan can be formulated based on the history of your
field can also assist you to formulate a better plan e.g. your last crop growth
and yield.
Third way is to follow a general fertilizer recommendation plan and
modify according to the crop growth response.
While formulating your fertilizer plan soil type (Sand, Silt, Clay
proportion) must keep in consideration, moreover, also consider organic matter
content in your soil.
Organic content is primarily responsible to produce humus that effect
positively bulk density and improve the water holding capacity as well. Humus also
rich in nutrients likewise abundant Nitrogen and farmer can plan accordingly.
In case of shortage of Organic matter in your field, parallel to other
considerations also consider fertilizers rich in Sulphur because soils without
organic matter do not have Sulphur, which is produced during the decomposition
of organic matter.
Years before, NPK was macronutrients in farming but researchers have
found Sulphur is as much necessary and include this in the category of macro
nutrients and nowadays N-P-K-S are considered as macronutrients.
At closing this blog many points need explanation, will be delivered in
future Agri-series blogs.
Dear visitors, if you need information on a specific topic plz let us know.