Prior to planting, field should be deeply ploughed, harrowed and levelled. The planting distance varies
according to variety, the fertility level of the soil and general growth conditions in the area. Where the
growth is excessive, the distance should be 12 x 12m, but in the dry zones where the growth is less, it
can be regulated to about 10 x 10m. For high density planting, the distance can be 5 x 3 or 5 x 2.5 or 3 x
2.5 or 2.5 x 2.5m.
In locations where the soil is loamy and deep, pits of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5m be dug at desired distances.
However, in shallow and hill soils, the pits should be of 1 x 1 x1 m size. The pits should be filled with the
original soil mixed with 50 kg well rotten FYM. In the top two-third portion, the proportion of the manure
and soil may be kept as 1:3. If the soil is having infestation of white ants, 200-250 g of Aldrex or BHC 5
per cent dust may also be mixed. The pits should invariably be filled before the rainy season, so that
there is maximum settling down before the advent of heavy rainfall.
The best time for planting all over India is during the monsoon season when the humidity level is high.
In the area of heavy rainfall, the best time of planting mango is the end of the rainy season. In tracts
where the rainfall is less, the planting can be done in the early part of the monsoon season for better
establishment. The planting should be done in the evening. If the sky is overcast, planting can be done
during daytime also.
Prior to planting, field should be deeply ploughed, harrowed and levelled. The planting distance varies
according to variety, the fertility level of the soil and general growth conditions in the area. Where the
growth is excessive, the distance should be 12 x 12m, but in the dry zones where the growth is less, it
can be regulated to about 10 x 10m. For high density planting, the distance can be 5 x 3 or 5 x 2.5 or 3 x
2.5 or 2.5 x 2.5m.
In locations where the soil is loamy and deep, pits of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5m be dug at desired distances.
However, in shallow and hill soils, the pits should be of 1 x 1 x1 m size. The pits should be filled with the
original soil mixed with 50 kg well rotten FYM. In the top two-third portion, the proportion of the manure
and soil may be kept as 1:3. If the soil is having infestation of white ants, 200-250 g of Aldrex or BHC 5
per cent dust may also be mixed. The pits should invariably be filled before the rainy season, so that
there is maximum settling down before the advent of heavy rainfall.
The best time for planting all over India is during the monsoon season when the humidity level is high.
In the area of heavy rainfall, the best time of planting mango is the end of the rainy season. In tracts
where the rainfall is less, the planting can be done in the early part of the monsoon season for better
establishment. The planting should be done in the evening. If the sky is overcast, planting can be done
during daytime also.
Mango is adaptable to a wide range of climate and soil conditions and grows well from sea level up to about 1500 m above mean sea level. It withstands both fairly dry conditions and heavy rainfall.
Kerosene emulsion
- This is a contact insecticide useful against many sucking insects.
- For preparing this, slice 500 g of ordinary bar soap and dissolve in 4.5 litres of water by boiling.
- Cool and add 9 litres of kerosene under violent agitation till the oil is fully emulsified.
- The stock solution may be diluted with 15-20 times of water before spraying.
Neem oil + garlic emulsion (2%)
- To prepare 10 litres of 2% neem oil + garlic emulsion, 200 ml neem oil, 200 g garlic and 50 g ordinary bar soap are required.
- Slice the bar soap and dissolve in 500 ml lukewarm water.
- Grind 200 g of garlic and take the extract in 300 ml water.
- Pour the 500 ml soap solution in 200 ml neem oil slowly and stir vigorously to get a good emulsion.
- Mix the garlic extract in the neem oil + soap emulsion.
- Dilute this one litre stock solution by adding 9 litres of water to get 10 litres of 2% neem oil + garlic emulsion.
Tobacco decoction
- This is very effective for controlling aphids and other soft-bodied insects infesting vegetable crops.
- Tobacco decoction can be prepared by steeping 500 g of tobacco waste in 4.5 litres of water for 24 hours.
- Dissolve 120 g of ordinary bar soap separately in another vessel.
- The soap solution is added to tobacco decoction under violent agitation.
- Dilute this stock solution 6-7 times before spraying.
Neem kernel suspension (NKS)
- This is very effective as a repellent/deterrent against locusts, grasshoppers and other chewing insects particularly lepidopterans.
- The kernel should be ground into a coarse powder.
- The effective concentration of NKS ranges from 0.1 to 0.3%.
- For obtaining 0.1% concentration, 1g of powdered neem seed is required per litre of water. The required quantity of the coarse powder should be put in a small muslin cloth bag and dipped in water for about 12 hours. Thereafter, squeeze the cloth bag repeatedly so that the out-flowing fluid turns light brownish.
- The NKS is now ready to be sprayed as such on crops.
Preparation of some safer insecticidal materials for common use
Kerosene emulsion
Neem kernel suspension (NKS)
Neem oil + garlic emulsion (2%)
WHY GO FOR ORGANIC FARMING
Green revolution is a milestone in the development of independent India. The boosted
food grain production by green revolution was achieved mainly through the use of high
yielding varieties of crops. These high yielding varieties are highly fertilizer responsive and
to some extent amenable to pests and diseases. This in turn demanded increased use of
fertilizers and plant protection chemicals. The unscientific and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals
has affected the soil health adversely and brought down the fertility of soil and
productivity of crops. In addition, it has resulted in the over exploitation of soil leading to
nutrient imbalance. Moreover, a negative impact of chemical agriculture on environment
and human health has been reported and documented. Increased environmental awareness
and health conciousness promoted the scientists and planners to think about organic agriculture
as an alternate way for sustainable agriculture with protection to environment and
human health.
Average nutrient content of common Organic manures
| MAJOR NUTRIENTS IN ORGANIC MANURES | |||
| N | P2O5 | K2O | |
| Neem cake | 5.2 | 1 | 1.4 |
| Coconut cake | 3 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| Groundnut cake | 7 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| Gingelly cake | 6.2 | 2 | 1.2 |
| Castor cake | 4.3 | 2 | 1.3 |
| Mahua cake | 2.5 | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| Farm yard manure | 0.5 – 1.5 | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.5 – 1.9 |
| Compost (Rural) | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.7 – 1.0 |
| Compost (Urban) | 1.0 – 2.0 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Cowdung (fresh) | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Biogas slurry | — | — | — |
| (cowdung based) | 1.6 – 1.8 | 1.1 – 2.0 | 0.8 – 1.2 |
| Sheep manure | 0.8 – 1.6 | 0.4 – 0.6 | 0.3 – 0.4 |
| Poultry manure | 1.2 – 1.8 | 1.4 – 1.8 | 0.8 – 0.9 |
| Bone meal | 3.5 | 21 | — |
| Fish meal | 4.1 | 3.9 | 0.3 |
| Meat meal | 11 | 1.5 | 0.6 |
| Blood (dried) | 11.5 | — | 0.6 |
| Sun hemp | 2.6 | 0.5 | 2 |
| Daincha | 3.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 |
| Kolinji | 3.2 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| Sesbania | 2.7 | 0.5 | 2.2 |
| Gliricidia | 2.9 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
| Paddy straw | 0.36 | 0.08 | 0.71 |
| Household ash | 0.5 – 1.9 | 1.6 – 4.2 | 2.3 – 12.00 |
| Coir pith Compost | 1.26 | 0.06 | 1.2 |
Organic Farming Methods 