The main reason for low food grain production and productivity in India and especially in Maharashtra is our changing climate which has reduced soil fertility, lack of fertilizer and water management.
Improved – hybrid seed use in modern agriculture, use of integrated nutrients based on soil testing, efficient use of water through drip/snow, crop protection and emergency crop planning and management in response to changing climates can lead to higher quality yields. As only 18 percent of the area in Maharashtra is under horticulture, the kharif season is very important for farmers when it becomes important to extract maximum production from the dryland areas. Due to drought, heavy rains, hail and unseasonal rains and other natural calamities in the last two to three years, the farmers have been disturbed.
This year, to make full use of the rains that came in the beginning of June, the farmers tried to finish the sowing along with construction, pre-cultivation of the land. They used their own seeds as well as purchased expensive seeds. Seed treatment is done with the aim of good germination and initial vigorous growth of crops. In that, bacterial fertilizers without pesticides i.e. rhizobium for dicot crops and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) fertilizers with Azotobacter for monocot crops were used. The rains took a big break just as the germination and growth of the crop started. As the wind speed and temperature increased, soil moisture decreased. Due to lack of rainfall and favorable environment, rains have left the state exposed. Partly cloudy weather means clouds come and go but no rain. Farmers are currently worried whether the crops will fail, whether they will have to sow twice.
In areas where agriculture depends only on rain and there is no irrigation facility, it is necessary to first strengthen the crops so that they have the strength to pick up some moisture below the roots of the soil as a support for the sinking stick. Crops can be grown by giving them foliar nutrients, increasing the strength of the roots and taking them deeper, drawing moisture from the soil. For this, it is very important to give all the crops 0.5 to 1 percent nitrogen, phosphorus and phosphorus fertilizers by dissolving 50 to 100 grams per 10 liters of water and giving them leaves. There are many soluble fertilizers available in the market for which 150 to 200 liters of water is required per acre.
The quantity of all above fertilizers should be kept as 0.5 to 1.0%. (50 to 100 grams per 10 liters of water) Spraying should be done in the morning and evening when the wind speed is low and sunlight is low.
Often the availability of nutrients to crops depends on soil temperature, moisture, climate change, soil, limestone content, organic matter etc. In such adverse conditions, water and nutrient stress on crops adversely affects crop nutrition and growth. Just as a sick person is given a saline tonic to reduce his fatigue, weakness, it is very important to give a little tonic to the food and water crops to support and sustain the crop if the growth of the crop has slowed down for a limited period of time. Therefore, the crop continues to grow in a changing climate. The immunity of the crop increases and the crop becomes less susceptible to pests and diseases. And more quality product is obtained. Not only one spray will do but it is necessary to apply major, secondary and micronutrients in fertilizers at intervals of 15-25 days depending on the growth of crops.
As the quantity of fertilizers given by spraying is less, the costs are reduced and they become more profitable. Moreover, to overcome such transition conditions, it is desirable to use soluble fertilizers. Stickers are used in solution for their efficient use. If the fertilizer stays on the leaves for extended periods of time, it helps the foliar nutrient uptake. Chelated micronutrients are also available in the market in soluble fertilizers. They should be used in the second stage of crop growth, but even if the main fertilizers are given from the soil at the time of sowing, they cannot be absorbed by the crops due to limited moisture. For this, in the beginning, nitrogen, phosphorous and palash as well as magnesium, sulfur should be used in the main nutrients and overcome the emergency situation.
Management Of Suckers In Banana To Control Plant Population
Managing suckers in banana plants is crucial for controlling plant population, optimizing yield, and promoting healthy growth. Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base of the banana plant, and if left unmanaged, they can lead to overcrowding and reduced fruit production. Here are some strategies for effective sucker management in banana plants:
Identification and Selection:
- Primary Sucker: Identify the primary sucker, which is the most vigorous and robust shoot growing at the base of the plant.
- Secondary Suckers: Secondary suckers are smaller shoots that emerge later. They are typically removed to allow the primary sucker to thrive.
Sucker Pruning:
- Removal of Excess Suckers: Typically, only one or two suckers are allowed to grow alongside the main plant. Remove excess suckers to maintain plant population control.
- Timely Pruning: Sucker pruning should be done when the suckers are still small, typically around 6 to 8 inches in height. This ensures minimal disruption to the main plant.
Sucker Selection for Replacement:
- If the main plant is aging or diseased, select a healthy sucker as a replacement. This maintains a continuous banana crop.
Use of Sucker Shields or Cones:
- Sucker shields or cones can be placed around the main plant to protect it from the emergence of new suckers. This directs the plant’s energy into fruit production rather than sucker growth.
Mulching and Soil Management:
- Mulch around the base of the banana plant helps suppress sucker growth by blocking light and discouraging sucker emergence.
Chemical Control:
- Chemical treatments can be used to inhibit sucker growth. Herbicides, when used carefully and following recommended guidelines, can help control suckers.
Maintenance of Plant Density:
- The ideal plant density varies depending on the banana variety and local conditions. Maintaining an appropriate spacing between plants reduces overcrowding and promotes better fruit development.
Fertilization:
- Proper nutrient management is essential. Adequate fertilization ensures that the main plant and selected suckers receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Regular Inspection:
- Periodically inspect banana plants for emerging suckers. Early detection allows for timely sucker management.
Training and Education:
- Train farm workers and growers on proper sucker management techniques to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
Disease Control:
- Managing diseases in banana plants is crucial to prevent the spread of infections through suckers. Infected suckers should be removed and destroyed.
Hygienic Practices:
- Clean tools and equipment used for sucker pruning to prevent the transmission of diseases between plants.
Effective sucker management not only controls plant population but also contributes to higher yields of healthy and disease-free bananas. It is an essential component of successful banana cultivation. Growers should adapt their sucker management strategies based on the specific banana variety, local conditions, and farming practices.
