Another long rains planting season is almost starting for many farmers. Some farmers have already done “dry planting” where seeds are planted and wait for the rains.
As your planting preparations gear up, it is important to consider a few things so that things can go right. A few omissions may result in reduced production at harvest period and thus this should be given attentive consideration.
Soil Test
Doing soil testing will help you know the nutrients levels for your soil and exact amount of planting fertilizer to use per acre at your farm. The soil test analysis can also advise you on the type of fertilizer to use. When this is done, decision you make will be done from an informed position rather than guess work.
Nematodes
This pest has become significant in recent times. They can cause significant reduction in production ( up to 70%) if not controlled in good time. Root knot Nematodes are most common though PCN (Potatoe Cyst Nematodes ) have also be significant in potato growing areas. If there is known history of Nematodes, treatment is recommended. A soil analysis can also be done to determine presence and prevalence of Nematodes in your land. A good solution for the Nematodes is to apply 1-2kg of Adventure 0.5GR in 50kg of planting fertilizer or 1000kg of well decomposed manure.
Soil Condition
The condition of the soil in your farm may make the difference between good or not very good production. Some soils may have too much clay thus water logging when it rains. Plans to perfect drainage on the farm should be done. Some areas have sandy soils and thus surface run off and Soil erosion is experienced. Drainage channels and terraces should be made to slow down speed of water and prevent soil erosion.
Efforts should be made to improve the fertility/Humus/organic matter content of the soil in your land. One of the best ways is to use well decomposed farm yard manure and broadcast on the farm. Where manure is limiting, one can opt to apply on the planting holes or the planting trench.
Another good way to improve the condition of the soil is by use of *Humipower*. It is made from soils very rich in Humus and when applied to the soil, it improves the general condition of the soil thus improving productivity of any crop planted.
HUMIPOWER® is a water soluble soil amendment and blend that contains potassium, Iron EDDHA, humates and fulvic acid in granular form. It is used in agricultural, horticultural and field crops, landscaping lawns, pot plants as well as gardening. It is used both in the soil as an amendment and as fertilizer blend and supplies plants with organic matter that is readily available, easy to use and cost effective.
Weeds
Just like in animals where worms lower productivity, weeds in plants also lower productivity by competing for food, water and Sunlight with plants.
Good plans must be made to eliminate grass and broad leave weeds from the farms. A good plan is to Eliminate grass and broad leave weeds using *Catapult* when the rains comes and weeds germinate. Catapult is a non selective weed killer in non-cropped areas.
Depending on the crop planted, the broad leave weeds which germinate later can be eliminated using several other solutions from *Greenlife Crop Protection Africa*. For instance, broad leave weeds in Maize and wheat is eliminated using *Agromine*.
CATAPULT® 480 SL is a broad spectrum non-selective systemic herbicide for the control of post-emergence broadleaf and grass weeds in maize field under minimum tillage or zero tillage and in non-cropped areas.
- Conservation Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture is an emerging trend where minimal soil disturbance is encouraged, crop rotation is given prominence and use of cover crop is prioritized. These activities encourage retention of soil moisture, organic matter development and humus creation in your soil. It is encouraged that all the remains of the previous crop be left to rot on the surface and return nutrients to the soil. They will also act as cover crops to the soil.
Crop Rotation
In order to eliminate some strains of diseases, pests and weeds, crop rotation is advised as a mandatory management protocol on the farm. It also serves to replenish nutrients when the plant remains of different crops are left to incorporate in the soil.
Rotation is done between crops from different families, deep rooted plants and shallow rooted ones. For Instance, some farms alternative between Maize, wheat, Canola and sun flower. Some farms also rotate Wheat, Potatoes, carrots and peas. Maize, beans, Peas, Cabbages are also good rotation crops.
For more guidance, you can get in touch with Greenlife Crop Protection Africa Technical personnel in any part of Kenya.
