Theory question 106
Crop HusbandryDiscuss briefly the production of tomato under the following headings:
(a) climatic and soil requirements
(b) land preparation
(c) nursery practices
(d) planting and spacing
(e) fertilizer application
(f) staking
(g) harvesting.
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(a) Warm temperature (about 20–27 °C), moderate rainfall (600–1250 mm) or irrigation, plenty of sunshine; well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter, pH 6–7
(b) Clear, plough, harrow; make beds or ridges; add manure
(c) Sow seeds in nursery boxes/beds, light shade, watering, thinning, hardening off; transplant at 4–6 weeks (4–5 leaves)
(d) Transplant in the evening or on cool days; spacing about 60–90 cm × 45–60 cm
(e) Apply manure before planting; NPK (e.g. 15-15-15) at about 200–400 kg/ha after transplanting; nitrogen top dressing
(f) Stake plants with sticks about 1 m tall to keep fruits off the soil, reduce rot and ease spraying and harvesting
(g) Harvest 2–3 months after transplanting by hand when fruits turn red/pink; pick every few days
Each heading needs specific practical details.