Theory question 105
Land Preparation and Cultural PracticesDiscuss the following practices in crop production:
(a) transplanting
(b) shading;
(c) supplying/filling-in;
(d) nursery.
Show the model answer
(a) Transplanting: moving seedlings from nursery to field; water the nursery before lifting, lift with a ball of soil, transplant in the evening or on cool days, plant at the same depth, water and shade after
(b) Shading: providing shade for young or shade-loving crops (cocoa, nursery seedlings) using palm fronds, shade trees or plantain/cocoyam; reduces heat, water loss and scorching
(c) Supplying/filling-in: replanting missing stands where seeds failed or seedlings died, soon after germination, to keep the correct plant population
(d) Nursery: a small specially prepared area where seedlings are raised before transplanting; gives care (watering, shading, weeding, pest control) and only healthy, vigorous seedlings are transplanted; types: beds, boxes, polythene bags
Explain what each practice is, how and why it is done.