A healthy plant is essential to sustain productivity. Plant
health is dependent on the nutritional status of the soil. A constant supply of
water is required to move nutrients and support growth. Nutrition should be
closely monitored with regular soil and leaf
analysis. Key steps in plant nutrition and irrigation include regular soil
sampling, correct fertilizer use and timely irrigation practices. Sampling
requires the use of a trowel and putting the soil in a plastic bag. Pick the
soil from different points in the farm using a W or Zigzag pattern. Sample at
the right time i.e. not immediately after fertilizer and manure application, or
when the ground is too dry or too wet.
Sample at the right depth and submit the soil sample for
analysis immediately. The results will indicate the required nutrition
interventions on your farm. The required crop nutrients are classified into
macro and micronutrients meaning required in large and small quantities
respectively. The macronutrients required by crops are:-
·
Phosphorus(P) is required at sowing or
transplanting
·
Nitrogen(N)is required for growth and
development
·
Potassium(K) is essential for flowering and fruiting
Micronutrients required by crop include zinc, iron, calcium,
manganese and magnesium.
All these elements can be supplied from a combination of
manure or manure and inorganic fertilizer. Add manure or compost to your farm
regularly for good crop nutrition.
Composted material that combines plant and animal
waste is better as it provides more nutrients to the crop. To make compost,
collect vegetable and animal waste or manure and arrange in layers, alternating
chopped woody material and fresh material and keep the material moist. Turn the
layers regularly in order to aerate the compost heap and achieve even
composting forcomposition takes some weeks and can be quickened by adding
microorganisms such as EM and or trichoderma. Compost can be improved by use of
earthworms which is called vermicomposting.inorganic fertilizers supplement
Compost and manures.Improper use of fertilizers will lead to nutrient
deficiency or toxicity causing reduction of yields and environmental pollution.
Remember Plant nutrients supply and health is dependent on the nutritional
status of the soil.(read plant extracts special TOF Nr. 17 September 2006).