1/8 SOME COMMON PITFALLS IN HORTICULTURE. 1.Poor choice of variety for the market, time of the year, day length and area. Lack of proper crop planning. 2.Badly planned rotations: Subsequent crops must not be in the same family or group of plants. 3.Poor site selection. Badly
2/8 drained soils. Gravely soils:The more stones/pebbles present the smaller is the water holding capacity of soil . To close to trees or buildings so the crops are shaded. Too steep a slope with excess run off of irrigation water. 4.Poor soil preparation. The soil must be porous
3/8 aggregated, oxygenated to a depth of 0.5M for top yields. 5.Temperatures and humidity levels are very important for many crops especially in greenhouses. The most frequent fault seen in greenhouses is lack of temperature control. 6.Poor Irrigation:Too much water in winter
4/8 especially April- June in Zimbabwe. Too little water in summer especially September- October. Affects both the nursery and the field. Often the case with drip irrigation which is not really understood by many farmers. If you have a white efflorescence of salt on the surface
5/8 of the soil, it is likely you will be under watering. Examination of the soil will show the subsoil is dry. 7.Poor fertilization. Fertilize according to soil analysis taking both nutrient intensity and nutrient capacity into account. 8.Poor seedlings. A good well prepared,
6/8 well hardened seedlings is the foundation of a good crop and vice versa. Not too large or not too small and no excess leaf. Must be of right size 12-15cm tall with strong, sturdy stems to prevent post planting shock and a good root structure. The plugs must hold enough water
7/8 to carry the seedlings in the time before it starts to use soil water. 9.Badly planned pest and disease control. Scout but before the crop is planted have a spraying program planned based on previous experience. Start spraying before the problem occurs and rotate chemicals to
8/8 prevent build up of resistance and stick to your planned program. @Charterseeds @basera_john @CdeNMaswerasei @corporatefarmg1 @yoAgronomist @MukuvariKaroi @marsdee2014 @mrLethario @JohnMuchenje4 @agrisols @MatiengaMambo @BlackfordbyGU @agribusinesszw @MoLAWRR_Zim @Mukorekore2
Horticulture is a business.Inputs must be governed by the likely gross return but the more you put in the more you will get. In modern Horticulture absolute attention to detail is necessary in all aspects of production to make use of the factors incorporated into morden varieties
