Discuss the following practices in crop production: (a) transplanting (b) shading (c) supplying filling-in (d) nursery.
Explanation
(a) Transplanting: (i) the transfer of seedlings from nursery beds to their permanent positions in the field. (ii) The tools used for transplanting are handtrowel, dibber, hoe or cutlass (iii) Plant is removed with a ball of soil around its roots (iv) Mostly done in cool weather, morning or evenings (v)Transplants require shading to reduce wilting (vi) Soil around roots at permanent site are firmed to eliminate air pockets for good root establishment (vii) Watering is done morning and evening (viii) Mulch after transplanting before maturity reduce evapotranspiration (ix) Usually done at the early stages of development of the crop plant, long before maturity (x) Weak or diseased seedling should not be transplanted (
b) Shading: (i) art of erecting cover above seedling (ii) protects seedlings from harsh external environmental conditions e.g. sun and rain drops (iii) reduces evapotranspiration (iv) shades are progressively removed until they are finally dispensed with (v) materials used for shading include palm fronds, tall grasses, tarpaulins etc.
(c) Supplying / filling-in: (i) the replacement of seeds that fail to germinate or seedling that dies (ii) is carried out to maintain desired plant population (iii) usually done by transplanting new seedlings or planting new seeds .in the site for the ungerminated seed (iii) usually manually done (iv) done within 2 weeks of 1st planting to obtain uniformity in growth/ growth uniformity.
(d) Nursery: (i) Nursery could be practiced in polypots, seed boxes and bed etc. (ii) Seeds which are smaller and or delicate or plants which are delicate(iii) while young require pre-planting sites known as nurseries (iv) is meant to have seedlings become adjusted to the harsh environment (v) Nursery sites should have good top soil with good drainage (vi) Seeds are mostly broadcast or drilled and lightly covered with soil (vii) Watering is done with a fine rose watering Can, (viii) All seed j boxes, beds, drills must be properly labelled ed (ix) Nurseries are usually shaded. (x) Usually enclosed or fenced (xi) Weeding, pest and disease control and application of fertilizer are usually practised in the nursery.