Supplying manure at the appropriate stage and time is one of the most important activities to ensure better growth and yield of crops. Many people often make mistakes while putting manure to their fruit plants, being unaware of the recommended dosage and nutrient requirements for different types of fruit plants. The soils of Goa are mostly lateritic (81%), sandy loam to silt-loam in texture, well-drained, and highly acidic (5.5 to 6.5 pH). These soils have moderate organic carbon levels but are poor in potash. About 11% of the soils located along the seacoast and estuaries are sandy to sandy loams, including the Ker lands and beach fronts. The remaining 8% of the soils are alluvial in nature. The Khazans and adjoining areas have alluvial soil with high water tables and are subject to inundation by saline water.
Before applying any manure, it is essential to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient levels and pH of the soil. This helps in identifying any nutrient deficiencies and formulating an appropriate manure plan. It is crucial to know your soil type and its nutrient availability, especially when aiming for commercial cultivation to improve soil health.
The monsoon season is a critical period for agriculture, especially for fruit orchards, which can greatly benefit from the abundant rainfall. Adding proper manure during this time can significantly enhance the growth and yield of fruit plants. However, the heavy showers in Goa can lead to nutrient deficiencies as the rainfall washes away the top, nutrient-rich soil, leaving the soil poor in its organic composition. The ideal time for giving manure is from April to May before the onset of the monsoon in well-irrigated areas, and from mid-August to the end of September in rain fed areas, is optimal.
Manure provides essential nutrients that fruit plants need to grow and produce fruits. During the monsoon, the soil becomes more porous due to increased moisture, allowing nutrients to penetrate deeper and reach the plant roots more effectively. This season is ideal for replenishing soil fertility and preparing plants for the next growth phase. Manure helps maintain soil fertility, improve soil structure, enhance water retention capacity, and promote healthy root development.
Proper selection of organic manures is essential to supply an adequate quantity of nutrients to the plants. Organic manure, such as compost, well-decomposed farm yard manure (FYM), and vermicompost, is rich in nutrients and microorganisms that aid plant growth. Vermicompost, in particular, is highly recommended during the monsoon as it helps improve soil aeration and water retention. These organic materials enhance soil structure, increase its water-holding capacity, and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. Growing and incorporating green manure crops, like legumes, and then ploughing them into the soil can increase nitrogen content, which is crucial for plant growth. Additionally, enriching soils with bio-fertilisers containing beneficial microbes can boost nutrient availability and enhance plant growth. They are particularly effective in improving soil health and increasing crop yields during the monsoon by making nutrients available to plants.
Adding manure at the proper depth and distance is essential for the plant roots to effectively absorb the available nutrients. For trees like coconut, a ring basin 45 cm deep and 1.5 m away from the trunk is recommended, as the tender feeding roots are located away from the trunk. Generally, in fruiting trees, the feeding roots are present at the periphery of the foliage, i.e., when we see the 12 o'clock shadow of the tree, the outer shadow line is where the feeding roots of the plant exist.
The amount of manure to apply depends on the age, type of fruit plant, and its nutrient requirements. It is important to follow recommended guidelines or consult an agricultural expert to determine the appropriate dosage. For a coconut tree over five years old, 10 kg of organic manure consisting of 5 kg compost, 2 kg Neem powder, 1.5 kg rock phosphate, and 1.5 kg MOP (Muriate of Potash) can be applied, along with green manure plants and decomposable dry waste. Proper manure provides the nutrients necessary for robust plant growth and development. For all fruiting plants, beneficial microbes like Trichoderma spp. (NISARG) can be used to combat soil-borne diseases. Nutrient-rich soil leads to increased fruit production and better-quality fruits. In case of early flower or fruit drop symptoms, a spray of natural liquid fertilizer like Panchagavya can be used by diluting 30 ml per liter of water, which acts as a plant growth regulator and booster in promoting flowering and fruiting.
Healthy plants are more resilient to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Using organic and green manures promotes sustainable farming practices by improving soil health and reducing chemical dependency.
(The writer, a BSc in Agriculture, is a NABARD awardee ‘Women Achiever’ and proprietor at Priyanka Gardening Services, as well as an expert in organic agriculture and food landscaping)
