Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
tree plantation at a later stage. Trees provide shade and will increasingly hamper the
production of crops grown underneath as their crown canopy develops. Himbabao
(
Brouzonettia luzonica
) and in particular horseradish (
Moringa oleifera
) are exceptions
because the leaves of these trees are regularly harvested and eaten and their branches
trimmed, which limits their crown and, hence, allows the growth of sun-loving crops.
Moreover, the growing of these trees in single stands and at sunny sites will speed up
the recovery of their harvested crown. Likewise, coconut (
Cocos nucifera
), with its
rather “sun-transparent” crown, and banana (
Musa
sp.), with its tree-like appearance,
are observed in vegetable fields, being planted at wide spacing.
2.4.4 ManagementAspects
The majority of the farmers practice two planting seasons, or even continuous plant-
ing, for vegetable crops. Tree seedlings and ornamental plants are usually watered
during the dry season (i.e., in the afternoon or sometimes also in the morning).
Most farmers (except for those engaged in logging) derive virtually all cash
income from the agricultural cash crops grown on outside farms (Table 2.2b). An
important implication is the seasonality and the variation of production of these
crops and, hence, the irregular cash flow. The latter is generally limited to one or
two months per year (i.e., March and September), depending on the quality and
quantity of harvests per annum. In this context the homegarden products are a valu-
able source of supplemental income during the rest of the year, given excess yield
is within reach. The mixtures of fruit trees are often selected in such as way that
they provide fruits throughout the year, with a peak in the dry season when the
yields of the seasonal cash crops are lowest.
Planting materials are acquired in several ways, i.e., by gathering and drying seeds
from previous harvest or purchased crops (self-production), by gathering seeds or
seedlings from wild stands (self-production), by exchange with neighbors, family and
friends, by purchasing certified seeds from a shop or the market, and by free distribu-
tion through governmental and non-governmental programs. In addition to the seed
and seedlings specifically bought or gathered for planting in the homegarden, excess
seed and seedlings of outside farms are also utilized in the homegarden.
The majority of the non-tree crops, particularly vegetables, are grown in direct
sunlight on clearly marked fields close to or on the yard and every little spot receiv-
ing enough sunlight during the rainy season. Plants that are regularly watered are
preferably grown closely together. Trees are mainly kept along boundaries, with the
exception of some species as explained earlier in this paper.
Fertilizers are mainly applied to non-tree crops, tree seedlings and ornamental
plants in the form of manure. Manure is added three times in some cases, i.e., just
after planting, during the growing season, and at the time that plants are bearing fruit.
In some cases, vegetables are planted on a former kraal or livestock resting place. A
compost pit is also present in most homegardens but its content often contains, in
addition to a mixtures of plant residues, manure and degradable kitchen waste, non-
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