Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3.6.2 UTILIZATION OF TOLERANT ROOT STOCKS
Some fruit plants are susceptible to moisture stress but with the use of ap-
propriate root stock their cultivation is possible. Root stock must possess
deeper root system and have the capacity for water uptake even when little
moisture is available. Root stocks play a major role in enhancing water use
efficiency, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation under climate
change, scion compatibility, canopy architecture, fruit quality and absorp-
tion. If orchard soils are very heavy and hold too much moisture, a root
stock with a shallow root system may be appropriate just as a deep rooted
stock will be valuable in a sandy, drought prone soil. In future, root stocks
having resistance to multiple abiotic stresses are needed for tropical and
subtropical regions. This helps in stable productivity reducing input cost,
combating stresses and successful utilization of problem soils.
3.6.3 USE OF FARM YARD MANURE AND POND
SEDIMENTS
To improve the water holding capacity of sandy soils, application of FYM
and pond sediments (tank silt) is beneficial for improving the water hold-
ing capacity.
3.6.4 IN SITU ORCHARD ESTABLISHMENT
It is advisable to sow the seeds or transplant polybag/polytube/root train-
er/raised seedlings after pit preparation. After establishment of the plant,
grafting/budding with scion shoots obtained from “elite clones” need to
be carried out in the same or following year. This practice shall encourage
better plant establishment.
3.6.5 MULCHING
Covering of plant basin with organic waste materials, black polythene
strips or emulsions is termed as mulching. Mulching reduces the evapora-
tion by cutting radiation falling on the soil surface and thus delays drying
and reduces soil thermal regime during daytime. It also reduces the weed
