Plantation Crops

PREPARATION OF PITS FOR PLANTING

Stage of seedling at the time of transplanting : 9 to 12 months in India
Note: In certain parts of Karnataka and AP 2 to 3 years old seedlings are transplanted particularly in flooded areas and poorly drained soils. However, it causes poor and delayed establishment.
The depth of pit depends on the type of soil and environmental factors

a) Lateritic soil with rocky substratum : Deeper and wider pits are made. i.e., 1.2 m x1.2 m x 1.2 m and fill the pits up to 60 cm (50 % depth) before planting with top soil + Cow dung + ash.

Addition of common salt Apply 2 kg common salt in the laterite soil which helps in loosening the soil.

b) Loamy soils with low water table: Pit size of 1m x 1m x 1m and fill upto 50 per cent of pit.
c) In areas with high water table: Surface or planting on the mounds is followed. Widen the pits every year before applying manure by slicing down from the edges of the pit.