Spices and Condiments

Land preparation, planting and mulching

Land Preparation

Land preparation

• Virgin forest areas, if selected for plantation, should be cleared of all undergrowth and trees not suitable for the relatively heavy shade needed by cardamom.
  
• Where the tree growth is sparse and shade insufficient or unsatisfactory, quick-growing trees are planted for temporary shade as well as other trees with a tall and spreading habit for permanent shade.
  
• The trees selected for providing permanent shade in cardamom plantations should have the following characteristics:
• A tall and fast-growing habit, so that within 3 years of planting the tree attains sufficient growth to provide shade for the already-flowering cardamom plants.
• The tree should provide maximum shade during the dry period.
• The tree should provide maximum shade during the dry period.
• The leaves should decompose quickly when they fall on the ground.
• Utis (Alnus nepalensis) has been recommended as an ideal shade tree. Other important shade trees are Chillowne, Schima wallichi, pan isaj, Bucklandea populnea, Malato, Macaranga denticulate and Edgeworthia gardneri. The shade trees are planted with a spacing of 7-10 m.
Planting

• Bulbs or slips or seedlings along with 1-2 shoots are planted in the prepared pits (30 cm x 30 cm) at 150 cm x 150 cm distance for Ramshai and Sawaney and at a 90 cm x 90 cm distance for Golshai, by digging a hole in the soil.
  
• The planting is done at 8-10 cm depth. After a few showers, the pits may be filled with surface soil. Well- rotten cattle manure, compost or leaf-mould should be mixed thoroughly with the top soil before planting.
  
• It is also advisable to add 100 g rock phosphate per pit and mix it with the top soil before filling the pits. Planting is done in June-July when there is sufficient soil moisture, atmospheric humidity and optimum temperature for growth.
Mulching

• Soon after the planting, the base of the plant should be mulched during November-April with dried leaves.
  
• Mulching will preserve the soil moisture and provide a source of nutrients after decomposition.
  
• Organic manures like FYM, compost, leaf-mould and humus, rich forest soil may be applied. As the soil is rich, generally no fertiliser is recommended.