ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE (2+1)

Manuring and grading

• After the digging is over, the soil is to be manured and graded (leveled).


• FYM or old stable manure is used for this purpose.


• The manure is sieved finely and spread over the surface at the rate of 500 kg per 100 square metres of soil. This is then worked up in the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.


• The next step will be to settle the soil thoroughly. In heavy rainfall areas, the work is done by the pouring rains. In other areas, the prepared soil is watered heavily and check the run-off, bunds should be put up all along the periphery. The accumulation of water in pools will show the area of depression which should be smoothened by shifting soil from one place to another. The flooding should be repeated 2 or 3 times and between each watering the sprouted weeds should be removed.


• The final leveling is done with the help of leveling pegs, and spirit level. The soil is then lightly irrigated and the levels rechecked when the soil is sufficiently dried up.


• It is always advisable to keep the level of the lawn 5 cm below the levels of paths and drives, the margins along the paths are raised by gradual slope of 15-20 cm, to form a turf edge of 3-4 cm higher. This method will help keep the paths dry when the lawn is flooded with water.


• It is not always necessary to have a perfectly leveled lawn. Lawns can be laid in undulated land also and such lawns look very beautiful. But there should not be any depression as the water will collect and kill the doob grass. Moreover, the slopes and mounds in a lawn should be gradual and artistic, simulating the nature.