COVER CROPS Others think of cover crops as part of the large-scale commercial farming since these crops will be planted after the cash crops were harvested. Simply, cover crops are being planted to protect the soil and keep it covered, to reduce weeds and avoid soil erosion. Moreover these are use to rejuvenate the nutrients found in the soil. Below are some cover crops that might be ideal for your small scale
Steiner (2002) cited that organic matter decomposes faster in the tropics as opposed to sub and temperate climates due to high temperatures so this tillage system contributes to quick loss of organic matter due to soil inversion by mechanization as breakdown is quickened hence more carbon into the atmosphere leading to global warming. Given the continuous use of tractors worked on the land for prolonged periods, this leads to hard pans making it hard for water infiltration hence limited moisture for crop growth and a constant threat of water
Weeds are one of the most important factors in maize production. They cause important yield losses worldwide with an average of 12.8% despite weed control applications and 29.2% in the case of no weed control (Oerke and Steiner, 1996). Therefore, weed control is an important management practice for maize production that should be carried out to ensure optimum grain
Fertilizers are only used if the seed is to be planted on a soil that is nutrient deficient. According to Cosper (1951), the three main plant foods, namely nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, are always present in commercial fertilizers and are sometimes called balanced fertilizers. One difference in organic and conventional farming is the use of humus. Humus is an organic substance that has decomposing vegetables and manure. It provides extra nutrients for the plant’s growth and life cycle.
Bacteria have a huge impact on the world, and play a major role in modern medicine and agriculture. However, in every good there’s bad, and bacteria also cause many serious human diseases, some of which are responsible for millions of deaths each year. There are certain bacteria which are of huge benefit to plants. Said bacteria are in soil and they help plants by fighting off harmful bacteria. An example of this is Rhizobium bacteria working in symbiosis with the clover plant.
The alleged benefits that chemical fertilizers provide to plants come at a very high price for nature: soil degradation and depletion of its resources. Hence organic gardening (or farming) has become increasingly more widespread in an age flagged by concerns with sustainability and the human footprint in natural ecosystems. The use of harmful chemical compounds is, thus, barred in favor of natural solutions that promote a healthy and sustainable environment. Organic gardening has become more than just a fashionable eco-friendly trend; it is a serious and urgent revivalism of ancient practices to answer the new environmental challenges caused by careless human activity. While the predominance and convenience of artificial substances and fertilizers can make it difficult for many to get back to the roots, an appeal to consciousness should make it apparent just how important it is to adopt practices that won't impart negative environmental effects in the future.
"Feed the soil" is like a mantra for organic gardeners, and with good reason. In conventional chemical agriculture, crop plants are indeed "fed" directly using synthetic fertilizers. When taken to extremes, this kind of chemical force-feeding can gradually impoverish the soil. And turn it from a rich entity teeming with micro-organisms insects and other life forms, into an inert growing medium that exists mainly to anchor the plants' roots, and that provides little or no nutrition in its own right. Although various fertilizers and mineral nutrients (agricultural lime, rock phosphate, greensand, etc.)
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Food Terminal or internationally known as Produce Markets/Terminal Markets are central sites, often in a metropolitan area, that serve as an assembly and trading place for agricultural commodities. Wholesale buyers will purchase products from farmers, brokers, or packing houses in large quantities, and resell it into the open marketplace. Prices of products, cooling considerations, and time of delivery are all negotiated before farmers bring their products to the docks (Alcorta, Dufour, and Hinman, 2012). Terminal markets around the world provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the geographic areas they serve. Without the terminal markets, prices will be more expensive.
Working towards a common goal of going green, the idea of using compost as an organic fertilizer for farming and gardening has risen in our very own country, Singapore. Compost is formed from green wastes such as waste from plants and food which are then broken down into nutrient-rich humus after a period of time for usage. Generally, compost comes in two forms – Aerobic and Anaerobic. Aerobic compost are drier, do not have any smell with a balanced pH whereas anaerobic compost are moister, has a strong smell and a low pH. A good compost requires an equal amount of “brown”, ‘green” and water components.
Mix the removed soil with compost, making it a 50/50 mixture to use to backfill the planting hole. Bamboo roots are delicate and easily broke, use a gentle hand when backfilling the planting hole. Gently tap down soil to remove any air pockets. The soil should hold the plant secure enough so that blowing winds won’t cause it to topple over. Water in each plant with one gallon of water, gently firming the soil around the plant while you’re watering it.