Early planting critical
By Elita Chikwati
Crop yields can be improved by ensuring early establishment at the beginning of the season.
The most important factor for successful crop establishment is to ensure maximum crop seed germination and emergence through early planting.
The Agritex handbook on conservation farming states that early crop establishment is planting seed as soon as conditions for germination and emergence are right.
Planting time, however, depends on the amount of rainfall received in the area, soil type, and the crop one wants to grow.
For instance, farmers in low rainfall areas may get sufficient rains by the middle of November while those in very dry areas may have to delay planting until mid-December.
Early planting ensures the best use of water during the growing season and also means a longer growing season so crops can reach full maturity and produce better yields.
It is advisable to plant in the morning or late afternoon.
This retains soil moisture for quicker seed germination and emergence.
Experts also discourage farmers from planting all their area at the same time.
It is best to spread the risk of drought by planting on different dates.
Farmers should ensure seed is planted at the correct depth. The depth, however, depends on the type of seed to be planted and soil type.
Small grains such as cotton or sorghum should be planted at shallower depths than large seed such as maize.
If seed is planted too deep, the seedlings will die before they reach the surface.
On the other hand if the seed is planted too shallow, the soil may become dry and the seed may die before it emerges.
Seed soaking
If one can not plant soon after the rains and the soil becomes dry, seed can be soaked in water overnight before planting.
This will give the seed moisture to help them germinate and emerge faster.
Seed covering
It is important that seed has good contact with the soil around it so that it can take up water from the soil.
Seed should be properly covered after planting.
Soil capping
When it rains heavily, raindrops can cause the soil to foam a hard layer on the surface.
This hard layer can prevent seedlings from emerging above the soil surface causing poor crop establishment. Breaking the cap will improve seed emergence.
The cap can be broken using a hoe, feet or a harrow. Using mulch also protects the soil from forming a cap.