Food-borne illness is a global phenomenon affecting billions of people who suffer from diseases caused by contaminated and poorly cultivated, handled, processed or prepared foods along the supply chain. It also reduces economic activity and increases national poverty. In today’s blog, we have carefully selected 6 agricultural best practices that will change the way you do farming and if you read through to the end, you would realize how much of a better farmer you will become.
We believe that these practices will help you significantly boost your crop productivity and overall profitability.
Now to the GAPs…
1. Engage in activities that improve/maintain Soil health
Soil health refers to the ability of the soil to sustain agricultural productivity and protect environmental resources. A healthy soil provides many functions that support plant growth such as nutrient cycling, biological control of plant pests, and regulation of water and air supply.
To manage and maintain soil health, make sure to:
– Conduct regular soil tests to understand nutrient levels and pH balance.
– Practice crop rotation to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce pest pressure.
– Implement organic matter management through composting or cover cropping to enhance soil fertility.
2. Select the right crops
Your farmland may be unsuitable for the growth of just any kind of crop/plant; therefore, it is important to determine which crops would be suitable for planting on it before the start of a planting season. This will help to minimize the probability of low yield and can significantly enhance productivity. Adhere to the following activities to help select the right crops:
– Choose crop varieties that are well-suited to your local climate, soil type, and water availability (this can be determined after a soil test has been concluded)
– Consider using hybrid or genetically improved seeds for better disease resistance and higher yields.
3. Adhere to proper planting techniques
Similar to how not all crops are fit for all farmlands, all crops can also not be planted the same way. Some have to be seeded deep in the soil, some at relatively short depths, and there are even certain kinds that are not to be completely buried.
In lieu of this, make sure to:
– Plant seeds at the recommended depth and spacing for the selected crop.
– Aim for proper seedbed preparation to facilitate uniform germination and growth.
4. Timely Irrigation and Nutrient Management
This is especially important in areas that experience little to no rainfall or may be depleted in nutrients; make sure to apply water and nutrient supplements such as fertilizers and organic manures at exact intervals.
Below are a few activities that may help:
– Implement efficient irrigation systems, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, to minimize water wastage.
– Monitor soil moisture levels regularly and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly.
– Follow a balanced fertilization plan based on soil test recommendations.
– Apply fertilizers at the right growth stages to meet the crop’s nutrient demands.
5. Control pest and disease attacks promptly
There are various ways of controlling pests and diseases; they include biological, cultural and chemical methods. Whichever method you select, remember the probability of its effectiveness when promptly engaged.
To do this:
– Scout fields regularly to identify pest and disease problems early on.
– Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and judicious pesticide usage.
6. Regular weeds management
Weed management includes all activities that contribute to the prevention, eradication and control of growth, seed production and multiplication of all unwanted plants within a farmland. Like the control of pests, several approaches can be taken to achieve this. Howbeit, the most common and least time-consuming involves the use of herbicides.
At Saro Agrosciences, we have a range of selective and non-selective herbicides fitting for every crop or farm type, do well to reach out to us and let’s work together to help you achieve a weed-free farm.
Conclusively,
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) involve not just the activities herein listed but all pre-planting, planting and post-planting operations aimed at improving harvests/yields; And, by embracing them, farmers can ensure improved yields and sustainable farming practices.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Also, do not forget to like, comment and share this blog with your friends and families so they can benefit from it.
See you next week!