Guide for planting Mosambi
In this Guide for planting Mosambi, I aim to provide comprehensive insights into cultivating orange (mosambi) plants. There is a diverse range of orange plant varieties available, and the first step is to choose a variety that suits the land through soil and water testing.
Once the variety is selected, a crucial decision is determining the plant density per acre, with two primary methods: the traditional and high-density methods.
Traditional Method: In the traditional approach, saplings are planted with spacing options like 2018, 1816, or 20*20, depending on soil fertility and management practices. Plant density in this method typically does not exceed 150 per acre.
Advantages:
- Convenient intercultivation and fertilizer spraying due to ample space for tractor movement.
- Adequate sunlight and airflow reduce pest attacks.
- Provision for cultivating intercrops for up to three years, providing additional income.
- Lower pruning costs.
Disadvantages:
- Potentially lower yields due to lower plant density.
- Irregular fruit sizes due to less focus on pruning.
High-Density Method: The high-density method is more advanced, with plant spacing reduced to 66 or 68, accommodating 400 to 500 plants per acre.
Advantages:
- Improved fruit size and quality.
- Higher tonnage is expected in the early years.
- Maximum land utilization.
Disadvantages:
- Challenges in intercultivation and fertilizer spraying.
- Limited scope for intercrops due to reduced spacing.
- Higher susceptibility to diseases and pests, requiring regular pruning.
Best Varieties: When selecting a variety, consider the rootstock, with Rangapur being drought-resistant and adaptable to various weather conditions. Jamberi, on the other hand, is less tolerant of drought. The preferred variety is often Sathgudi, while some farmers opt for high-density planting with the successful Malta Jafa variety.
Tips for Planting:
- Choose plants aged over 8 months from a reputable nursery, free from diseases.
- Dig pits of size 1*1 for planting.
- Fertilizer application in the pit is optional.
- Water immediately after planting, and consider drip irrigation for optimal horticultural crop care.