Discuss the following practices in crop production: (a) transplanting (b) shading (c) supplying filling-in (d) nursery.

Answer Details

Practices in crop production

(a) Transplanting

Transplanting is the careful removal of young seedlings from the nursery (or seedbed) and replanting them in their permanent positions in the field. It is done when the seedlings are strong enough to survive on their own. It is best carried out in the evening or on a cloudy day and the seedlings are watered afterwards to reduce transplanting shock. It allows only healthy, vigorous seedlings to be selected, gives proper (uniform) spacing, and is used for crops such as tomato, pepper, rice and tobacco.

(b) Shading

Shading is the provision of shade (using palm fronds, mats, nets or grass) over a nursery or young transplanted seedlings to protect them from the direct heat of the sun, heavy rain and drying wind. It reduces excessive transpiration and wilting, keeps the soil moist and cool, and helps the tender seedlings to establish. Shade is gradually removed (hardening off) as the seedlings grow stronger.

(c) Supplying (filling-in)

Supplying, also called filling-in or beating up, is the replanting of seeds or seedlings in the spots (stands/hills) where the earlier planted ones failed to germinate or died. It is done soon after germination so that the new plants do not lag too far behind. It ensures a full and even plant population per unit area, thereby maintaining the expected yield.

(d) Nursery

A nursery is a specially prepared, well-protected small area of land (or containers/boxes) where seeds are first sown and the young seedlings are raised and tended until they are big enough to be transplanted to the field. It allows close attention, watering, shading and protection of the delicate seedlings, and permits selection of only the healthy ones for transplanting. It is used for crops with very small seeds or slow early growth, such as tomato, tobacco, oil palm and cocoa.