Quick Links

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Paddy waste : NOT the best mulching source for Mango Plantations


Post Pongal is always a good time to hoard on all the paddy waste we can procure from the neighboring farms to mulch our mango plants. This year around, there was stiff competition from Kerala since large quantities of hay was exported out to the state. Nonetheless, we were able to procure about 10 tractor loads - all for free.

However, when I was writing the post initially, the title did not have the NOT. A few days into mulching, we found that there was termite around some plants. On researching further and talking to some experts, we found that paddy waste attracts a lot of termite and does not decay very fast. Although there was a repetition in the activity of mulching and then de-mulching, but we are happy, we arrested the problem in time.




Last year, we used the agri waste from watermelons to mulch. As they say, there should be no waste on the farm and whatever you can find should be used to enrich the soil and the plants. Benefits of mulching are maintaining soil moisture, temperature and controlling weeds. The link here elaborates well on the different types of mulch, advantages and disadvantages.  
 

9 comments:

  1. Very nice and informative ! Only point of concern for me here is upcoming summer and straw is prone to catch fire very quickly. need to be careful especially the areas close to the walkways.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, it is a fire hazard as well..One of the other reasons we took it out..

    ReplyDelete
  3. so what did you do with the 10 tractor-loads of it?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For now, we have put it in some pits. Hopefully, we can use it elsewhere..

      Delete
  4. is it still takes time regarding sheep shed details...

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Partial decomposing paddy straw with little cowdung slurry may reduce the termite appearance. Probably excess drought and dryness of soil leads to termite.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sir i need bulk supply of moringa leaves..how can i become part of contract forming plz provide me your contact info

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sir i need bulk supply of moringa leaves..how can i become part of contract forming plz provide me your contact info

    ReplyDelete