DIGGING OF PIT AND TRANSPLANTING OF FRUIT PLANTS
Preparation of the pit is one of the most important aspects for the commercial orchard as well as the small fruit growers. It will provide numerous benefits to the grower and the fruit plant.
The benefit of pit preparation to the fruit plant:
1. Provide a nutrient-rich media for easy establishment of the young fruit plant.
2. The hibernating disease and pest load can be controlled.
3. The subsurface soil can be loosened, thus can be a helpful condition for easy root growth.
The Benefit of pit preparation to the grower:
1. No need for extra care for the soil pathogens.
2. Less tension about the subsurface soil.
3. High plant survival percentage.
4. Good plant growth at earlier stages thus can get good production latter.
Before going for transplanting of the seedlings/ transplant/ budded/ grafted fruit plants, the following operations should be taken care of.
1. Preparation of the field and pit:
The field should be prepared by repeated ploughing and harrowing till the formation of a fine tilth followed by levelling of the land. After the selection of the proper crop (based on the soil and climate study) to be grown and the layout of the orchard, the pit of a specific size should be dug. Digging of the pit should be done 3 to 4 months before the transplanting operation. By adopting this technique the hibernating microbes, disease causing organisms, and pests can be killed by the higher temperature, hence we can obtain naturally sterile soil. One important consideration while putting the dug-up soil near the pit is- to place the surface soil on one side of the pit and sub-surface soil in the opposite side than the surface soil.
2. Filling of the pit:
The surface soil along with well decomposed FYM (Farm Yard Manure)/ organic manure and pesticide ((chloropyriphus) should be mixed thoroughly. The mixed soil is then put on the lower portion of the pit followed by the subsurface soil.
3. Transplanting of the fruit seedling:
The seedling after attaining proper growth and hardening operations, should be considered for transplanting. Along with a ball of earth, the young seedling can be transplanted in the pit by making a hole in the middle portion of the pit. It must be placed erect with proper staking materials followed by heavy irrigation for proper and quick establishment. The stick can protect the plant from wind damage. A good amount of irrigation can make the soil and root contact better as well it help to make the root hydrated, hence the plant establishment can be quick.
