Crop Establishment, Transplanting, and Seeding PDF

Crop establishment, transplanting and direct field seeding, soil management and fertilization DR. WALEED AL-BUS AIDI Objectives To know a bout seeds selection To know about transplanting To know about direct seeding, soil preparation, and fertilization Crop establishment Starting with...

Crop establishment, transplanting and direct field seeding, soil management and fertilization DR. WALEED AL-BUS AIDI Objectives To know a bout seeds selection To know about transplanting To know about direct seeding, soil preparation, and fertilization Crop establishment Starting with seed selection: ◦ True to type genetic pure ◦ High germination percentage ◦ High vigor ◦ No dormancy ◦ Free from foreign matter ◦ No disease or insect contamination Certified seeds generally labelled with following information: ◦ Cultivar name ◦ Lot number and/ or orgin ◦ Purity (usually ± 99%) ◦ Germination percentage ◦ Date of germination test ◦ Identification of any diseases or insect treatments Treatments of seeds with chemicals 1960s Most treated to: ◦ Disinfect the surface of the seeds from seeds borne fungi ◦ Protect the seeds from soil borne fungi ◦ Protect the seedlings from damping off organisms https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bFGABQh8hNg Seed storage Optimal Storage Temperature: Around 5°C (typical refrigeration temperature) is ideal for storing seeds. Seed Moisture Equilibration: Seed moisture balances with surrounding atmospheric humidity. Humidity Considerations: A relative humidity of 60% at 25°C is sufficient to dry most vegetable seeds to about 10% moisture. Storage Duration: At 10% moisture, seeds can be safely stored in refrigeration for at least one year. Avoiding Fluctuations: Stable moisture and temperature conditions are essential. Fluctuations in temperature or moisture levels can harm seed vigor. Generally, most vegetable seed will store well under favorable conditions at least a year (Table 5.3). Even when stored under the best conditions (low temperature and humidity), seed quality cannot improve. Transplanting in Crop Production: Purpose of Transplants: Ensures complete stand of seed-propagated crops. More economical when using expensive hybrid seeds. Benefits of Transplanting: Extends growing season for late-maturing crops. Improves land-use efficiency. Saves costs on expensive seeds. Forces early crop production for early markets. Water Efficiency by reduces irrigation needs  Transplanting in Crop Production: Other Advantages: Better early-season weed control. Eliminates thinning costs and crop damages. Improves crop uniformity. Market and Competition: Helps growers meet market demands with specific products at specific times Growing Transplants: Greenhouse Production: Most commercial transplants are grown in heated and ventilated greenhouses. Growing Methods: Typically grown in trays or flats. Bare-Root Transplants: A small industry in the southeastern U.S. still produces bare-root transplants, mainly for peppers and tomatoes. These are grown on raised beds, packed, and often shipped to northern regions. Container-Grown Transplants: Previously, transplants were mainly grown in expanded polystyrene planter flats. Today, many transplants are grown in plug production systems, similar to bedding plants. Plug Technology and Transplant Mechanization(tray filling and seeder) Cell Size of the tray is identified by the number of cells per flat. Benefits of Plug Technology: ◦ Decreases seedling production costs (labor and time). ◦ Increases transplant mechanization, leading to more vegetables being established by transplanting. Plug Culture: ◦ Very small media volume (usually peat-based) requiring uniform texture. ◦ Plugs can dry out or become saturated quickly. ◦ Commercial growers often use specialized mist rooms for seed germination, providing constant humidity (100%), precise temperature, and high-intensity lighting. Seed Placement: Seeds are placed on top of the media. https://www.facebook.com/kwautomation/videos/100em-nursery-plug-seeder/ 1046737375348700/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ycc5Slwtzo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8c4XHJcyvY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBA6bQGh7-c Transplant Timing: Plug plants can be transplanted when they have only two or three true leaves. Use in Semi-Automatic Transplanters: Seedlings are manually picked from trays and dropped into semi-automatic transplanters for field planting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGEkKlVvT9w Fully automatic transplanter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OudAuPHBaeg  Hardening Transplants: Purpose: Prepares plants for harsh field conditions by slowing growth and making them more resilient. Physiological Changes During Hardening: Slows growth rate. Thickens the cuticle and increases leaf wax (bloom). Increases dry matter and water-holding capacity. Develops anthocyanins (pink pigments) in stems, petioles, and veins. Hardening Transplants: Benefits: Enhances adaptability to extreme temperatures, water stress, and wind. Promotes carbohydrate accumulation, which aids in root regeneration after transplanting. Methods: Usually imposed 7–14 days before transplanting. Avoid nutrient stress as it reduces photosynthesis. Biennials like cabbage or onions should be hardened only by reducing water to avoid premature flowering (vernalization). Transplanting Success: Crop Adaptability: Different vegetable crops have varying success with transplanting. Some crops recover better from transplant shock than others. Factors Influencing Transplanting Success: The key to successful transplanting is the plant's ability to regenerate damaged areas of its root system after being transplanted. Transplant age Seedling reproductive development Field environment  Relative difficulty in transplanting various vegetables Easy to transplant Medium difficulty Difficult to transplant broccoli cauliflower cucumber brussels sprouts celery muskmelon cabbage eggplant squash lettuce onion watermelon tomato pepper Approximate length of time of transplants for the field Cool-season crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, head lettuce) 8 – 10 weeks Warm-season crops (tomato, pepper, eggplant) 5 - 7 weeks Vine crops (muskmelon, watermelon, squash, cucumber) 3 - 4 weeks  Crop Transplanting Survival Strategies Survivability Factors in Crops Crops like Crucifers family adventitious roots. Adventitious roots enhance transplant survivability. Cucurbits and Susceptibility Cucurbits have a rapid process called suturization. This process inhibits the formation of root hairs and lateral branch roots in older tissues. Limited lateral root and hair development reduces soil moisture and nutrient absorption. Transplanting Challenges If suturization occurs in very young plants, successful transplanting becomes difficult. It is advised to transplant cucurbits at a very early age. Transplanting Solutions Use products like peat pots and Jiffy 7's to minimize root damage during transplanting. These products can be transplanted with seedlings into the soil. Note: These methods may not be easily mechanized. Best Practices for Transplanting Seedlings Transplant Timing and Growth Rates Seedlings are typically started in the greenhouse 4 to 8 weeks before transplanting. The duration of greenhouse holding directly affects transplant production. Maintain the current stage of plant development without reducing photosynthesis rates. Avoid overhardening plants, which can delay maturity and reduce crop yield. Pruning Guidelines Avoid clipping or pruning transplants for control, as it removes tissue carbohydrates and reduces regenerative capabilities. Pruning should only be for flower or flower bud removal. If pruning is necessary, do it well in advance of transplanting to allow for partial foliage regeneration. Best Practices for Transplanting Seedlings Optimal Transplanting Conditions Transplant as early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid high mid-day temperatures. Higher relative humidity in the early morning helps reduce transplant desiccation. Post-Transplant Care Water should be provided immediately following transplanting. Use a starter fertilizer solution at the time of transplanting to enhance establishment. Solutions with higher concentrations of phosphorus (e.g., 10-50-10) are preferred as phosphorus stimulates early root development. Direct-Field Seeding Direct seeding is when seeds are directly planted on the ground in the field Economical Seeding Method Direct-field seeding is the most economical method for planting seeds. Seed Germination and Emergence Successful seed germination and seedling emergence can vary due to numerous factors. including: Soil conditions Weather patterns Seed quality Direct-Field Seeding Proper seedbed preparation is crucial for successful direct seeding. The seedbed must be worked sufficiently to ensure accurate seed placement. Challenges with Weak Seedlings Some vegetables, like carrots and onions, have weak seedlings that are susceptible to: Soil crusting Weed competition Sensitivity to Soluble Salts Certain seeds, especially legumes, are sensitive to high soluble salt concentrations Seeding Methods for Vegetable Crops Three Primary Seeding Methods Drilling Seeds are placed closely together, similar to a grain drill, where adjacent seeds touch. Pros: Efficient use of space. Cons: Expensive and may incur additional costs for thinning. Precision Seeding Places seeds with high accuracy, ensuring optimal spacing for growth. Benefits: Reduces competition among plants and enhances yield potential. Planting to a Stand Involves placing one seed at each designated point in the seedbed. Risks: May result in incomplete germination, leading to uneven plant distribution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsochGgRPmE Selecting Soils for Vegetable Production Preferred Soil Types Sandy Loams and Silt Loams: Generally preferred for most vegetable production. Possess desirable characteristics and can maintain high levels of production with proper management.  Soil fertility Soil fertility refers to the soil's ability to provide nutrients to crops. Influenced by various chemical, physical, and biological factors. - Chemical factors (nutrients and soil acidity) - Physical factors (soil depth, water-holding capacity, aeration, and temperature) - Biological factors harmful organisms (like plant diseases and insects) and beneficial organisms (like microorganisms that help with organic matter breakdown and nutrient cycling). Plant nutrition Plant nutrition is the study of how plants take up, transport, and utilize essential nutrients. These elements necessary for plant growth, whether in organic or conventional systems. For an element to be classified as a plant nutrient, it must meet three criteria: 1.The element is necessary for the plant to complete its life cycle, and its deficiency leads to abnormal growth or plant death. 2.The requirement for the element is universal among all plants. 3.No other element can fully substitute for it in its function within the plant. Currently, 17 chemical elements are recognized as essential for plants. Three of these (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) come from the air, while the remaining 14 are sourced from the soil. Each element plays a unique and irreplaceable role in plant health and growth. While no nutrient is more essential than another, the amounts required by plants vary. These are categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients, which include nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur, are needed in larger quantities and make up about 0.3% to 5% of a plant's dry weight. Micronutrients, though required in smaller amounts (parts per million), are equally crucial for plant health. Typically, leaves are used to measure plant nutrient contents since their composition reflects nutritional differences. Fruits and seeds, have relatively constant nutrient compositions regardless of plant nutrition, preserving the plant’s reproductive capacity. Air-derived elements — carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen — make up most of a plant’s mass. Carbon accounting for 45-55%, Oxygen about 40%, Hydrogen around 5%. Preparing the Soil for Vegetable Production Steps for Preparing the Seedbed Plowing: Initial tilling of the land to loosen the soil. Discing: Must be done well, typically in multiple directions, to break up large clods and incorporate residues. Final Seedbed Preparation: Harrowing: A harrow (spike-tooth or spring-tooth) is commonly used to refine the seedbed. Cultipacking/Rolling: These tools help break up remaining clods and smooth the surface for planting. Raised Bed Preparation For vegetables planted on raised beds: Use power bedders or a set of disc tillers followed by a bed shaper to create uniform beds. Enhancing Soil Productivity Key Practices for Enhancing Soil Productivity Tillage: Proper tillage can enhance soil aeration and structure. Cultural Practices: Implementing crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage helps maintain soil health. Cropping Systems: Diverse cropping systems improve nutrient cycling and reduce pest pressures. Soil Treatments: Applying organic amendments (like compost) enhances soil fertility and microbial activity. Importance of Organic Matter Organic matter is essential for maintaining soil productivity. It improves soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention.  Focuses on maintaining soil organic matter using: Manures Cover crops Mulches. Benefits of Organic Matter Promotes better soil structure and granulation. Increases porosity in heavy soils: Enhances water absorption. Reduces water runoff, leaching, and erosion. Improves aeration, supporting beneficial bacteria for nutrient release. Helps sandy soils retain moisture. Fertilizing Vegetable Crops 1.Definition of Fertilizers 1. Any substance that provides nutrients to growing plants (e.g., animal manure, ammonium nitrate, bone meal, compost, superphosphate). 2.Form of Fertilizer 1. Organic fertilizers (compost, manure green manure): A good option if readily available and easy to spread. 2. Commercial Inorganic Fertilizers: More nutrient-dense; typically more cost-effective when purchased (e.g., 5-10-10, 10-20-20 formulations). 3.Understanding Fertilizer Grades 1. The grade (analysis) is indicated on the bag (e.g., 5-10-5). 1. Numbers Represent: 1. First Number: Total nitrogen (N) content (% by weight). 2. Second Number: Available phosphorus (expressed as P₂O₅) content (% by weight). 3. Third Number: Water-soluble potassium oxide (K₂O) content (% by weight). Manure Manure is an organic matter derived from the solid animal wastes, used to improve the soil quality and increase the yield of healthy crops. Benefits of Manure Application 1.Nutrient supply to crops. 2.Increases in soil organic matter. 3.Use as mulch for soil health. 4.Convenient disposal for livestock farmers. Manure Nutrient Composition Aton (1000kg) of fresh manure from large animals like cattle, and horses has nutrient content equivalent to 45 kg of 10-5-10 commercial fertilizer. Bedding materials such as wood chips or straw dilute the manure's nutrient content and may require composting or added nitrogen to avoid nitrogen immobilization in the soil. Sheep manure contains twice the nitrogen and potassium as other large animals' manure. Poultry manure is particularly nutrient-rich, with up to three times more nitrogen and phosphorus than manure from other farm animals. Poultry manure contains high levels of calcium carbonate.  Calcium and Magnesium Content: Manures from large farm animals contain 1.4 - 2.3 kg of calcium and 700-900 g of magnesium per ton, with poultry manure often having higher calcium levels.  Manure Composition and Use in Agriculture Marketed Manures: Manures are sold dehydrated or composted. Nutrient Retention: 75% nitrogen, 75% phosphorus, 85% potassium, and 50% organic matter from feed is excreted in manure.  Dehydrated manure: Composition: 2-1-2 (%N, %P₂O₅, %K₂O) for large animals and 3-1-2 for chicken manure. Superior to composted manure with higher nutrient content and faster mineralization.  Composted manure: Composition: 1-1-1 or 0.5-0.5-0.5, often contains up to 25% water. Green manure Green manure refers to “ a plant materials incorporated with the soil while green or soon after maturity for improving the soil to supply nutrients particularly nitrogen.  Mulches Organic materials ◦ Hay (with or without newspaper under) ◦ Wood chips ◦ Straw ◦ Other Plastic ◦ Black ◦ Clear ◦ Colored (silver, red, etc) Mulches - characteristics Plastic ◦ Warm soils, speed up crops (good in cool spring weather). Can be too hot? ◦ Suppress weeds ◦ Apply by machine, removal and disposal an issue Mulches - characteristics Organic materials ◦Tend to cool soil (good in hot weather) ◦Can suppress weeds (can also add weed seeds) ◦Apply by hand, degrades into organic matter Mulches - characteristics Other - Plastic that bio-degrades (sort of, not really) - Paper used instead of plastic mulch (can blow away) - can use landscape fabric, and re-use (home scale) - deep or buried mulch….see next slide Mulch Compost  Fertilizers Fertilizers are materials that are used to carry plant nutrients to soils. Nitrogen (N): Most widely used, improves crop yields in 70% of cases. Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K): Boost yields in 20%-50% of cases.  Phosphorus and potassium applications are often determined by soil nutrient tests. Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur: Less commonly needed but essential in areas where deficiencies exist. Micronutrients: Rarely needed; most soils naturally supply the trace elements. Optional Beneficial Elements: Some beneficial elements can be applied based on farmer decision like silicon, cobalt, selenium and sodium. Challenges in Specific Soils: Sandy, Acidic, or Leached Soils: Often deficient in essential elements due to leaching. Alkaline Soils (pH > 7.5): Minor elements may become unavailable by forming insoluble compounds. Organic Soils (Peats, Mucks): Micronutrients like copper may form complexes with organic matter, limiting availability.  Factors Affecting Nutrient Availability: Soil Texture: Sand, silt, and clay proportions impact nutrient holding capacity. Organic Matter: Releases nutrients through biological processes such as mineralization. Soil pH 1.Purpose of inorganic Fertilizers 1. Increase Nutrient Availability: Commercial fertilizers are applied to directly increase nutrient levels for plants. 2. Not for Soil Improvement: They do not enhance physical conditions or unlock soil reserves. 2.Role of Commercial Fertilizers 1. Cost-Effective Nutrient Supply: Essential for providing limiting nutrients economically. 2. Maintaining Nutrient Ratios: Help maintain proper nutrient ratios for specific crops. 3.Application Recommendations 1. Evaluate Soil Needs: Soil tests should guide fertilizer application. 2. Consider Organic Matter: Use manures and organic amendments alongside commercial fertilizers for best results. Methods of Fertilizer Application 1.Broadcasting (Fertilizer is scattered on the soil surface (by hand or machine) and then incorporated with a plow or disk). Commonly used for 50-60% of the recommended nitrogen and all phosphorus and potassium (except on sandy soils). 2.Banding (Fertilizer is placed 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed level at planting). 3.Side-Dressing (Fertilizer (typically nitrogen and potassium) is applied 6-10 inches from the plant during the growing season and lightly incorporated into the soil). 4.Starter Solutions (Water-soluble and liquid fertilizers high in phosphorus, often containing nitrogen and potassium). 5.Foliar Fertilization (Application of nutrients directly onto plant leaves). 6.Fertigation (Application of fertilizers through irrigation water). Weed management Irrigation Pest control Postharvest handling of vegetables