technology in agriculture

Due to late cultivation of wheat and decrease in the area under wheat cultivation, the production of wheat is greatly being affected. This delay in the time of wheat sowing and reduction in area under wheat cultivation is due to cotton.   There are certain factors which are not under the control of farmer, but there are certain factors which, the farmer can control for example, in time cultivation of wheat. The objective of the farmer is to complete the pickings from the cotton field and then sowing of wheat and as a result, the average yield is reduced. In this situation, a new technology has been introduced by the crop scientists, in which method of wheat cultivation in the standing crop of cotton has been explained. Methodology of Wheat Inter cropping: For the cultivation of wheat in the standing crop of cotton, the farmer should complete the picking of the cotton bolls which are ready for the harvest and then irrigate between the rows of cotton plant. To avoid losses and preven...

As we have discussed earlier, Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of the soil with tools and implements to make soil conditions suitable for better seed germination and crop growth whereas, tilth is a physical condition of the soil resulting from tillage. Conceptual map of kinds of Tillage Operations Here we will discuss about types of tillage operations; 1. On Season Tillage: Tillage operations performed at the start of or during the cropping seasons. (June�July or Sept.�Oct.). They are of two main types; 1. Preparatory Tillage 2. Intercultivation (or Inter tillage) 2. Off Season Tillage: Tillage operations carried out during fallow or non-cropped periods (summer). 3. Special Types of Tillage: As the name refers, these tillage operations are carried out with some special objective. 1. On Season Tillage The tillage operations performed during the onset of cropping season to preparation of seedbed for better crop growth and later during the crop stand, are called on-season tillage ...

Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of the soil with tools and implements to make soil conditions suitable for better seed germination and crop growth whereas, tilth is a physical condition of the soil resulting from tillage. Tilth is a loose powdery, smooth, aerable, granular and crumbly soil condition with optimum moisture contents which are suitable for working and germination of seeds and other propagules, in other words, tilth is the ideal seed bed. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD TILTH A soil in good tilth is the soil which is most suitable for the germination of the seeds and crop stand. A soil in good tilth has uniform size of the aggregates and friability/mellowness (the ability to form crumbly clods as the soil dries) is fair. The water holding capacity and aeration of the soil is also good for proper aeration and water flow through the soil to the germinating seeds. OBJECTIVES OF TILLAGE The main objectives of tillage are to; � remove other sprouting materials remaining from prev...

Hybrid seeds are the F1 off springs of the two distinct parent varieties from the same species. Introduction to Hybrid Seeds (cover) Hybrid Seed Industry in Pakistan Introduction to hybrid seed have brought revolution in the seed market. The farmers have heightened their trusts in the hybrid seed due to high yields and vigorous seeds. In the wake of this recent changes in the farmers� interests, hybrid seeds are very popular in Pakistan. Hybrid seed industry has established its roots in most of Pakistan.  Many seed companies have been established and they are successfully producing and distributing hybrid seeds of vegetables and fruits for field and tunnel crops. One of the famous market for hybrid seed in Punjab is established in Gujranwala city which has dozen of retail stores for sale of hybrid seeds produced on their own farms and imported hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds of locally grown vegetables such as chilies, cucumber, okra, gourds, tomato and eggplant are easily available to ...

There are a number of different purposes and uses of the crops. The crops and cropping systems can be classified in a number of different ways based on a long list of categories. Previously we have discussed ' Botanical classification of plants ' and ' Agronomic Use classification of the crops '. Now, we will discuss a classification of crops based on their use in the field in different cropping systems; Crop Classification based on Purpose in field (article cover) 1. Catch crops or Contingent Crops Catch crops are cultivated in the field to catch the forthcoming season. The main reason for their plantation is that the main crop has failed in the field due to any biotic or abiotic stress. Hence, these crops are cultivated in the field for a number of reason; � They are fast growth rate and short duration crops. � They can be easily harvested or used in the field at any desired time (for example, as green manure). � They are easily adaptable to the season, soil and fa...

Organic matter is considered the most valuable asset for the agricultural soil with regard to its use in crop production and landscaping. Here is a brief list of benefits from the presence of different sources of organic matter in the soil; Benefits of Soil Organic Matter (Article cover) 1. Darker soils warm up faster in spring season. (Darker color of the soil is due to presence of humus and other types of organic matter.) 2. Dead organisms (plants and animals) in the soils are converted to mineral and humus by the action of living organisms (bacteria and fungi). 3. Decomposition of the organic matter in the soil provides a source of slow release fertilizer. 4. Dead organic matter is the source of food for soil microbes and increases their activity. 5. Aeration in the soil is improved by the presences of recognizable dead organic matter; it also opens up the soil physically. 6. Fine unrecognizable organic matter has good effect on the water holding capacity of the soil. 7. Humus in ...

The organic matter contents of a good mineral soil are 2-5% which consists of organic matter in the form of living and dead organic matter. Living organic matter consists of soil microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, nematodes and earthworms), plant roots and insects.  Dead organic matter is added after the death of these living organisms and addition of leaves, bark of trees and dead animals.  Farmyard manure, composts and mushroom compost are also source of dead organic matter. All of this organic matter is ultimately broken down into carbon dioxide, water and minerals. Humus is the collection of organic compounds that persists in soil for longer duration. Soil section from a grass field LIVING ORGANISMS IN THE SOIL Living organisms in the soil ecosystem for food webs and food chains.  1. The source of converting sunlight and simpler compounds into organic compounds are the Producers , which are involved in photosynthesis (green plants mostly in agricultural soils). Next are...

Tunnel farming is not an old concept and it is also becoming popular in Pakistan and large number of tunnels are being seen in the villages of Punjab, Sindh and KPK. Here we are presenting an account of types of tunnels, suitable vegetables for each tunnel type. Sowing dates and P to P & R to R distances are also given here. Cucumber flowering in a tunnel On the basis of height, tunnels can be broadly categorized in to 3 types; Type of tunnel Height (meters) Structure Suitable Vegetables High Roof Tunnel 4-5 m T/angle iron, bamboo, pipes Cucumber, gourds bittergourd, tomato Walk-in Tunnel ~ 2 m Iron / zinc pipes Bell pepper, green chillies, bittergourd, cucumber, brinjal, tomato, gourds Low Tunnel ~ 1 m Iron rods, bamboo, mulberry or grewia branches Bell pepper, green chillies, bittergourd, cucumber, brinjal, tomato,gourds, watermelon, melon Here is a list of most suitable vegetables recom...