The care of mango orchards for increasing yield

The Care of Mango Orchards for Increasing Yield

The care of mango orchards is crucial for increasing yield. In Bangladesh, mango is one of the 70 commercially cultivated fruits and covers 40% of the total fruit cultivation area. The yield varies in different regions, with Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi having higher yields. After harvesting, it’s important to cut diseased and dead stems and prune branches to allow sunlight to reach the inside of the plant. New buds will grow during the rainy season and flower the following year. It’s important to note that if the tip’s age is not 5 to 6 months, it usually does not flower. The tree’s potential yield for the coming year can be determined in August, and the more new shoots it grows during this period, the better.

Fertilizer application is also crucial. The amount of fertilizer depends on the soil quality and the age of the tree, with specific quantities recommended for each year of growth.

Manure should be applied as follows:

250 grams of urea after 1 year of planting, 375 grams after 2 years of planting, 125 grams every year, and 2750 grams after 20 years and above. For TSP 100, the application should be 200 grams after 1 year of planting, 300 grams after 2 years of planting, increasing by 100 grams every year, and 2150 grams after 20 years and above. MP 100 should be applied as 100 grams after 1 year of planting, 200 grams after 2 years of planting, increasing by 100 grams every year, and 2100 grams after 20 years and above. Gypsum application should be 100 grams after 1 year of planting, 175 grams after 2 years of planting, 75 grams every year, and 1600 grams after 20 years and above. Zinc Sulphate application should be 10 grams after 1 year of planting, 15 grams after 2 years of planting, increasing by 5 grams every year, and 110 grams after 20 years and above. Finally, boric acid should be applied as 5 grams after 1 year of planting, 7 grams after 2 years of planting, increasing by 2 grams every year, and 50 grams after 20 years and above.

Guidelines for fertilizing mango orchards:

Fertilizers should be applied in two installments. The first half should be applied before the Monsoon, and the rest should be applied in the month of Ashwin, which is after the Monsoon. If a mango farmer misses the first installment, then the entire amount of fertilizer should be applied during the second installment. It’s not scientifically recommended to apply fertilizers after harvesting the orchard fruits and Ashwina mangoes.

When applying fertilizers, create wide and deep circular grooves 30 cm away from the trunk and 2-3 meters apart in deciduous trees. Mix chemical and organic fertilizers well with the soil. Alternatively, sprinkle the fertilizer and mix the soil with a hoe in the areas where the tree’s shade falls in the afternoon.

Mango trees tend to become weak after fruiting, so it’s important to provide them with the necessary nutrients. After fertilizing, the plant can absorb its required nutrients from the soil once the monsoon starts.

Irrigation in mango orchards:

Irrigation is important in mango orchards, but if the soil is already moist, irrigation may not be necessary. Research has shown that using the modified basin method in mango trees can reduce water usage. This method involves raising the area around the base of the tree by one meter and creating a basin-like structure to capture water, especially in the shaded area at noon. This reduces water usage and helps the plant absorb most of the water. Additionally, this method helps keep the base of the plant clean and prevents weed growth. After irrigation, covering the area with water hyacinth will help retain the moisture in the soil for up to a month.

It’s important to avoid irrigating mango trees a month before flowering, as doing so can lead to the growth of new leaves, a decrease in the number of buds, and ultimately a lower yield.

Advance care of mango orchard :

  • If there is a shortage of organic matter in the mango orchards, Dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa) should be cultivated. Adding organic matter and other fertilizers to the garden will increase the soil’s productive capacity. 
  • There are 2/3 types of  parasitic plant found in mango trees. Larger trees are more likely to be attacked by  parasitic plant than smaller trees. Parasitic seeds germinate and grow on the branches of mango trees and survive by absorbing the necessary water, nutrients, and minerals from the branches. Parasitic plant has no roots and produces a type of haustoria like roots. Produces a type of haustoria like roots. Takes food from pulses. Parasitic seeds spread more during rainy season.
  • Affected branches should be cut along with the base of the plant. The cut should be coated with bordeaux paste to prevent infection. This work should be done before the flowers and fruits come in the garden.
  • Having 100% buds on the mango tree is not good as it disrupts the yield. Therefore, 50% of the buds should be broken before budding. In doing so, new buds will grow on the broken part, and next year, all those tips will have flowers and mangoes will come.

By considering the above points, you can ensure a good yield of mangoes every year, benefiting mango farmers.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *