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Soil Requirement

Soil Requirement: 
Large cardamom is generally grown in forest loamy soils having soil depth of few centimeters to several inches. Color of large cardamom soil ranges from brownish yellow to very dark grayish brown. Texture varies from sandy, sandy loam, salty loam to clay. In general, large cardamom soils are acidic in nature and majority of soils have pH ranges from 5.0 to 5.5 and more than 1 % organic carbon content. On an average, these soils have high available Nitrogen and medium Phosphorous and Potassium. Because of steepness of the terrain, chance of water logging is less, and water logged conditions are not suitable for the plants 

The ideal time for planting large cardamom in Sikkim is May to July, preferably during June - July when the intensity of South West Monsoon is low. By this time, the planting materials i.e., mature tillers with 1 - 2 immature tillers / vegetative buds become ready. Due to appearance of new leaves in the mother clump during this period, symptoms of Chirke disease, viral in nature, becomes prominent which helps not to collect such plants as planting materials. 

Selection of site: Large cardamom grows well in forest loamy soils with gentle to medium slopes. Luxuriant growth is observed nearby perennial water sources. However, water logged condition is detrimental to the plants. It performs well under partial shade (50%). utis (Alnus nepalensis) is the most common shade tree and utis cardamom is a very good Agro-forestry system for sustainable production in the region. The other species of shade trees are Panisaj (Termalia myriocarpa), Pipli (Bucklandia sp.), Malito (Macaranga denticulate), Argeli (Edgeworthes gardneri), Asare (Viburnus eruberens), Bilaune (Maesa Cheria), Kharane (Symplocos sp.), Siris (Albizzia Lebbeck), Faledo (Erythrina indica), Jhingani (Eurja tapanica). 

Land Preparation: The land selected for planting is cleared of all under growth, weeds etc. Old large cardamom plants, if any may also be removed. Pits of size 30 x 30 x 30 cm are prepared on contours at a - spacing of 1.5 x 1.5 m from the centre of the pits. Pits are left open for weathering for a fortnight and then filled with topsoil mixed with cow dung compost / FYM @ 1 - 2 kg per pit. Pit making and filling operation should be completed in the third week of May before the onset of pre-monsoon showers. 

Planting: Planting is done in June - July when there is enough moisture in the soil. A mature tiller with 2 - 3 immature tillers / vegetative buds is used as planting unit. For better production, quality planting materials are to be raised in the nurseries or to be collected from certified nurseries. Suckers / seedlings are planted by scooping a little soil from the centre of the pits and planted up to collar zone. Deep planting should be avoided. Staking is needed to avoid lodging from heavy rain and wind and mulching is done at the plant base. 

Soil base making and mulching: A soil base with gentle slope from the plant is beneficial for application of inputs to the plants viz., FYM, vermi compost, neem cake, mustard cake etc. If the land is not terraced, soil base may be made by cutting top soil from the upper half & to be placed on the lower half followed by mulching. Mulching at the plant base with easily degradable organic materials is good for conserving both moisture and soil. Mulch improves the soil condition and the soil fertility. Dried organic matter, leaves, weeds etc can be used as mulching materials. 

Application of manure: For sustainable good yield and to compensate the nutrient loss from the soil, replenishment of nutrients is very essential. Well decomposed cattle manure / compost or organic products @ 2 kg / plant and mustard cake 500 g / plant at least once in two years in April - May, are beneficial. If all the crop residues are recycled in the plantation and FYM / Organic materials etc are applied.