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Water and Irrigation

Water and Irrigation: 

Large cardamom plants cannot thrive well under water stress conditions. In the first year of planting watering is required at least once in 10 days during dry months in Jan to March for better growth in coming months. It is observed that productivity is higher in plantings where irrigation is provided. Depending on availability of water sources hose or sprinkler or flood irrigation through small channels is advised. Water harvesting tanks or dugouts can also be made in the plantation. 

Shade Management: It is noticed that heavy shade or less shade hinders crop growth and production. About 50%shade is found ideal. The lopping of branches of shade trees is very important and should be done before onset of monsoon during June- July . But at the same time over-exposure to direct sunlight causes Yellowing of leaves. Therefore judicious shade management is very important for good growth, timely flowering and for better crop. Weed Control: Weed control in the plantations is the important operation for maximum utilization of available soil moisture and nutrients by the plants. Three rounds of weeding are required for effective control of weed growth in initial two to three years. Weeding is generally done by using a sickle or by hand depending upon the intensity of weed growth. From around the plant base weeds are pulled out by hand and in inter-space needs only slash with sickle. Clean weeding is not advised. While weeding dried shoots and other thrashed materials are used as mulch around the plant base. 

Crop rotation: Crop rotation after every 15-20 years is very essential to keep healthy & high yielding plantation.