Preparation of seed bed

This slide was used to teaching TSEE (technical class 10) at Bishaltar

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1. Preparation of seedbed

2. Preparation of seedbed A seedbed/seedling bed is the local soil environment in which seeds are planted. Seedbed is used to increase chances of germination Soil of seedbed needs to be loose , smooth and without large clumps . Large clumps, uneven depth would make plant depth random. Loose soil provides aeration and space for root growth Seedbed preparation is done by secondary tillage through use of harrow and cultivators.

3. Steps in seedbed preparation: Removal of debris : e.g. Insect eggs, disease spores, stones etc. are removed Leveling : it is done for achieving even drainage Breaking up the soil : Compacted soil broken up by digging followed by disking. Soil improvement : Compost, decomposed organic matter are added Fertilizing : If soil is deficient in any nutrients it can be added manually.

4. Seedbed treatment For raising healthy seedlings, soil must be treated for making it pathogen and pest free. Methods of treatment: Soil solarization : most suited in jeth-asar Formalin solution treatment Application of fungicide : e.g. Captan , Thiram Use of insecticides : e.g. Chloropyriphos @ 2ml/liter of water Fumigation : use of methyl bromide

5. Sowing The sowing method is determined by crop to be sown. Methods of sowing are: 1. Broadcasting: Scattering of seeds by hand all over the prepared field. Quickest and cheapest method Seed requirement is more 2. Line sowing/Drilling Dropping of seeds into soil with the help of implements like seed drill and seeds covered by wooden plank Seeds are placed at proper and uniform depth 3. Dibbling It is placing of seeds by making + Row and plant spacing is maintained Laborious and time consuming process

6. 4. Transplanting It is raising of seedlings on a nursery beds and transplanting of seedlings in field. 5. Planting It is placing of vegetative parts of crops. Eg . Tubers of potato 6. Putting seeds behind the plough It is dropping of seeds behind the plough in furrow with the help of manual labour by hand.

7. Care and Maintenance of seedling Following management practices are appropriate for care and maintenance of seedling: Mulching : maintains soil moisture and temperature Suppress weeds Protects from direct sun light 2. Watering : Light irrigation is preferred Excess water should be drained 3. Thinning : Weak, unhealthy seedlings should be removed Thinning balances light and air available to plants

8. 4. Weed control: Use of pre-emergence herbicide 5. Protection against diseases Damping off is the most serious disease of nursery Treated seeds should be used for damping off 6. Hardening of seedlings: Hardening is the treatment which makes plant strong and withstand unfavorable environment like high temperature, drought Hardening is done by holding watering to plant 4-5 days before transplanting.

9. Packaging and management Packaging is the system in which young plants are kept till they are transplanted. They have to be packed in such a way that they do not lose their turgidity and are able to establish themselves on new site. Proper handling, use of proper material as cover, etc. fall under good management