By Christopher Makaza| The tobacco industry has witnessed an increase in new farmers due to huge returns and attractive export incentives being offered by the new dispensation. It is imperative for these new farmers to be taught on good agronomic practices which include proper land preparation to maximize production.
The cultural operations recommended for successful production of different types of tobacco depend, to great extent, on the level of land preparation and agro-climatic conditions under which they are grown.
The purpose of land preparation is to provide the necessary soil conditions which will enhance the successful establishment of the young offshoots or the tissue culture plants received from the nursery.
Farmers countrywide are currently finalising on harvesting their tobacco from their fields in preparation for the marketing season set to start on 21 March. Soon after harvesting the golden leaf, farmers will start preparing for the seed bed and later transplant seedlings to the seedbeds early September. September 1 being the earliest legislative date for transplanting tobacco from the seedbed to the field.
In preparation for this date, farmers are expected to fully prepare the land for healthy crops. Among the preparations include destroying tobacco stalks and re-growths which are hosts for pests and agents for the carryover of diseases on or before May 15.
Digging the soil with tractor soon after harvest of tobacco or during summer with the onset of rain at proper moisture is essential as it helps in exposing and killing nematodes, soil borne pathogens, pests and weeds. Wherever possible, the field should be ploughed by a
tractor during summer to expose weed seeds, roots, soil pathogens and insect pests to scorching sun/heat of summer.
In order to maximise production, tobacco farmers are also encouraged to take their soil samples to Tobacco Research Board or other laboratory for soil testing as soil tests results establish soil pH as well as levels of major and minor nutrients in the soil such as Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Magnesium, Sulphur and Boron which in turn determines fertiliser to be applied in the tobacco fields. Plant growth is influenced by either saline or acid soil conditions which, in the end, will result in a loss of potential yield.
Proper crop rotation is one of a farmer’s best weapons against disease.
Planting tobacco in the same field in consecutive years puts your crop at risk of disease and can also strip the land of vital nutrients. While rotating crops can be more difficult for burley farmers, experts cannot stress the importance of rotation enough.
The type of crop you have in the field before you plant tobacco can be a huge asset. Experts advise that planting soybeans in the field before tobacco can be advantageous for farmers as the soybeans leave nitrogen in the field. In addition, fields that go from small grains or grass to tobacco provide a natural weed control, saving time and money on weeding and herbicides.
Winter cover crops like wheat and rye protect your fields from erosion and add beneficial organic matter to your soil content when ploughed under in spring. But be sure to kill or plough under your winter grain crops in a timely manner—preferably in early spring. Eliminating winter cover crops at the right time prevents the possibility of reduced soil moisture later in spring and prevents the cover crop from using up soil nutrients that will be beneficial to your tobacco crop after planting.
Tobacco farmers should plan their work to avoid unnecessary stoppages during the farming season. Critical factors to consider during the planning exercise include but not limited to availability of inputs like fertilisers and chemicals as well as equipment.