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BASIC
REQUIREMENTS FOR GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND FRUITING
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Porous soil
It is very important for vigorous
root development. It will enable oxygen to easily
penetrate the soil, making respiration easier for the
plants. Porous soil is sandy or clay loam. Clay soil,
which is mostly found in Luzon and Visayas, is not
conducive to the early development of fruit trees. Early
planting on this type of soil results in stunted growth
of the plant and in some cases, even death. In addition,
those which survive require longer years to bear fruits.
The problem with clay soil being compact slows down the
root development thus requiring longer time before the
seedling could eventually take off from the ground.
How to make clay soil porous
A newly planted tree shall easily
take off from the ground if the planting medium is
porous. Porous soil influences the vigorous root
development and plant growth.
For small planting materials, dig two feet by two feet
depth or bigger. This planting hole is enough for the
early vigorous roots development. Mix the top (upper 6
inches black soil) with at least 1/3 rice hull, sand or
sawdust of the total soil volume. To make the soil
fertile, add 5% compost or organic fertilizer. This is
the best planting medium for clay soil. For sandy loam
soil, do not add any more rice hull, only organic
fertilizer compost or decayed manure because a sandy
soil is already porous.
Fertile soil
The fertility of the soil can be
determined through its color. Volcanic soil, which is
almost black in color, are the most fertile soil like
that in Mt. Makiling (Laguna), Mt. Mayon (Albay), Taal
volcano and Mt. Kanlaon (Negros). Fruit trees planted in
these areas will grow fast and will produce sweet
fruits.
Reddish soil found mostly in Tanay, Rizal and other
Luzon areas are clay soil which needs to be added with
organic fertilizer and other necessary macro-and-micro
nutrients. Unless given proper care and balance
fertilization, fruit trees planted here has slow growth
and less fruiting than those planted in volcanic soil.
Well-drained soil
This is the most important
requirement for the successful growth and development of
plants. The trees must be provided with drainage canal
for the easy removal of excess water especially during
heavy continuous rain. If there is no drainage canal,
plant the tree in a mound.
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