Why You Should Never Use Sawdust To Mulch Your Crops

Mulching, especially when growing fruit trees, is one of the most important practises. Commonly, we use dry organic matter such as leaves and grass. One would therefore think that it is also good to use sawdust. However, using sawdust as mulch for plants is generally not advisable for several reasons:

Mulching with sawdust is not recommended

1. Nitrogen depletion: Sawdust is high in carbon and low in nitrogen. When sawdust is used as mulch, it uses up nitrogen as it slowly decomposes. This deprives your plants of the much needed nitrogen. You will notice your plants get stunted and start turning yellow due to nitrogen deficiency. 
2. Acidification of the soil: As sawdust breaks down, it releases organic acids, lowering the pH of your soils below the recommended levels. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic or neutral pH range.
3. Compaction leading to poor soil drainage: Sawdust tends to get compressed easily forming a dense mulch layer that prevents water penetration and air circulation in the soil. If you turn a hip of sawdust after the rains, you will be surprised to find that the lower layers are still completely dry. That is exactly what happens when you mulch with sawdust of wood chippings. Your soils will most often not get water and air circulation beneath the mulch will be very poor. This in turn inhibits the nutrient uptake by your plants. 
4. Disease causing organisms: Sawdust mulch can provide conducive environment for the growth and multiplication of disease causing organisms such as fungus. The acidity caused by the decomposing sawdust can also kill beneficial soil microbes that the plant needs for healthy growth. 
5. Attracting termites: Finally, the smell of dry wood will be a loud invitation to the destructive termites we all fear. The dry conditions underneath the sawdust is a haven for termite activity. If you have planted fruit trees, this will be the start of trouble with these sharp-clawed insects. 

However, note that mixed with other organic materials in a small ration, sawdust can be an excellent mulch. A thin layer of sawdust sprinkled over the soil surface of strawberry farm would also help keep away slugs that love to munch into the berries. 

Dragon Fruit Farming In Sudan: The Basics You Need To Get Started

Very little has been done with regards to dragon fruit farming in Sudan, despite the country having great potential in the production of the fruit. In the Eastern Africa region, Kenya is the only country with substantial investments in dragon fruit farming and the farmers there are reaping big from this sweet super-food.

A Well Established Dragon Fruit Farm

The Missed Opportunity

Having realised the opportunity being missed in Sudan and having received a few requests from the country to help in setting up dragon fruit farms there, I have decided to start by providing you and all other potential dragon fruit farmers in Sudan with these basic steps in setting up their orchards.

What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a highly profitable crop going by the experience we get from our neighbours in Kenya. It is loved because of its sweet taste, numerous health benefits and the many different ways in which it can be used. 

Dragon fruit: This is the red variety

Basic For Successful Dragon Fruit Farming in Sudan

Here are basic things you need to know as you start your dragon fruit farm in Sudan:

1. Type of soil: Dragon fruits are not very selective with regards to soil. They grow well in all types of soils as long as the plant roots are not soaked in water. They also love soils with a lot of nitrogen, so give them a lot of manure. Chicken manure works best for this.
2. Number of Seedlings per Acre: You need at least 2,000 seedlings to fill up an acre. Remember, dragon fruit vines are planted on supporting structures which can be made of concreate or wooden poles: some people also use plastic poles while other use live plants as the support. I recommend the use of wooden poles because they are more readily available and cheap.

   

   Wooden dragon fruit posts

   
   
3. Distance Between Seedlings: The recommended distance between the support structures on which you will plant your vines is 2 by 2 meters. This means you will need 1,000 poles for an acre of land. On each pole, you plant 2 seedlings on either side. That is how we arrive at 2000 seedlings per acre. However, some farmers prefer to plant 3 or 4 seedlings on each pole, then have each plant carry fewer branches. This can be advantageous in terms of fruit size and quality.

   

   Dragon fruit spacing is 2 by 2 meters: 2 plants are put in each pole

   
   
4. Irrigation Method: While dragon fruit plants do not require a lot of water, consistent and well-managed irrigation can help you achieve higher yields and a continuous harvest. Drip irrigation is the best to use for dragon fruit farming, as it allows you to control the water supply efficiently. Make sure to provide adequate water, especially during the growing season. However, be careful not to soak the soils too much as your plants will start rotting away.

   

   Drip irrigation is best for dragon fruit farming in Sudan

   
   
5. Improved Seeds: Dragon fruits can be grown from cuttings or seeds. However, we recommend growing dragon fruits from cuttings of mature plants, as this method ensures the new plant's characteristics are the same as those of the parent plant. Dragon fruits plants raised from cuttings also mature faster – in about 9 months – while those raised from seeds can take as long as 7 years to give the first fruits. We have the seedlings ready for transplanting and you can order to have them sent to Khartoum: Contact us through Whatsapp +254724698357.

   

   Ready to plant dragon fruit seedlings

   
   
6. Production Time from Transplanting of Seedlings: As we have stated, dragon fruit plants raised from cuttings will start yielding in about 9 months. In cooler places, they usually start producing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting from seedlings. This duration is also dependent on other growing conditions, care, and the variety you choose. It may take longer if you do not provide sufficient nutrients and water.
7. Canopy for Dragon Fruit: In Sudan, you might consider providing some form of partial shading or canopy for your dragon fruit plants. While they do well in full sun in many areas, in very hot and arid regions, some shading can help protect the plants from excessive sun and heat. You do this by growing them under a shade-net as shown in the photo below. However, this is not absolutely necessary.
8. Help in setting up the dragon fruit farm: We are always ready to help you and with proper arrangements we can even send you one of our field officers to help you in setting up your dragon fruit farm in Sudan.
9. Farm Size: It's great that you're planning for a 5-acre dragon fruit farm. This is a significant size and can potentially yield good returns if managed well wit help from Richfarm Kenya. The investment thereof is also substantial. We shall share with you some projected cash-flows to give you an insight of the capital requirements.

Remember to conduct soil tests, assess local climate conditions, and consider any local regulations or guidelines before establishing your dragon fruit farm. Also, consulting with local agricultural experts or agricultural extension services can provide valuable insights for successful dragon fruit cultivation in Sudan. Good luck with your dragon fruit farming venture!

Custard Apple Farming in Kenya: How To Grow Matomoko For Profit

Custard apple, scientifically known as Annona squamosa, locally known as Matomoko, is a tropical fruit revered for its luscious taste and numerous health benefits. They are known for their rough texture and their pale green colour. With the rising demand for exotic fruits worldwide, custard apple farming has gained momentum as a lucrative entrepreneurial endeavour. 

Custard apple farming

Where to farm custard apple in Kenya

The fruit thrives in warm climates with an annual rainfall of at least 800mm. It requires regular irrigation, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages, to ensure it gives you big, juicy and high quality fruits. With irrigation, it can be grown even in hot arid or semi-arid environments. However, relatively warm temperatures are recommended for suitable fruition. 

Where to get custard apple seedlings in Kenya

You can make your own custard apple seedlings through various techniques, including seed germination, air layering, and grafting. Each method offers specific advantages and drawbacks, and careful consideration should be given to ensure sustainable production. Seedling propagation is the most cost-effective but has a more extended gestation period, while grafting allows for the preservation of desired traits and accelerates tree maturity. Grafted seedlings become commercially viable within two years. 

However, the easiest way to get mature, healthy, ready-to-plant seedlings is by ordering them from Richfarm Kenya nurseries in Embu or Naivasha; you can reach us on 0724698357 or 0723213602.

Common pests and diseases challenging custard apples farmers in Kenya

 

When you get into custard apple farming in Kenya, the common pests to expect include fruit borer, scale insects, and mites, while fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose are prevalent. But do not let these challenges scare you; you can easily deal with them by employing integrated pest management strategies involving biological control methods, cultural practices, and judicious use of pesticides. We have written detailed instructions for you on all these pest and disease control methods which you can read by following those links. 

How to plant your custard apples professionally

 

You want a successful and profitable custard apple farm; so let me guide you through a simple step-by-step way of achieving this. 

1. Choose your site well: open fields that receive a lot of sunlight are best for farming custard apples. The soils should be deep and well drained, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
2. Test your soil: for a good start in custard apple, you must provide the young seedlings sufficient amounts of all the nutrients they need. You can only be sure of the nutrients you need to add by testing your soils. You can call in agronomists from Richfarm Kenya to help you out with this. 
3. Prepare your planting holes well: the ideal hole is 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Use the 5x5m spacing if you want the trees to grow without much need for pruning. However, I recommend the 3x3m spacing and regular pruning to achieve high yield and big fruits. Use the top soil of your farm, mixed well with animal or farmyard manure to fill up the hole, leaving only about 10cm for irrigation. 
4. Irrigate your seedlings sufficiently: please be careful not to over-irrigate the trees. While young seedlings require quite a substantial amount of water for proper establishment, irrigating 2 to 3 times during the dry season is technically enough. 
5. Mulch: use dry grass or other plant remains to cover the soil around the base of your plants. This will help you retain the soil moisture. The decomposing mulch will also add organic matter to the soil. 
6. Prune your trees: having done all the above, your trees will be growing fast and producing many branches. While the lush growth is beautiful to the eye, it is important to remove some of the branches to achieve an open canopy that allows free flow of air and penetration of sunlight. 

Your custard apple trees will start flowering in the second year if you plant healthy grafted seedlings. They flower once a year. Flowering is preceded by the shedding of leaves in September, but with irrigation or good rains, flowering and fruit formation can start earlier. Commercial productivity is often achieved from the third year. 

Ensure you observe accurate timing of custard apple harvesting to enjoy optimum quality and flavour. Typically, the fruit is picked when it changes colour from green to pale yellow or whitish, indicating ripeness. Since custard apple is a delicate fruit, be careful in handling the ripe fruits to minimise post-harvest losses. Using sharp tools and gentle handling techniques, such as avoiding excessive pressure and bruising, helps ensure the fruit's integrity.

 

Custard apples have relatively short shelf lives due to their high water content and perishable nature. Cold storage and controlled atmosphere techniques can help extend their shelf life by reducing physiological changes and microbial growth.

Is custard apple farming in Kenya profitable?

Yes, custard apple farming is one of the most rewarding forms of fruit farming in Kenya. Let us give you an overview of the expected costs and returns here:

·        Cost per seedling- Ksh. 300

·        Seedlings per acre -150

·        Spacing - 5m by 5m

·        Common pest- fruit borer, scale insects, and mites

·        Common diseases- powdery mildew and anthracnose

·        Fruit price- Ksh80-130 per kilo

·        Yield- 700kgs or 100 fruits per tree

·        Lifespan - 30 years plus

 

The reason why many people are attracted by custard apple farming in Kenya is not only its profitability. This fruits also delicious and offer several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of custard apples:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Custard apples are a good source of essential nutrients especially  vitamin C and vitamin A, minerals (potassium and magnesium), and dietary fiber which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. 
2. Heart Health: The potassium content in custard apples helps regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of heart diseases. Additionally, the dietary fiber we mentioned earlier helps lower cholesterol levels.
3. Immune System Support: The high vitamin C content in custard apples is beneficial for the immune system. It helps the body fight off infections and illnesses.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Custard apples are rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and slow the aging process.
5. Skin Health: The vitamin A in custard apples is important for maintaining healthy skin and vision. It can also help prevent skin conditions like acne and promote a glowing complexion.
6. Digestive Health: The fiber in custard apples aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help alleviate digestive problems like indigestion and constipation.
7. Energy Boost: The natural sugars in custard apples provide a quick source of energy, making them a great snack option, especially for those with active lifestyles.
8. Bone Health: The presence of calcium and magnesium in custard apples contributes to healthy bones and teeth.
9. Aid for Anemia: Custard apples contain iron, which can be beneficial for individuals with anemia or those at risk of iron deficiency.
10. Anti-Inflammatory: Some compounds found in custard apples may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
11. Nervous System Support: Custard apples contain vitamin B6, which is essential for a healthy nervous system and brain function.

However, never consume custard apple seeds as they are considered poisonous and diabetic persons should take small quantities of the fruit due to the high starch content.

Grapes Farming: How To Make Your Grapevines Produce a Lot of Flowers That Mature to Fruits

How to prevent grapevines from aborting flowers is one of the queries we have been getting quite frequently. A few grape farmers in Kenya have also had scenarios in which their vines take too long before they start flowering. So we have compiled a list of 10 important things that you should do to ensure your vines produce a lot of flowers and maintain them to give you a bumper harvest. 

Grapes Farming in Kenya: Heavy Flowers

Please note that flower abortion can occur due to various reasons: we have often picked out nutrient deficiencies, poor irrigation schedules and pest infestations as the 3 main causes. We shall delve deeper into these as we also explore other possible causes and their solutions. 

Here are some steps you should take to reduce the likelihood of your grapevines aborting  flower:

1. Site Selection: Plant your grapevines in a location that receives adequate sunlight, has good air circulation, and proper drainage. Adequate sunlight is essential for flowering and fruiting. and must not be compromised. 
2. Pruning: Proper pruning is often overlooked but is very crucial in inducing flowering and helping the vine keep the flowers. Prune your grapevines during the dormant season (that is after harvesting) to remove excess canes and maintain an open canopy. This allows for better air circulation and light penetration.
3. Fertilisation: Ensure your grapevines receive the necessary nutrients, especially during the growing season. We have always emphasised the need for soil testing since it is the only way to find out if your soils have balanced nutrients as needed by your grape vines. Carry out a soil test at least once a year to determine nutrient deficiencies and adjust your fertilisation regimen accordingly.
4. Irrigation: Consistent and appropriate irrigation is essential to prevent water stress. Grapevines should receive regular, deep watering to maintain soil moisture. However, you should be careful to avoid waterlogged soils as these might also cause flower abortion or a complete loss of the plant all together.
5. Pest and Disease Management: Pests and diseases are a serious cause of flower abortion in grape vines. Hence you must ensure that you conduct regular scouting across your farm to identify any pests or diseases that might be there. Then implement an appropriate pest and disease management program matching the specific pests or diseases that have been identified. While powdery mildew, downy mildew and insects are the most common threats, I do not encourage following a specific spray program blindly. Identify the problem and implement its appropriate solution.  
6. Thinning Clusters: If you notice that your grapevines have excessive flower clusters, consider thinning them out. This allows the vine to allocate resources more effectively the clusters you choose to retain. This helps in reducing the risk of losing the flowers you desire.
7. Pollination: Ensure that pollinators (e.g., bees) have access to your grapevines during flowering to aid in successful pollination. Avoid the use of pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
8. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly inspect your grapevines for signs of stress, disease, or insect damage. Adjust your care regimen accordingly to address any issues promptly.
9. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your grapevines to help maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also improves soil structure over time.
10. Training and Trellising: Properly train and trellis your grapevines to ensure good air circulation and support for the growing vines and fruit clusters. 

Remember that grapevine care is an ongoing process, and it's essential to monitor your vines regularly to address any issues as they arise. By implementing these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of grapevine flower abortion and increase your chances of a successful grape harvest.