Beetroot Cultivation: A Complete and Systematic Information
Beetroot is a nutritious and delicious vegetable, grown for both its roots and leaves. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Beetroot cultivation is easy, and it can be grown in fields as well as in pots. In this article, we will understand the entire process of beetroot cultivation systematically, which you can use in your blog posts.
1. Field preparation
Proper field preparation is very important for successful beetroot cultivation.
Soil
- Type - Sandy loam soil is best suited for beetroot as it ensures good drainage and availability of nutrients.
- pH value - The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.0. If the pH value is imbalanced, get the soil tested and use lime or sulphur.
- Preparation - Plough and level the soil thoroughly. Remove stones, pebbles and other obstructions.
Ploughing
- Plough the field deeply so that the soil becomes loose and roots can grow easily.
- Remove weeds completely as they can absorb plant nutrients.
- Level the field after ploughing so that water is distributed evenly.
Fertilizer
- Add well-rotted cow dung manure or vermicompost to the field. 10-15 tonnes of manure per hectare is sufficient.
- Use chemical fertilizers based on soil testing. Generally use a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (NPK).
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-Make beds 30-45 cm wide and 15-20 cm high in the field.
- Sowing seeds on beds improves drainage and leads to good growth of tubers.
2. Sowing
Sowing beetroot at the right time and with the right technique increases the yield.
Seed
- Choose high quality, disease-free seeds.
- Soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing. This helps in faster germination.
- If possible, treat the seeds with a fungicide.
distance
- Keep a distance of 10-15 cm between plants and 30-45 cm between rows.
- Proper distance gives plants enough space and nutrients.
depth
- Sow the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm. Sowing too deep can delay germination.
- After sowing the seeds, cover them with light soil.
Time
-Beetroot grows well in cool temperatures (15-25°C).
- In India, it can be sown between August to November, when temperatures are favourable.
3. Irrigation
- First irrigation - Immediately after sowing, do light irrigation so that the soil remains moist.
- Regular irrigation - Irrigate at an interval of 7-10 days depending upon the moisture of the soil. Excessive watering may cause rotting of tubers.
- Using drip irrigation saves water and provides uniform moisture to the plants.
4. Weed and pest control
- Weeds - Remove weeds regularly, especially in the first 30 days after sowing. This prevents the plants from nutrient deficiencies.
- Pests and Diseases
- Common pests: Leaf eating insects, aphids, and beet webworm.
- Diseases - Leaf spot and root rot.
- Control: Use organic pesticides (like neem oil) or chemical pesticides. Follow crop rotation and maintain hygiene.
5. Harvesting
- Beetroot crop is ready for harvesting in 60-75 days.
- Harvest when the tubers are 5-7 cm in diameter. Smaller tubers are more tasty and tender.
- Dig up the tubers carefully for harvesting so that they are not damaged.
6. Cultivation of beetroot in pot
People living in small spaces can also grow beetroot in pots.
Choosing a pot
- Choose a pot 20-25 cm deep and 30 cm wide.
- The pot must have holes for drainage.
Soil
- Use peat-free multipurpose compost or a mixture of sandy loam soil and vermicompost (2:1).
- The soil should be light and rich in nutrients.
Sowing
-Sow the seeds at a distance of 10 cm and 2-3 cm deep.
- 3-4 plants are sufficient in one pot.
Care
- Place the pot in a place that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight.
- Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Add liquid organic fertilizer every 15-20 days.
7. Other Useful Tips
- Temperature - Beetroot grows better in cool weather. Growing it in heat can make the tubers small and hard.
- Crop rotation - Do not grow beetroot in the same field every year. This maintains the fertility of the soil and reduces the risk of diseases.
- Storage - After harvesting, store beetroot in a cool, dry place. This keeps it fresh for 2-3 months.
- Nutrition - Use beetroot as salad, juice, or as a vegetable. Its leaves are also tasty as greens.
conclusion
Beetroot farming is not only easy, but it can be profitable on both small and large scale. With the right soil, timely sowing, proper care and pest control, you can get a healthy and tasty beetroot crop. Be it a field or a pot, you can easily grow beetroot by following this guide
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