From the perspective of cultivation, good agricultural practices are the set of systems through which we will obtain a better harvest such as the following:
What are good agricultural practices?
When it comes to working our crops, it is essential that we take into account their cycles, and know how to apply them to our particular crop.
This, in theory, may seem simple, but the truth is that it requires experience and time for learning.
In any case, our mission must always be to pursue good agricultural practices that allow us to achieve the perfect balance between the product we obtain, the economic costs, and the process to be carried out in each case.
Good agricultural practices are the set of processes that we must carry out for any of our crops, which will result in a substantial improvement of the fruit we obtain, as well as a more sustainable procedure, that is, that allows us to continue growing year after year. In addition all this will translate into a considerable improvement from the economic perspective.
TIPS FOR GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Once developed the concept of good agricultural practices focused on the balance in production, it is time to know some of the most relevant aspects to which we have to pay attention.
Soil quality
Soil quality is one of the key points to which we have to pay more attention.
For this, it is important to ensure that the land has adequate nutrients to ensure optimized crop growth.
This means that, if we do not perform crop rotation (and even, even if we do), we must always study the soil composition well and provide all those nutrients that are necessary.
On the other hand, this contribution must always be made within a calendar adapted to our specific harvest, thus ensuring that the plant can take full advantage of all available resources.
Irrigation, one of the keys to a good harvest
We should not neglect irrigation, which must be balanced and adapted to the phases of the tree or plant.
An excessive irrigation, will lead to the appearance of rot, as well as diseases and pests that can cause us to lose our harvest.
For that reason, we must study the crop’s water needs well, analyse the rainfall that has developed in the area, study adequate drainage, and of course, we have to make contributions that meet the real needs of the fruit.
Prune properly
A well-done pruning and always within the calendar, is one of the best ways to achieve maximum crop yield.
We must remember how important it is not only to provide nutrients, but also to take great care that the strength obtained by the plant, does not end up wasting on unnecessary elements such as branches that will not produce fruit, varieties that need sun and have fruits in the shadows, and a long etcetera.
The best time to collect
The best time to collect
On the other hand, we must also know the best time to collect.
In this sense, we have a calendar depending on the crop we have in our hands.
However, these calendars must be adapted to the reality of the year in which we find ourselves, taking into account aspects such as:
- Precipitation.
- Fruit Maturation.
- Hours of sun.
- If the calendars have been fulfilled when applying products.
- If the calendars based on the weather have been fulfilled.
In this way, the responsible farmer will always analyze the appropriate time to carry out the collection, thus ensuring that the fruit is in an optimal state of ripening, and that it offers the consumer from a good aspect to the guarantee that it has the nutrients, texture and flavor that allows you to place yourself in a higher category compared to the rest.
Soil quality Protect your crop from the most common pests and diseases
So far, we have been talking about good agricultural practices regarding the resources that our plants need to grow healthy and strong.
However, we must not forget that there is also an essential aspect that we must analyze which is making sure that our crops are protected and safe from what a producer most fears, which are pests and diseases.
For that reason, in addition to preparing a calendar that allows us to guarantee the timely application of all necessary products, we must also take into account the importance of maintaining good control of the crop.
There are certain practices such as pruning at the wrong time, the cleaning of adjoining and others, which can become an undeniable attraction for these pests and diseases.
That is why it is essential that we know not only our harvest, but also our environment, and of course we have to make sure that we always use products that are natural, without waste, safe and efficient, since in this way , we will be much more likely to reach our goals.
It is important to keep in mind that these are good agricultural practices from a general perspective.
In each case, the farmer must study his specific crop and his zone, so that he obtains the balance through which he would obtain a bigger fruit, of greater quality, with better appearance, and better quoted