Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 10. Agronomy
10.2 Field establishment
10.2.1 Orchard location
The location of an orchard is important as this will influence the quality of
the fruit and the potential income generated. There are a number of factors to
be considered before investing in the establishment of an annona orchard, or
the incorporation of annona trees into existing small holder farming systems.
The climatic conditions of an existing or potential orchard location will
determine which species and/or varieties can be grown and their performance
under these conditions. The ecological requirements of the annona species
highlighted here are detailed in chapter 5 - Ecology.
The soil type is also very important. Although most of the Annona species
grow on a wide range of soil types, from sands to clay loams, higher yields
are attained from trees grown in sandy loam soils. Soils should be free
draining as Annona species do not grow well in soils with drainage problems
and a high water content in the soil can encourage root diseases (Nakasone &
Paull, 1998).
Plenty of water for irrigation is essential and proximity to a paved road is
also important, especially if the grower is concerned about fruit yield and
quality. In addition, proximity to a large market will allow a higher income,
principally by saving on transportation costs.
10.2.2 Land preparation
The orchard area must be cleared of shrubs and weeds. Four to six months
before ploughing, a soil sample can be taken to determine the lime
requirements and soil nutrient levels (Nakasone and Paull, 1998); section
10.3.5. provides the standard methodology for sampling, however the local
extension agent should be consulted about sampling methodologies for
specific locations. Lime and phosphorus are applied before ploughing and
harrowing (see section 10.3.5 for recommendations), although phosphorus
can also be applied in the planting pit (Pinto and Silva, 1996; Nakasone and
Paull, 1998). Drainage should be installed at this time to avoid flooding, with
either contour or subsurface drains.
On a medium to light texture oxisol, ploughing to a maximum soil depth of
30 cm and harrowing twice should be carried out 1 to 2 months before the
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