Empowering Communities for Sustainable Natural Resource Use ...

6 Natural Resource Use and Management: The Albertine Rift Region
Seed bed preparation
In areas that are always dry like Buliisa, the seed bed should be sunk
below the ground level so as to improve drainage, allow rain water
to collect and preserve soil moisture.
Pre-sowing treatments
Usually seeds are treated to enhance germination prior to sowing.
Depending on the type of seed; they may be boiled, soaked in water
or scratched mechanically (scarified).
Sowing
The seed should be sowed on the surface of the bed and covered
with thin soil which is about half the diameter of the seeds. The
seed should be covered with soil which is spread out by hand or
using a shovel.
Shade construction
A shade should be constructed to provide suitable amount of light,
rain water and heat. The shade should be constructed sloping in
the north-south gradient and running in the east – west direction.
A farmer may use local materials like elephant grass or even plastic
materials like polythene for shade construction.
Watering
Different species of seedlings require different quantities of water.
Therefore, a farmer should water his/her nursery bed regularly
with the right amount of water using a watering can that has a
mesh. Watering should be done twice a day (i.e. in the morning and
evening). Avoid too much watering because it may wash away the
seeds and seedlings rooting. The watering can should have a mesh
to ensure even distribution of water in the bed.