AREA 3- Agronomic and Horticultural Crops Production

 Identification and classification of crops

Classification of Crops
An increasingly diverse number of minor acreage specialty crops are
grown in this region every year. Managing some of these crops can be difficult
without local experience. It is helpful to at least know what botanical family
they belong to because crops in the same family often have similar growth
habits, pest problems and fertility requirements. There are almost no pesticides
registered for some of these crops because of the limited acreage, but response
to pesticides is often, but not always, similar to that of other crops in the same
family. Knowing the family they are in can often give you an idea of what to
expect. Kerb, for instance, is generally safe to crops in the Composite family
(Lettuce, artichokes, radicchio) but is harmful to crops in the brassica family
(Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy). The following chart lists crops by botanical
family.
 Land preparation
Method of Planting/transplanting
  Mulching

Organic Mulches
Organic mulching has to be carried out carefully as well. The organic mulching
material should be applied around established plants in the garden in mid-
spring, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently for active root growth. If the
mulch is applied too early, it will keep the ground cool and root development
will be delayed. With newly planted material, the mulch should be applied after
the plants are set in place and watered in well. If planting is done in late
summer or early fall, the mulch should be applied immediately after watering
the plants so that the soil temperature will be kept warm during the cool
nights. It is important for fall-planted stock to have sufficient root growth so
that the plants don't heave out of the ground during the winter months
because of alternate freezing and thawing. Organic mulches such as leaves,
sawdust, or shredded bark should be moist when applied to the soil. Extremely
dry mulches act as a blotter and remove moisture from the soil (adapted from
WILLIAMS n.y.).
ARTIFICIAL MULCHING
  Cultural management practices

 Irrigation/water mgt.
 Nutrient mgt.
 Pest and disease mgt.
Other special cultural practices