Soil Requirement:
- Grows best in loamy, fertile, and well-drained soil
- Soil should be rich in organic matter
- Avoid:
- Heavy clay soils cause waterlogging
- Very sandy soils poor nutrient retention
Pit Preparation:
- Dig planting pits of 2 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft
- Leave the pit open for 2 days
- Improves soil aeration
- Reduces soil-borne pests and harmful organism
Planting Steps:
- Fill the pit with topsoil mixed with:
- Well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost
- Place the sapling upright, keeping the graft union above soil level
- Plant depth: about 1 ft
- Cover with soil and press gently to remove air pockets
- Mulching:
- Use black plastic or organic mulch
- Helps warm the soil
- Controls weeds
- Conserves soil moisture
- Irrigate thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots
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