BF&VGA FACTORS FOR QUALITY CROP PRODUCTION PDF Print E-mail
Factors For Quality Crop Production

 Soil

pH
Plants generally grow well in soils with a neutral to acid pH.  Barbados soils are highly alkaline and therefore any material that will increase the acidity (reduce the alkalinity) of the soil will help to improve plant vigour.  Sulphate of Ammonia is one such material.

Texture
Soils range from ‘light’ sandy to compact clay.  ‘Light’ sandy soils have poor water retention properties and dry out too quickly.  Clay soils are too compact and become waterlogged very easily.  Soils with a good balance of sand and clay will provide the best conditions for plant growth.  
In areas of heavy or compact soils the incorporation of organic matter such as well cured animal manure or commercially available organic manures has been proven to significantly improve the growth and development of plants.

Fertility
The fertility of the soil is of critical importance in the production of quality crops.  The colour of the soil is no indication of its fertility.  The fertility can only be determined by soil analysis.  This service is offered in Barbados for a reasonable fee.  Soil analysis provides farmers with the information they need to determine the type and quantity of fertilizer to apply.  

Climatic Factors

Sunlight
Sunlight is the major requirement for the development of healthy plants.  Neither growth nor development of plants can occur in the absence of light.  It is therefore important that plants be exposed to full sun.  Excessive heat however, will reduce the plants health and therefore the plants ability to produce fruit.  Yields and Fruit quality will therefore be reduced.

Water
Water is another essential element needed for plant growth.  All of the nutrients from the soil are transported into the plant using water.  Water is necessary for the plant cells to be firm and this in turn is what gives the plant its rigid structure.  In the absence of water plants will wilt.  Basically, all of the physiological functions in a plant require water.  Insufficient water during fruiting will produce soft underdeveloped fruit.   

Wind
Wind is one of the lesser important factors for general plant development but can have seriously adverse effects on crop production.  High winds can cause the excessive water loss from the plant causing the plant to ‘burn’ as the cells dry out.  This will cause blossom loss, poor fruit development and fruit damage from abrasion which affects the marketability of the crop.

Crop Variety

The selection of the correct crop variety for the growing location is extremely important.  Crop varieties will have different resistances to the disease and climatic factors.  The farmer has the option of varieties which will perform well in the hot wet or cool dry season.  Varieties also perform differently depending on the location in the island.  Choosing the right variety gives the farmer the chance to optimize his growing conditions.

Disease resistance
Different varieties of crops offer different disease resistances.  Growers should identify the major diseases prevalent in the planting area and select the most suitable variety.  Areas of high rainfall and humidity will promote bacterial and fungal problems and therefore should be an important consideration in crop selection.
 
Suitability to growing conditions
The varieties also have different requirements and growth patterns and will therefore perform differently under different climatic conditions. For example, plants with heavy foliage will offer protection from bird damage but may not be an advantage in an area of high wind and poor water availability.  The grower must seek information on the varieties and make the best all round choice for his conditions.


Fertilisation

Soil fertility is extremely important in the production of quality crops.  The best way to determine this is to have a soil test done. Once the grower has the information on the fertilizer requirements of the soil, he can select the most appropriate fertilizer based on what the soil is lacking.  

Organic / Inorganic
There are benefits to the use of both types of fertilizer that can assist in the water retention and aeration of the soil. It also improves the general ‘health’ of the soil and promotes root development.   
The inorganic fertilizer provides high, readily available levels of the plant’s required nutrients.
The ideal balance of the two forms of fertilizer will produce crops of optimum quality.

Pest Control

Pests levels will have a significant impact on the yields and quality of the crop.

Insects
Insect pest will damage the growing plant, encourage secondary infections, reduce fruit yields and damage the fruit produced. Insect damage can virtually destroy a crop.  The control of insect pests in the crop is therefore essential.

Weeds
Weeds will compete with the plant for nutrients, light and water and therefore will reduce the yield and quality of the crop.

Fungi / Bacteria
These micro organisms will also devastate a crop.  Good cultural practices and control measures are very important for the control of these pests. Fungi and bacteria will reduce yields, cause physical damage to the fruit, damage to the shape and quality of the fruit and cause general spoilage.


Greenhouse Technology
 
Currently in Barbados, most of our farmers are still using traditional methods of producing crops.  While many of our farmers have successfully grown from their experiences in the field, current trends with greenhouse technology has proven to be more productive compared to conventional practices, which are on average less successful when compared to production under greenhouse type settings.