Blog Details

Prolonged Dry Spell and Crop Management: Expert Advice by Gajanan Jadhao on Saving Soybean, Cotton, and Pigeon Pea

Introduction: As August comes to an end, the state is facing a severe dry spell. With crops like soybean reaching the crucial flowering or pod-filling stages, the lack of rainfall has left farmers deeply worried.

Addressing this critical situation, Mr. Gajanan Jadhao, an agricultural expert from 'White Gold Trust', shared a highly scientific and detailed management guide during his live session on August 31st. This blog will help farmers navigate this difficult period and minimize crop damage through proper management.

1. Current Situation & Weather Forecast: The El-Nino Effect

• Weather Forecast: Except for a few areas in Vidarbha (parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha, Yavatmal, and Amravati), most of the state is experiencing a massive dry spell. There is no forecast for widespread, continuous rain this week; only localized afternoon showers are expected in some regions.

• El-Nino Crisis: Since April, the White Gold Trust had warned about the El-Nino effect, predicting lower rainfall and longer dry spells this year. Unfortunately, this prediction has come true. Crops are wilting in the afternoon sun, making immediate agricultural management essential.

2. Water Management: When and How to Irrigate?

Farmers with access to irrigation facilities must take special care:

• Irrigate Before Severe Stress: It is crucial to provide light irrigation before the crops undergo severe moisture stress (i.e., before soil moisture completely depletes).

• Avoid Crop 'Shock': If crops have already wilted due to the scorching sun, suddenly flooding the field can cause a "shock" to the plants. This can lead to yellowing of leaves and massive flower/square dropping in cotton and soybean. Therefore, timely, light irrigation is key.

3. Nutrient Management via Spraying: The Role of 13:0:45

During a dry spell, crops need extra strength to survive:

• Potassium Nitrate (13:0:45): Spraying this water-soluble fertilizer is highly beneficial right now.

• Why it works: It contains 45% Potash. Potash significantly increases the plant's capacity to tolerate moisture stress and boosts immunity, helping the crop survive the dry patch without major damage.

4. The Right Time for Spraying (The Scientific Reason)

• Spray Early Morning or Late Evening: Strictly avoid spraying during hot afternoons.

• The Scientific Reason (Stomata): Plant leaves have tiny pores called stomata. During peak sunlight, plants close their stomata to prevent water loss (transpiration), which is why leaves appear folded or wilted. If you spray during the afternoon, the chemicals are not absorbed by the closed stomata, rendering your efforts and money useless.

5. Pesticide Selection: Avoid Harsh Chemicals!

• No 'Gas Action' Chemicals: Crops are currently under stress. In such dry, rainless conditions, avoid spraying harsh pesticides with stomach, contact, and gas action, like Chlorpyrifos or Profenofos.

• The Risk: Spraying these on stressed crops can cause 'scorching' (burning of leaves), leading to double the damage.

6. Crop-Specific Guidance

A) Cotton:

• Topping: If the vegetative growth of the cotton plant is sufficient, nip/remove the apical bud (top shoot). This stops upward growth and redirects the plant's energy towards boll development.

• Managing Square Drop: If the plant has fewer squares and there is good moisture in the soil, you can spray tonics like 'Zep' to encourage growth.

• Amavasya Spray: Amavasya falls around the 10th-11th of this month. Ensure your preventive spray is completed before the 15th.

B) Sugarcane:

• Instead of applying only Urea right now, supplement the crop with Phosphorus and Potash-based fertilizers.

Conclusion: Mr. Gajanan Jadhao concluded with an encouraging message: "Even though the dry spell is severe, do not lose hope. God is with us, and a way out will emerge. Face nature's challenge with courage and scientific management."