Getting the most out of a short season

Tamburiro Pasipangodya
The forecast is indicating the probability of a late start to the season coupled with a short rainfall season (December to February/March). This does not provide a very good picture of the rainfall season, but farmers can still attempt to maximise the rainfall received within that short period of time for the achievement of a reasonable harvest.
This highlights that the distribution of the rainfall during the season could be key in assisting farmers in their decision-making of the different farming operations, which include timing of planting, application of fertilisers and pest control.
The general recommendations for the 2015 /2016 season include:
Timely planting – There is need for timely planting once the area has received its first effective rainfall. Timely planting will be assisted by timely land preparation.
Timely instead of early planting is being emphasised since there are already indications of a delay to the start of the season in most areas;
Short season crops – It is recommended to grow crops that have a short growth cycle/mature early to take advantage of the likelihood of a short rainfall season. Crops that farmers can select to grow include small grains (finger millet/rapoko, pearl millet/mhunga, sorghum/mapfunde), beans and cowpeas. The crops are usually grown from December into the second half of the season due to their short days to maturity and should be suitable for this agricultural season;
Short season varieties – Farmers are recommended to grow particularly short season varieties of the different crops due to the shortness of the season (December to February/March). These varieties mature earlier than the medium or long season varieties of the same crops and may be able to do well for the season.
The selection of medium/long season varieties will now be at the farmers’ discretion particularly their knowledge of the area in terms of rainfall performance (start of the season, occurrence of the mid-season dry spell, end of season, similar seasons) for such a risk to be taken;
Drought tolerant crops – Finger and pearl millet, and sorghum seem ideal for this season in most areas. Other crops include certain varieties of cowpeas and sugar beans;
Conservation Farming – The presence of pot holes and mulch assist in moisture conservation, assisting to “extend the growing season”;
Staggered planting – This has to be implemented cautiously this season due to the shortness of the season. However, planting of a crop at different days ensures that crop matures at different time periods, thereby being affected differently by the mid-season dry spells;
Diversification – this increases the options farmers are involved in and spreading the risks (similar to above).
◆ Ms Tamburiro Pasipangodya is an agricultural meteorologist and provided these tips to The Sunday Mail.