Question

Describe the cultivation of guava under the following heads: (a) Selection of soil and preparation
(b) Two improved varieties
(c) Planting time and distance in between
(d) Manure and fertilizer
(e) Time of irrigation and method

Hint:

Guava is called “poor man’s apple” due to its affordability, high vitamin-C content, and adaptability to marginal soils.

Answer 1

(a) Selection of soil and preparation
- Guava grows well in alluvial soils, sandy loam to clay loam soils, with good drainage.
- Soil pH: 6.5–7.5 is ideal.
- Deep ploughing is done, followed by 2–3 harrowings.
- Pits of size 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm are dug and filled with topsoil mixed with FYM before planting.
(b) Two improved varieties
- Allahabad Safeda: Famous for large, round fruits with white pulp.
- Lucknow-49 (Sardar): Popular variety with high yield and excellent keeping quality.
(Other examples: Lalit, Arka Mridula).
(c) Planting time and distance in between
- Time of planting: - Rainy season (July–August) and spring season (February–March).
- Spacing: - 6 m × 6 m in square system for normal planting.
- High-density planting: 3 m × 3 m.
(d) Manure and fertilizer
- FYM: 20–25 kg per plant per year.
- Chemical fertilizers (per plant per year): - Nitrogen: 500 g
- Phosphorus: 250 g
- Potassium: 250 g
- Fertilizers are applied in two splits: one after pruning and the other after fruit set.
(e) Time of irrigation and method
- Irrigation is given immediately after planting.
- In summer, irrigate at 10–15 days interval; in winter, irrigation at 20–25 days interval is sufficient.
- Basin method or drip irrigation is preferred to conserve water.