Planting
Should be done at the start or during the rain season. Plant grafted seedlings since they have a shorter gestation. Dig holes 2ft x 2ft depth and width then add 0.5kgs of SSP to the topsoil from each hole. Mix fertilizer thoroughly with the topsoil and put some soil back into the hole to cover the 1st ft. Plant seedlings in the 2nd ft of the hole in absence of SSP 1 debe full of well-decomposed manure can be used. Remove the plastic container in which the seedling was raised.
Spacing
Space avocado 8mx8m or 7mx7m depending on variety. Plant seedling and firm soil around it. Leave a small depression around the plant for water collection. Remove grafting tape at the point of grafting a month after planting. Some recommended avocado cultivars are:Fuette, Hass, Sharwil Jumbo, Drsom 2.
Field Management
Weed Control
Weeds compete with young avocado. Weed before the weeds flower to prevent production of more seeds. In adult crop ring weed around the plants to get a weed free area for irrigation and application of manure or other fertilizers. The rest of the field can be slashed.
In case a herbicide is to be used, technical advice must be sought from extension staff. When the crop is still young, intercrop with annual crops e.g. beans. After the crop is fully grown, it can be left as a mono crop.
Pruning
Top pruning is advisable to reduce plant height to facilitate easy spraying. Lateral pruning of too low braches and those that are heavily shaded is also advisable. This enables all leaves to get enough sunshine for photosynthesis.
Fertilizer application
Apply manure or artificial fertilizers in a ring around the plant. For increased fruit production, use a fertilizer rich in Potassium (K). use of K results in less flower and fruit abortion and hence high fruit yields.
Soil and water management
Dig trenches between every two rows for water harvesting. Irrigated avocado is able to flower and fruit contiously. One may also plant grass such as citronella on bands to reduce on soil erosion. Mulch around the plants, but avoid mulch touching the plant. This reduces water evaporation without attracting termites to the plant.
