I had planted Pureria Javanica in banana area as an extreme step to control grass. Issue with this cover crop is that it climbs on to all the plants and completely cover it. But pleased to see that grass has receded in that area. If you can cut and control it periodically then it is OK. In my case, I cut it once in 3 months or so, and by this time, it climbs on every where.
6 comments:
I have memories of travelling through rural Malaysia and seeing wild bananas being slowly but surely strangled by a kudzu/p. javanica like weed. Upside was that the weed apparently makes good fodder. Also, these were genuinely wild bananas that no one was tending/taking care of and so the weed was not a massive burden for local farmers; just something they had to keep an eye on.
PS I found a really good link to lots of free agriculture related books recently:
http://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html
Hi,
Yes, Kudzu can become a weed and strangle saplings. I am desperate to control grass and increase humus, but I think cutting and controlling it is not that difficult. Probably after some time, I will phase it out and establish non-climbing cover crop like Arachis Pintoi or some such.
Yes, aware of soil and health library books, there are lot of useful books over there.
Regards,
Nandan
Fantastic post - Great explainations and thinking.I'm looking forward to what you have for us next..!
Agriculture
looking good nandan
Would sweet potato be able to grow in this shaded environment, Nandan?
Zakir
Yes, Zakir..sweet potato is an option, still has to be tried out, has to find cuttings for planting.
Regards,
Nandan
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