Mulberries are one of the sweetest fruits growing in the Moraceae family. They are suitable for various purposes because of their sweet-tart flavour for jam, juices, desserts, and some traditional medicine. They can be seen in white and red shades of deep purple with their typical flavor. If you want to set up a mulberry farm or are just curious about what actually goes into farming, this will help you in the crucial processes. Starting from soil preparation to harvesting, these procedures will give info on how to have an enjoyable mulberry farming experience.
Stages to Grow Mulberry on Your Farm:
In the below-mentioned section, you can read about the various processes of mulberry farming. These include preparing the soil, planting, looking after the trees, harvesting, and managing after harvesting. Read them below:
Land Preparation
Preparing the land is the first and most important step in mulberry farming. Mulberry trees grow well in soil that is well-drained and fertile, rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is 6.0-6.5. Clear the land of weeds, rocks, and other debris before planting.
Tilling the soil loosens it and makes it possible for the roots to pass through easily. The soil should be aerated well so that there will be enough space for the spreading and growing of roots. Tractors like Solis 7524 S 2WD with tillers would make this process very smooth. They help break the ground more evenly, and once the ground is prepared well with the help of the tilling process, then everything is ready for planting.
Once the soil is clear and tilled, test its nutrient content. Only then will you know whether this soil needs any amendments through compost or organic fertilisers to improve its fertility content. Organic matter increases the soil structure and provides basic mulberry tree nutrients for optimal growth.
Plantation Process
Mulberry trees are planted after the soil is prepared. Early spring is the best time for planting mulberry saplings once the soil has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed. Mulberry trees need full sunlight to grow and ripen well. Thus, they need a sunnily located area to thrive. Sufficient space must also be allowed between trees for their proper growth. Saplings, for example, should be planted at 15 to 20 feet of separation between each sapling, depending on the variety of mulberry being grown.
When planting, dig holes that are large enough to accommodate the root ball of the saplings. The hole must be the same depth as the sapling in the nursery. This is important because it will help prevent the roots from digging too deep or being left exposed to air, which would cause other problems such as root rot or dehydration. Once planted, gently backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. After planting, watering is also required to ensure proper root establishment.
Caring Process
Mulberries need constant care to be well grown and to be able to produce a good harvest. Watering them regularly is necessary, especially during dry seasons, because mulberries require constant water for their growth. However, overwatering should not be done since it leads to root rot. Pruning is also essential to get rid of dead or damaged branches, improve airflow, and encourage better fruiting. Organic fertilisers should be applied once in the spring and again in late summer during fertilisation. Routine methods of pest control would help control the issues of aphids or fungal infections causing damage to the trees.
Harvesting Time
Mulberries are usually available for harvest during late spring to early summer, but this may vary with varieties and climate. The clusters of berries turn from green to white, red, or dark purple when the berries are ripe. Mulberries should be picked gently as they are delicate and tend to bruise easily; farmers usually wear gloves so that the fruit is protected and not handled roughly. Berries are best harvested early in the morning because they are cooler. They need to be sorted and cleaned, then sold either fresh or processed.
Post-Harvesting Time
The harvesting of mulberries should be followed by proper handling of the fruit. Sorting, cleaning, and packing of fruit can be done with various types of equipment. The Farmtrac 45 tractor can assist in moving crops after harvest and help with post-harvest operations such as taking the fruit to storage facilities. Additionally, the farmtrac 45 tractor price starts from Rs 6.90 lakh and goes up to Rs 7.17 lakh.
The fruits are packed for market or converted into various products like jam, jelly, and dried fruits. Proper storage is a must since mulberries are perishable and need to be kept cool to maintain freshness.
The Final Words:
Mulberry farming is a very rewarding process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Proper preparation of the soil, planting and care of the trees, and proper handling of the fruit at harvest can help farmers produce a successful mulberry crop. Every process of this farming can make farming more efficient and productive, leading to a bountiful and profitable harvest.
