Dimapur, February 7 (MExN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) – Dimapur Kuhuboto block conducted demonstration on ‘Importance of soil sample collection & its analysis’ and ‘Yellow sticky insect trap’ at Shitoi village under Kuhuboto block in Dimapur on January 31.
Resource persons for the programme were James Kikon, Subject Matter Specialist (KVK) and BTT Convenor, ATMA Medziphema block and Ameto Yeptho, Assistant Technology Manager, ATMA Kuhuboto block.
A press release from Akavi V. Holo, Block Technology Manager of ATMA Kuhuboto block informed that James began his topic with an awareness of soil health management which is very important to the production of healthy agricultural products. He also illustrated to the participants that soil testing is the only way to determine the available nutrient status in soil or soilless media and the only way one can develop specific fertilizer recommendations.
“Yield and economic return can be optimized when fertilizer rates accurately address the needs of a crop. Soil test also determines effective fertility, composition and characteristics such as the acidity or pH level and is also used to mimic the function of roots to assimilate minerals,” he stated.
James further demonstrated on the basic steps of collection of soil sample and how to differentiate a good nutrient soil from the bad ones, besides specific recommendations on the kinds and rates of fertilizers to apply for each crop.
Meanwhile, Ameto illustrated that insect traps are used to monitor or directly reduce populations of insects. Insect traps are sometimes used in pest management programs instead of pesticides, but are more often used to look at seasonal and distributional patterns of pest occurrence, he stated, according to the press release. He also elaborated that insect traps vary widely in shape, size, and construction, often reflecting the behaviour or ecology of the target species.
Further, Ameto demonstrated on the procedure of making yellow sticky trap – Get a new or used sheet of plywood board or hardboard or card board, paint it with yellow colour oil paint, allow it to dry, apply grease or glue on the painted board and then erect the traps above crop canopy with the help of bamboo poles.
He also explained that yellow sticky traps are highly effective, non-toxic and easy to use.
