Growing organic avocados is not something new in Uganda. In fact, Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is pushing for certification of more of its organic produce including avocado. This is why organic avocado farming employs a wide range of strategies largely to protect the soil.
Organic Avocado Farming Practices in Uganda
Organic avocado growers in Uganda lean on cultural practices that limit the need for external and off-farm inputs. They must grow avocados in plenty without toxic residues from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Here are some of these practices.
Soil Management
Healthy soil is crucial for organic avocado production. This kind of soil is teeming with microorganisms and small creatures resulting in high organic matter. Clearly, the more organic matter, the healthier the soil is.
An avocado farm will bear abundant fruit only on healthy soil. Farmers in Uganda who use their farms for organic avocado cultivation know the usefulness of soil organisms. They know that no matter the size, these organisms are useful in ways such as:
- Earthworms, mites, bacteria, fungi release mineral nutrients through decomposition, create loose soil structure and mix soil for aeration.
- Some fungi grow in and around plant roots, mining subsoil for nutrients and water.
- Other microorganisms prevent diseases and help trees withstand insect attacks.
Compost
Organic avocado farmers in Uganda rely on inputs like compost. Materials around the farm such as food waste, manure, leaves, straw, grass clippings, sawdust make up compost. Even though these materials are seen as waste, when mixed and allowed to decompose above the ground, create valuable compost. Composting is good for avocado trees because:
- It improves soil structure
- It provides a diversity of microorganisms and nutrients
- It increases pest tolerance
- It leads to elevated yields
Cover Crops
Since avocado orchards in Uganda draw nutrients out of the soil, those nutrients must be replenished to maintain a bountiful yield. As a result, those in Uganda who work the land to produce organic avocado, plant cover crops like legumes around the trees to improve soil fertility. Cover cropping also helps with weed control.
Mulching
Considering that avocado trees have several surface roots, mulching is beneficial. It is for this reason that people in Uganda who do organic avocado, apply mulch made up wood chips, straw, hay and clean farm waste. This mulch helps conserve water, increases soil microorganisms and decreases chances of root disease.
Weed Management
Ugandan avocado farmers who have gone the organic way do their best to keep their orchards free of weeds by:
- Mulching
- Mechanical methods like pulling
- Cover cropping creates competition with weeds for nutrients
- Composting destroys seeds of weeds