Amaranthus
Season and Field preparation
Soil
Well drained loamy soils with slightly acidic nature and warm climate are suitable for amaranthus cultivation.
Season and sowing
Sowing can be done throughout the year.
Seed rate
2.5 kg/ha of seeds broadcasted evenly on the beds after mixing with 10 parts of sand.
Preparation of field
The field is prepared to a fine tilth and form beds of 2 x 1.5 m size. After germination thin the seedlings to have a spacing of 12 – 15 cm.
Irrigation
Irrigate before and after sowing and at weekly intervals after germination.
Application of fertilizers
Apply FYM 25 t/ha, Azospirillum 2 kg and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha, N 75 kg and K 25 kg/ha as basal dose.
Harvest and yield
Irrigate the field before dibbling the seeds and thereafter once a week.
Leafy types
25 days after sowing for Mulaikeerai (10 t/ha)
40 days after sowing for Thandukeerai (16 t/ha)
Clipping types
10 clippings at weekly intervals (30 t/ha)