Clove NigeriaTraining Institute
All modules

Module 6

Field Management Practices

Weeding, fertilizer, mulching, and pruning for optimum growth.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply good agronomic practices for optimum growth.

Theory

Weeding: young plantations (0–3 years) every 6–8 weeks; matured plantations (4+ years) every 3–4 months. Use manual hoeing or slashing and avoid deep hoeing to prevent root damage.

Fertilizer: organic manure at 5–10 kg per tree annually; NPK (15:15:15) at 100 g, 200 g, and 300 g for years 1, 2, and 3; UREA 100–200 g per tree to boost vegetative growth.

Mulching conserves moisture and improves soil fertility: 8–10 cm thick within a 1–1.5 m radius of the tree base, kept 15–20 cm away from the stem to prevent rot.

Pruning: remove dead or diseased branches once or twice per year.

Practical Session

  • Fertilizer application methods.
  • Mulching and pruning demonstrations.
  • Growth monitoring and record keeping.