Green Spinach ( Amaranthus Gangeticus )

 We choosing the green spinach  ( Amaranthus Gangeticus ) because the time taken for it to be matured and can be harvest is in short period of time which is 4 weeks.


  Instead of using replanting method , for this green spinach we use direct planting method. by doing this method , the plant will have better root system because it has adapt the condition of the environment.There are no interruptions in growth due to moving from one place to another. It also reduce the risk of transplant shock when transplant  into a new, less-controlled environment.

illustration of lining method

  The seed was plant in lining method than pocket method because it can reduce the competition for the plant to achieve enough water and nutrient for growing. The spinach seeds are plant in depth 2 inches from the surface which is approximately 5-6 centimeter.

                                                             

one week after planting

  The seed are continuously being watered two times a day. Weeding process also being done to decrease the competition between the plants and weeds.
                                                               

three weeks after planting

  For this spinach, we don't use any pesticides or fungicides because want the plant growing organically.

                                                           

four weeks and ready for harvesting

  The spinach plant can be harvested at age 28 - 31 days.

Plant management

 After replanting the seedling on planting bed , we applied mulching to avoid direct sunlight to the new replanting plant that may be stunted. Mulch is important to your tree's health because it insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures. Mulching improves nutrient and water retention in the soil and can encourages favourable soil microbial activity and worms. Mulch also helps to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and it adds nutrients to the soil.

Process taking the palm oil leaf for mulching purposes.

The applied mulching on the planting bed

      We continued by watering the plant 2 times a day , during the morning and at late of afternoon.  Water is used for transpiration carrier of nutrients from the soil to green plant tissues. Water forms over 90% of the plant body by green or fresh weight basis. Plants can synthesis food through photosynthesis only in the presence of water in their system.

       When the plant was achieved a month from the date of germinate , we applied NPK fertilizer to the planting bed. NPK 15 : 15 : 15 is for  enhance fertility to the soil, improve quality and output of the crops during vegetative growth. We put about 2g on a plant.

NPK 15 : 15 : 15

Process of weighing the NPK

  The plant was attacked by the ladybug. Eating the plant leaves. We try to overcome this problem by spraying "serai wangi" to our planting bed but it dont have effect.

Serai wangi

   We also have try to replanting the plant, but the plant also be attacked.

Replanting process

               

                              Our plant that was attacked very badly.


   Our group had discuss to changed sweet pumpkin to green spinach.

             

 The process of removing sweet pumpkin plant.

Maintainance

     We remove the weed/other plant that will absorb the nutrient needed for plant to growth. A weed may also be defined as any plant growing where it is not wanted. Weeding also helps to loosen the soil. Water can infiltrate more rapidly and roots of the cultivated plants can develop in a better way. While weed control is important, keeping a few spots of weeds as a refuge will help to conserve the eco-system. The growth of weeds can be prevented or delayed by using mulch.

eg. of other plant

        After a heavily rain about half of the day , our plot have flooded with water. We have to dig a hole to drain the excess water from our plot. This is to improving the drainage system.The function of the field drainage system is to control the water table, whereas the function of the main drainage system is to collect, transport, and dispose of the water through an outfall or outlet. Drainage reduces soil and nutrient loss from runoff and can help avoid soil erosion.  Drainage systems also prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can encourage mosquitoes to breed.

Flooded plot 

Digging hole

We have to dig deeper drain to avoid this thing happen again. If soil is too wet it can result in poor conditions for the crops to grow; when soil is well drained then the oxygen, nutrients and trace elements that the plant needs are available.

 

Process of deeping the drainage