The Magic of Mango: From Land Preparation to Harvesting Stage

Mango fruit is known to be the "king of fruits," and the reason is evident. This tropical fruit, full of sweet and juicy flesh, has a sweet, fragrant smell that attracts all people. People love to consume mangoes, whether fresh or in smoothies or desserts, and they will surely have a place in each kitchen. Behind this delicious fruit, however, lies a careful and attentive process of farming. Let's take a journey through the steps involved in growing mangoes, from soil preparation to post-harvesting.

Steps to Grow Mangoes

In the below section, you can read about the various important processes of mango farming. These processes are quite vital to growing healthy mangoes. Hence, read them carefully. 

Land Preparation

The process begins with the soil. Mango trees can grow well on well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Proper soil preparation before planting is important in ensuring that trees grow strong and healthy.

One of the crucial parts of preparing the soil involves ensuring that there is adequate provision of nutrients and that the soil structure is conducive. Farmers commonly begin by clearing the land as well as ridding it of weeds, stones, or any debris that could interfere with the growth of the mango tree. After clearing, the next move is to till the soil. Tilling breaks up hard compacted soils, allowing the air, water, and nutrient supply to penetrate the roots of the tree.

The soil balance is very significant for optimal crop growth. Hence, the type of tools that are to be used for effective preparation of soils includes the type of tractors such as Solis 6024 S. This is a strong tractor that highly contributes to the preparation of the ground. It lets the farmer get the land well ploughed and tilled as required. Also, it can be used to put organic matter or fertilisers into the soil, therefore improving the fertility and health conditions of plants growing in it.

Once prepared well, the mango trees are planted. Mostly, farmers prefer using grafted mangoes because they yield fruits within a relatively short time compared to seedling mangoes, and the diseases that can easily attack these grafted mangoes are much lower.

Plantation Process

The mango tree needs bright sunlight and thus is normally planted in an open area. Trees are set apart at 25 to 30 feet distance from one another to accommodate proper growth. Following planting, regular watering is crucial for the young mango trees, especially in the dry season. But the mango trees hate being waterlogged, and hence, the soil needs to be well-drained so that it will not be susceptible to root rot.

Besides water, the mango tree also requires proper nutrition care. Organic compost or fertilisers may be applied by farmers to provide the essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients make the trees strong and produce good-quality fruit.

As the trees grow, farmers also have to make sure they are protected from pests and diseases. For example, mango weevils and fruit flies are typical pests to mango trees, so there is always a need to inspect them regularly and take relevant action if pests appear. Organic or chemical pesticides may be used as appropriate, but for both cases, the goal is always to protect the health of the tree and its fruits.

Growth and Flowering Stage

Mango trees usually start flowering when they are three to four years old. The flowering period is the critical period because it determines the potential fruiting of the tree. Mango trees produce small, thin flowers that are pollinated by insects, primarily bees. During this time, farmers may help with pollination using a soft breeze or by agitating the tree to facilitate the spreading of the pollen.

Once pollinated, the flowers ripen into small mangoes, which then develop into their larger size throughout the months. During this stage, the fruiting trees should receive adequate water and nutrients for their proper development. Mango trees are usually productive annually, though certain varieties have two harvests a year depending on the climate and care they are given.

Harvest Time

Harvesting is the last stage after months of careful care. It's the most crucial stage in which mangoes must be picked at the right time, as overripe or unripe mangoes are unacceptable for being sour and flavourless. If they are picked too early, they will be sour and lack flavour. If they are too late, then the fruit will be mushy and turn rotten within a short time.

To harvest mangoes, farmers need special equipment, such as a long pole harvester that can reach into the higher branches of the trees. During harvesting, mangoes are very susceptible to bruising, so they must be handled with care. Mangoes, being sensitive to damage, will require putting them in baskets or similar containers with soft padding.

Post Harvest Stage

Immediately after harvesting the mangoes comes the post-harvesting stage. Here is where the tractor comes in: Kubota tractors are some of the famous tractors commonly used in this process. Most of the post-harvesting work, especially when taking the mangoes from the farm to transport, will require the tractor. It is more comfortable for farmers to use a powerful Kubota tractor that allows them to carry large amounts of mangoes without straining them.

Final Words

Mango farming is a very rewarding but demanding process that requires proper planning and attention to detail at every stage, from soil preparation to harvesting. Therefore, following the right practices with the right tractor is crucial. This will ensure mangoes continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world for generations to come.