Controlling Yellowing of Leaves in Berseem Crop
Berseem (Trifolium Alexandrinum) is a nutritious and important forage crop widely cultivated in India. It is a high-yield crop and an essential crop in animal husbandry. However, the appearance of yellow leaves in berseem plants is a common problem that adversely affects its yield. In this article, we will discuss the causes and control of yellowing of leaves in the berseem plant.
Causes of Yellowing of Leaves
The yellowing of leaves in berseem plants is a result of several factors, such as:
1. Nutrient Deficiency: Berseem plants require a balanced supply of nutrients to grow properly. The deficiency of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium can lead to yellowing of leaves in berseem plants.
2. Water stress: Berseem requires adequate moisture for its growth and development. The water stress condition affects its growth and leads to leaf yellowing.
3. Soil Acidity: Berseem plants prefer neutral pH soil for their growth. The soil pH below 6 affects the nutrient availability to the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves.
4. Insect and Pest infestation: Berseem plants are prone to insect and pest attacks. The attacks of pests and insects can lead to yellowing of leaves.
Control of Yellowing of Leaves
The yellowing of leaves in berseem plants can be managed through several practices such as:
1. Nutrient Management: A balanced supply of essential nutrients to the soil can help prevent the yellowing of leaves in berseem plants. Application of nitrogen in the form of urea can help improve the leaf color and yield of berseem plants.
2. Irrigation Management: Proper management of irrigation can help to prevent yellowing of leaves due to water stress. Berseem plants require regular watering for their growth and development.
3. Soil Management: The soil pH should be maintained between 6.5 and 7.5, to prevent the yellowing of leaves due to soil acidity. The application of lime can help to neutralize the soil acidity.
4. Pest and Insect Control: Proper pest and insect control measures can help to prevent the yellowing of leaves in berseem plants. The use of natural pest and insect control measures such as neem oil and other organic pesticides can help to prevent the yellowing of leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the yellowing of leaves in berseem plants is a common problem that can lead to a decrease in the yield of the crop. The causes of yellowing of leaves are nutrient deficiency, water stress, soil acidity, and insect and pest infestation. The control measures include nutrient management, irrigation management, soil management, and pest and insect control. It is important to take appropriate measures to prevent yellowing of leaves, as it is crucial for the growth and development of the berseem plant. A healthy berseem crop will ensure a good supply of fodder for animal husbandry and contribute to the rural economy.