High Tech Production of Cucumbers using Espalier Net and Fertigation in the Rocky Soils of the Yucatan
Cases of success in difficult soil using espalier net for cucurbitaceae
We present a study conducted by INIFAP (the research division of the Mexican Department of Agriculture). Which shows the benefits of espalier net (commonly called cucumber netting) such as what is available from HORTOMALLAS. In this case it is use for growing cucumbers in a technologically intensive system.
Technological innovation
Cucumber production aided by the technology of espalier net also the application of soluble fertilizers by means of irrigation water. Which results in yields of 90 to 130 t/ha (40 to 58 T/A). Helps to diversify and strengthen the agri-food chain of the rocky soils of the Yucatan.
Technology costs
The cost per hectare including the total investment in an irrigation system is approximately $ 100,000 (Mexican pesos) [$5,200 USD] for the first crop. This can vary depending on the material used and the duration of the first crop. In the case of the espalier net, the cost per linear meter for 1.5 m high horticultural netting was quote as being between $ 3.50 and $ 2.25 MXN (August 2015).
Expected results
It is feasible in six weeks time to have from 90 to 130 t/ha (40 to 58 T/A) of green cucumbers with the quality, size, color, and form of fruit demanded by the consumer, at a cost of $ 1.60 to $ 2.10 MXN per kilogram ($0.04 to $0.05 USD per pound). With transportation costs from the cucumber plot to market included. For this level of quality at this time of year, the going rate in the regional market is from $ 3.00 to $ 3.60 MXN per kilogram ($0.07 to $0.09 USD per pound).
Problems to be solve
Horticulture in rocky soils have be characterize by concentrating on the production of traditional varieties of cucumbers with low yield, little technology, also high exposure to fluctuations in price. The uncertainty of market price is a limiting factor that becomes a major risk factor, greater than plagues and diseases. Prices have an economic impact from 25 to 50% of the expected price due to oversupply because of imports and/or because of the concentration of production in certain periods of the year.
Recommendations for its use
This is technology that requires financing and organizing for commercialization by the producers, so that supply gets align with demand, preferably with previously arranged buy sale agreements. It is recommended that hybrids (Turbo, Indio, Moctezuma, Dasher, or Monarch) be planted from September until mid-March with 16,500 plants/ha (1.5 m x 40 cm) [6,680 plants/A (5 ft X 16 in)]. The espalier net, 60 to 67 in in height, is support by posts or stakes placed every 6½ to 8 ft in the crop row. The fertigation which is recommend is do using nutritive solutions of 8 milliequivalents (mEq) of nitrates (NO3), 2 mEq of phosphate (H2PO3), and 4 mEq of potassium (K) during the vegetative stage and 5 mEq of NO3, 1 mEq of H2PO3), and 6 mEq of K during the productive stage, applying the solution 3 times per week during the last hour of irrigation.
Extent of application and type of producer
This applies to the rocky soils of the northern Yucatan and includes small also full-time growers.
Availability
The hybrid seeds, horticultural netting, agrochemicals, and irrigation system components can be acquire from local distributors. At the Henequenera experiment station, this technology is available by means of brochures, talks, consultations, and specialized training.
Potential impact
There is growing regional demand (Mérida, Valladolid y Cancún) for this produce. Cucumber production on rocky soils is an option of diversification that permits production during six months. Thus avoiding that the production drags down the price by concentrating it to a short period. In addition, six jobs per hectare (2.5/A) are create. By strengthening the producers’ association, regional, national, and international markets could be access.
Additional information
This technology was develop in the rocky soils of the northern Yucatan and the information is available in two publications. “Comportamiento y potencial del pepino en suelos pedregosos de Yucatán”. Horticultura Mexicana 8(3)74 and in the brochure for producers, “Producción de pepino con malla para espaldera”.
More information here:
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Cases of success in difficult soil using espalier net for cucurbitaceae
We present a study conducted by INIFAP (the research division of the Mexican Department of Agriculture). Which shows the benefits of espalier net (commonly called cucumber netting) such as what is available from HORTOMALLAS. In this case it is use for growing cucumbers in a technologically intensive system.
Technological innovation
Cucumber production aided by the technology of espalier net also the application of soluble fertilizers by means of irrigation water. Which results in yields of 90 to 130 t/ha (40 to 58 T/A). Helps to diversify and strengthen the agri-food chain of the rocky soils of the Yucatan.
Technology costs
The cost per hectare including the total investment in an irrigation system is approximately $ 100,000 (Mexican pesos) [$5,200 USD] for the first crop. This can vary depending on the material used and the duration of the first crop. In the case of the espalier net, the cost per linear meter for 1.5 m high horticultural netting was quote as being between $ 3.50 and $ 2.25 MXN (August 2015).
Expected results
It is feasible in six weeks time to have from 90 to 130 t/ha (40 to 58 T/A) of green cucumbers with the quality, size, color, and form of fruit demanded by the consumer, at a cost of $ 1.60 to $ 2.10 MXN per kilogram ($0.04 to $0.05 USD per pound). With transportation costs from the cucumber plot to market included. For this level of quality at this time of year, the going rate in the regional market is from $ 3.00 to $ 3.60 MXN per kilogram ($0.07 to $0.09 USD per pound).
Problems to be solve
Horticulture in rocky soils have be characterize by concentrating on the production of traditional varieties of cucumbers with low yield, little technology, also high exposure to fluctuations in price. The uncertainty of market price is a limiting factor that becomes a major risk factor, greater than plagues and diseases. Prices have an economic impact from 25 to 50% of the expected price due to oversupply because of imports and/or because of the concentration of production in certain periods of the year.
Recommendations for its use
This is technology that requires financing and organizing for commercialization by the producers, so that supply gets align with demand, preferably with previously arranged buy sale agreements. It is recommended that hybrids (Turbo, Indio, Moctezuma, Dasher, or Monarch) be planted from September until mid-March with 16,500 plants/ha (1.5 m x 40 cm) [6,680 plants/A (5 ft X 16 in)]. The espalier net, 60 to 67 in in height, is support by posts or stakes placed every 6½ to 8 ft in the crop row. The fertigation which is recommend is do using nutritive solutions of 8 milliequivalents (mEq) of nitrates (NO3), 2 mEq of phosphate (H2PO3), and 4 mEq of potassium (K) during the vegetative stage and 5 mEq of NO3, 1 mEq of H2PO3), and 6 mEq of K during the productive stage, applying the solution 3 times per week during the last hour of irrigation.
Extent of application and type of producer
This applies to the rocky soils of the northern Yucatan and includes small also full-time growers.
Availability
The hybrid seeds, horticultural netting, agrochemicals, and irrigation system components can be acquire from local distributors. At the Henequenera experiment station, this technology is available by means of brochures, talks, consultations, and specialized training.
Potential impact
There is growing regional demand (Mérida, Valladolid y Cancún) for this produce. Cucumber production on rocky soils is an option of diversification that permits production during six months. Thus avoiding that the production drags down the price by concentrating it to a short period. In addition, six jobs per hectare (2.5/A) are create. By strengthening the producers’ association, regional, national, and international markets could be access.
Additional information
This technology was develop in the rocky soils of the northern Yucatan and the information is available in two publications. “Comportamiento y potencial del pepino en suelos pedregosos de Yucatán”. Horticultura Mexicana 8(3)74 and in the brochure for producers, “Producción de pepino con malla para espaldera”.
More information here:
Leave a comment
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