Kalapadi

Scientific Name:  Mangifera Indica

Common Name:  aam,  Ambiram, Mangai, Amram, kuku, Mavu

Climate and soil requirement:

Mango trees prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil (5.5 to 7.5 pH) that is well-draining, aerated and deep soils rich in organic matter. It requires moderate moisture throughout the year with more watering throughout flowering and fruiting season and less during the winter. Mango trees will generally grow well in many soil types as long as there is good drainage. Mango varieties usually thrive well in places with rainfall in the range of 75-375 cm. /annum and dry season. The distribution of rainfall is more important than its amount, Dry weather before blossoming is conducive to profuse flowering. Rain during flowering is detrimental to the crop as it interferes with pollination. However, rain during fruit development is good but heavy rains cause damage to ripening fruits.

Land preperation:

Mango tree requires Full sunlight, Choose planting area with good sunlight. In dry zone the spacing requirement varies from 10 m x 10 m, because the vegetative growth is limited, while in wet and rich soils the preferred spacing is 12 m x 12 m, because of abundant vegetative growth.
Planting pits should be dug before the onset of a rainy season where possible for water to collect in it to enhance the survival of the seedling planted. The pits should be 1m x 1m x 1m i  size. while filling the soil mix soil with yard manure at 3:1 ratio.