In June of 2023, Farm Doktor set out on a journey to visit some of our customers and supporters at their farms. We wanted to grow our on-the-ground farming knowledge and experience in order to better connect with the people we are directly serving on our platform. Hence, car keys and mosquito repellent on hand, we set our Waze to bring us to our first location all the way in Melaka to visit Mr. Satia.
Mr. Satia - Bertam Ulu, Melaka
Our journey begins in the historic state of Melaka, where we meet Mr. Satia. He started farming 3 years ago, and has managed his small plot of land in which he plants durian, mango, rambutan, avocado,banana, lemon tree and so on.
Mr. Satia: My D88 durian tree has lots of flowers, but they keep dropping, and I'm getting fewer fruits.
Agronomist: It seems like your tree might be facing growth issues, possibly due to root problems. I suggest using a high P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) fertilizer before flowering. Apply this fertilizer monthly, using around 1-3kg each time. Since your land is sloping, it's important to dig a hole and apply the fertilizer there to prevent surface runoff, as rainwater may drain it away if applied on the soil surface. You can also consider alternating between organic and chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers take care of the soil condition, while chemical fertilizers support fruiting and flowering. After harvest, you can apply NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer for three cycles to prepare the soil for another round of fruiting.
Mr. Satia: Besides the issue with the flowering and fruiting, I also noticed that there are too many leaves on my durian tree, and I'm concerned about airflow and potential bug infestations.
Agronomist: I recommend trimming the excess leaves to improve airflow and ensure the inner leaves receive enough sunlight. This will help prevent bug gathering and promote healthier growth. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves. Then, selectively thin out the excess leaves, particularly those that are overcrowded or growing towards the center of the tree. Aim to create a more open canopy that allows better circulation of air and light throughout the tree.
Mr. Satia: My lemon tree seems to have a fungal infection. What should I do?
Agronomist: Trim the affected parts of the tree, making sure to burn them or dispose of the affected branches away from other plants. This will help prevent the spread of the fungal infection.
Mr. Satia: I've also noticed that the tips of some of my lemon fruits are growing sharp. What does that mean?
Agronomist: If the tips of the lemon fruit grow sharp, it indicates that there might not be enough nutrients reaching the fruit. To promote healthy fruit growth, ensure that the lemon tree is receiving adequate nutrients. Well-nourished lemon trees will produce plump fruits.
Mr. Satia: I've been growing an avocado plant from a seed, but it hasn't borne any fruit yet. Is there something wrong?
Agronomist: Avocado plants grown from seeds typically take around 10 years to bear fruit. If you want faster results, consider grafting a branch from a mature avocado tree that already bears fruit. This can reduce the time to around 3-5 years for fruit production.
Mr. Satia: That's good to know. But I only have one avocado tree. Will it ever bear fruit on its own?
Agronomist: Unfortunately, it is difficult for a single avocado tree to bear fruit on its own because avocados require cross-pollination. You'll need at least two avocado trees of different varieties to ensure proper pollination and fruit production. This will enable the transfer of pollen between the trees, leading to the development of fruits.
Before we departed, Mr. Satia plucked some rambutans for us as a gesture of appreciation. We were truly grateful for his hospitality and the opportunity to visit his farm. Thank you once again for hosting us! If you would like for us to visit your farm next, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at +603-9213 0863.