How to Prepare Soil for Rajma Cultivation

Proper soil preparation is a critical first step for establishing a healthy rajma crop. The goal is to create a well-aerated, fine, and moist seedbed that is free of weeds and clods.

1. Ploughing and Tilling: The field should be ploughed 2 to 3 times to achieve a fine tilth. The first ploughing can be done with a soil-turning plough to a depth of 15-20 cm. This helps in burying the residue from the previous crop. Subsequent ploughings can be done with a cultivator or harrow.
2. Levelling: After ploughing, the field should be levelled using a plank or laser leveller. A well-levelled field ensures uniform distribution of water from irrigation, prevents waterlogging in low spots, and helps in better germination.
3. Manure and Fertilizers: Rajma is a leguminous crop but responds well to an initial nitrogen dose. Apply about 8 to 10 tonnes of well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) per hectare during the last ploughing. A general basal fertilizer recommendation is 40 kg Nitrogen (N), 60 kg Phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 30 kg Potassium (K₂O) per hectare. The entire quantity should be applied at the time of sowing.
4. Weed Control: Ensure the field is free from weeds from the previous crop. If the soil is dry, a pre-sowing irrigation (known as 'Palewa' or 'Rouni') can be given. This allows weed seeds to germinate, and they can then be destroyed during the final ploughing.
5. Seed Treatment: Before sowing, treat the seeds with a fungicide like Thiram or Captan (at 2g/kg of seed) to prevent seed-borne diseases. It is also highly recommended to treat the seeds with a suitable Rhizobium culture to enhance nitrogen fixation.