Microclimate, water delivery and nutrient timing for shaded, sloping cardamom plantations.
Cardamom performs best in wet, humid, forest-like conditions with evenly distributed rainfall, high organic matter and reliable drainage. It is sensitive to moisture stress and local microclimate.
Very fine mist can help maintain a favourable plantation microclimate. One source recommends approximately 10–20 litres per established clump per day, divided into two or three short applications, adjusted to clump diameter and weather.
Inline laterals may be placed about 20 cm below the soil surface on the sides of clumps, with emitters at approximately 50 cm intervals. Subsurface placement helps keep surface areas clear for forking and reduces obstruction.
Source estimates for five-year-plus clumps; litres per clump per day. These are reference values, not universal prescriptions.
| Month | Pan evaporation (mm) | L/ha/day | L/clump/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.5 | 27,222 | 27.2 |
| February | 4.1 | 31,889 | 31.9 |
| March | 4.4 | 34,222 | 34.2 |
| April | 3.7 | 28,778 | 28.8 |
| May | 3.0 | 23,333 | 23.3 |
| June | 3.3 | 25,667 | 25.7 |
| July | 2.7 | 21,000 | 21.0 |
| August | 2.4 | 18,667 | 18.7 |
| September | 3.2 | 24,889 | 24.9 |
| October | 3.0 | 23,333 | 23.3 |
| November | 2.6 | 20,222 | 20.2 |
| December | 2.4 | 18,667 | 18.7 |
The uploaded precision-farming brochure presents an annual recommendation of 150:150:300 kg N:P:K per hectare split into 52 weekly doses. Its example weekly inputs are 4.21 kg urea, 4.7 kg MAP and 9.6 kg MOP per hectare.
Expanded from the uploaded precision-farming cardamom brochure.