Package of Practice for Carrot Cultivation

Ideal Soil for Carrot Cultivation

Carrot can grow well in all types of well-drained, non-saline soils. However, loamy to sandy-loam soil is considered ideal. Fields with a hard subsurface layer may lead to malformed roots (forking). Proper soil structure is essential for quality produce.

Best Time for Sowing

• The optimum sowing time is September.

• Early sowing (July to mid-August) may result in poor germination, white roots, multiple root development, and lower quality.

• Sowing can be done on raised beds or flat beds, ensuring better root formation.

Row spacing: 30 cm
Plant spacing: 8–10 cm

Seed Rate

• Use 6–8 kg of seeds per acre for uniform plant population.

Land Preparation

• Deep ploughing with a soil-turning plough followed by harrowing is recommended.

• This helps in breaking the hardpan and improves root development.

• Mix well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM) and DAP before sowing.

• Remove previous crop residues and weeds thoroughly.

Fertilizer Management

• Apply 20 tons of FYM per acre during land preparation.

• Use the following chemical fertilizers per acre:

  • Nitrogen (N): 24 kg

  • Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 12 kg

  • Potassium (K₂O): 12 kg

• Apply half of the nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potassium at the time of sowing.

• Apply the remaining nitrogen 3–4 weeks after sowing as top dressing and hill up the soil around the base.

Irrigation Schedule

• Carrot requires 5–6 irrigations during the growing period.

• The first irrigation should be done immediately after sowing.

• Ensure water reaches only up to 3/4th of the ridge height.

• Subsequent irrigations should be done depending on weather and soil moisture.

Weed Management

• Carrot fields usually face low weed pressure in the early stage.

• However, if weed infestation occurs, remove them manually using a hand hoe.

• For line-sown crops, perform earthing-up (soil hilling) 3–4 weeks after sowing.

Harvesting

• Carrots are ready for harvest in 90–95 days after sowing.

• Irrigate the field before harvesting and carefully lift the roots using a spade to avoid cuts and damage, which helps retain market quality.

Important Tips & Precautions

1. Avoid early sowing (July–August):
   High temperatures may lead to poor germination, multiple roots, white roots, and stunted growth.

2. Heavy or compacted soils:
   Can cause "forking" or malformed roots. Ensure proper land preparation.

3. Waterlogged soils or high water tables:
   Lead to fiber formation and white, poor-quality carrots.

4. Late harvesting:
   Reduces taste and nutritional value. Carrots become woody and fibrous with lower weight.

5. Delayed irrigation:
   May cause root cracking, which affects market quality and price.