Crop Rotation and Inter-cultivation in Safflower Cultivation
Crop Rotation:
1. Rotations followed in safflower are:
i) Bajra / Jowar – Safflower
ii) Mung / Udid – Safflower
iii) Groundnut – Safflower
2. It is grown as mixed crop with wheat, gram, rabi jowar etc.
3. It is also grown as inter crop and border crop.
4. As inter crop one to two rows of safflower are altered with six rows of main crop (2:6)
Inter-cultivation:
1. As mixed or inter crop it receives the intercultural operations done for main crop.
2. As pure crop, two thinning after 10 days and 20 days after sowing should be done to keep proper spacing.
3. One weeding and 2 hoeing should be given at 15 day interval for removal of weed and alter the soil.
4. At the age of 45 to 60 days tops of the plants are cut down called topping.
5. The operation is carried out for more branching, flowering and ultimate yield.