Land Preparation
Dry Ploughing
This is the initial opening of land either after land clearing or following a previous crop. Primary cultivation should be done well before the onset of rains to allow for all operations to be done in good time.
- To remove weeds
- To burry organic matter for easy decomposition
- To facilitate water infiltration and aeration
- To destroy soil borne pests by exposing them to predators and scorching effects of the sun
- To make subsequent operation easier e.g. planting
- Eases the penetration of crop roots
Why Dry Ploughing?
How We Do It
Disc Ploughing
Disc Plough is used for initial soil preparation. Generally it is used for deep tillage of land, to help turn over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface, while burying weeds and remains of previous crop. It also aerates the soil, allows it to hold moisture better and is tough to withstand heavy loads.
Moldboard Ploughing
A moldboard plough is used to turn over soil, burying top growth in the ground and bringing nutrient rich soil to the surface for crops to grow in. It derives its name from the curved blade that turns the soil over as it’s pulled through the ground and known as the mold board, in front of that is the toe piece and to the side a disc which cuts the furrow at a set distance. For deep rooted crops this is ideal because it will go down to about 10 inches deep.
Land Preparation
Rotavation (Secondary Cultivation)
These are operations which follow the primary cultivation and means seedbed refinement practices before planting, also called harrowing or wet puddling in paddy rice production Harrowing breaks up clods in the soil and surface crusts, very precise cultivation, Improves soil aeration and surface uniformity; Good for eliminating the weeds and kills the already emerged weeds and pulverizes the soil thoroughly
- To remove any weeds that might have germinated after primary cultivation
- To burry organic matter for easy decomposition
- To facilitate water infiltration and aeration
- To destroy soil borne pests by exposing them to predators and scorching effects of the sun
- To make subsequent operation easier e.g. planting
- Eases the penetration of crop roots
Why Secondary Cultivation Matters
Implements used for secondary cultivation are: tractor drawn disc harrows, spring tine harrows and rotary plough. Rotavator helps in breaking down soil and leveling of land. It is equally important in Seedbed preparation for sowing. Rotavator is used in primary and secondary tillage. It is cost effective as it reduces the amount of fuel used and the amount of time spent by the farmer.
