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Stages of Land Preparation for Farming

Land preparation is a key aspect of farming, as it promotes the rapid emergence of crop seedlings and provides ventilation, water and nutrients for crop growth. Preparation stages vary according to the soil type and crops being planted. Improper land preparation can result in soil erosion, crusting weed overgrowth or water-logging.

  1. Importance

    • Preparing farmland before planting places seeds in closer contact with soil moisture, allowing for more effective germination. Tillage overturns soil to prevent crusting and allows air and water to penetrate. It also removes weeds, which compete with crops for light and nutrients. Irrigation provides soil with water crop growth. Fertilizers and pesticides are added to soil to provide essential crop nutrients and limit crop damage by pest infestation.

    Tillage

    • Tillage involves overturning of topsoil. Depending on the scale of farming, farmers till using simple tools, such as a hoe or shovel, or complex equipment such as tractors. Tillage is divided into three categories: conventional, reduced and conservation tillage. Conventional tillage is uncommon as it contributes extensively to soil erosion. Reduced tillage leaves between 15 to 30 percent crop residue on the soil. Conservation tillage leaves more than 30 percent residue, and sometimes includes no tillage at all.

    Irrigation

    • Irrigation systems are designed according to water availability, quantity, quality and the distance between the water source and farmland. A system consists of a pumping station and conveyance, distribution, field application and drainage systems. The pumping station channels water from a source such as a river into the irrigation system. The conveyance and distribution systems ensure water reaches from the pumping station to the farmland. The field application system transports water throughout the farmland, and the drainage system eliminates excess water.

    Fertilizers

    • Fertilizers are either organic, such as manure and crop residue, or chemical. Fertilizing soil provides important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Regardless of the type, fertilizers add ammonium to soil, which increases its acidity. Lime is added to soil to combat this effect, a reaction which produces water and carbon dioxide.

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