Land Preparation
It involves land clearing, where non-selective herbicides are used, followed by one harrowing. This is referred to as minimum tillage. In the absence of the use of herbicide, farmers plough twice with the second being done just before the onset of rains followed by harrowing (where the initial plough was done very early). The second option is usually expensive and laborious.
Timely land preparation is encouraged. Lateness leads to a sizeable loss of yields due to diseases, pests, and inadequate moisture at critical crop stages. Ensure land is well prepared and weeds controlled.
The primary purpose of land preparation
- Create a soil structure that is favorable for crop growth
- Incorporate residues
- Control weed and diseases
