Proper land preparation is important to provide necessary soil condition which will enhance the successful establishment of your crop.
Your field may be irrigated, rain-fed, and seeds may be direct sown or transplanted. Whatever the case may be, it is critical that your land is thoroughly prepared to set-up the optimal condition for healthy growth.
A thorough land preparation:
• Controls weeds
• Incorporates straws, stubbles, weeds and fertilizers into the soil
• Turns soil into soft puddle making planting easier
• Makes field surface uniform and level
• Forms hard subsoil layer which reduces downward movement of water
Major steps in land preparation:
• Clean, fix and repair all dikes and levees: Levees must be well-maintained to manage water level, thus, reducing weed competition. Uniform water management = uniform crop.
Efficient water management = management of canals
• Flood to soften soil then plow the field
• Flood the field again for one day
• Harrow the field 3 times. Apply fertilizer and other amendments before the last harrowing.
• Level the field to ensure even distribution of water and minimize snail damage.
Did you know?
Early stage of growth and development requires a lot of water and nutrients, and you don’t want weeds to compete with that! But don’t you worry, BASF pre-emergence herbicide Herbadox® got your covered. BASF solution right after land preparation for early weed management.