After soil testing the next step is deep digging, either manually or mechanically. Farmers using hydroponics do not need to do soil analysis, all they need is a clean planting media. Deep digging allows the farmer to turn the soil as the nutrients of the needed part of the soil are between 20-30 cm. Deep digging also softens the soil allowing for easy making of the beds. The next step is applying manure and then raising the planting beds which should be 80-100 cm on the top and 30-50 cm in the pathways. The farmer should ensure the bed is well flattened and irrigation is well set up for the planting process. These are the steps for pre-planting land preparation.
Land preparation
The first thing a farmer should do is make sure they analyze their soil before planting seeds/seedlings. Soil analysis tests for nutrition, pathology (diseases in the soil), and nematology (pests). After soil testing the next step is deep digging, either manually or mechanically. Next step is applying manure and then raising the planting beds which should be 80-100 cm on the top and 30-50 cm in the pathways. The farmer should then ensure the bed is well flattened and irrigation is well set up for the planting process.
Advantages of deep digging
After soil testing the farmer should ensure they deep dig, either manually or mechanically. Farmers going to erect planting beds need to do deep digging, while those using hydroponics only need a clean planting media. Deep digging allows the farmer to turn the soil as the nutrients of the needed part of the soil are between 20-30 cm. Deep digging also softens the soil allowing for easy making of the beds.
