Land Preparation

This is the second most fundamental step after seed quality to a high yield. It is important that land is prepared EARLY and PROPERLY before planting any crops. Early preparation of the land allows for the weeds and any debris to decompose thus releasing nutrients to the soil for the crop incoming. It also destroys or reduces weeds and ants nest especially when a tractor is used.

 Properly prepared land should be weed free and of a fine tilth. This increases soil and plant contact and reduces the incidence of pests and diseases infestation.

WHY YOU SHOULD USE A TRACTOR??

Besides the fact that tractors achieve the faster and cheaper compared to the conventional hand hoe, tractor discs structurally have the ability to penetrate deeper layers of the soil and invert cut slices. This process deepens the soils and brings leached minerals up to the surface within the Root zone of the plant.

WHERE TO GET THE TRACTOR FROM?

Initially, tractors were not as common. They were positioned at the district levels where only the lucky few had the access.  With advancement in technology and economic growth, now these are becoming fairly distributed and you can now access one at your sub-county, independent organizations in the community or even from individual model farmers.

As mentioned, they are fairly distributed but not very common, so plan to book with the operators early in time because as the seasons near, their competition becomes stiffer.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR DURING FIELD PLOUGHING BY HIRED TRACTOR SERVICES

Land should be prepared at least 3 – 4 weeks before planting

Tractors plough better where the soils are relatively moist. Very wet soils stick on the discs making the tractor to use a lot power thereby burning more fuel making the exercise expensive. Likewise, when the soils are very dry, the discs shall not be able to penetrate the soils well to the desired depth. So target to plough the soils while it still has a fair amount of moisture.  

Remove tree stumps and destroy any anthills from your field before you invite the tractor on your farm. Tree stumps and big roots make it difficult for the operator to navigate the field. The result of this is un evenly ploughed field. It may also cause serious damage to the tractor especially the tyres and the discs.

Be present in person to ensure a proper job is done. Hired services are delivered better in the presence of the field owner. The absence of which may result into incomplete fields or shallow soils or even un necessary costs. Remember, farming is a business and the first step to profitability is reduced costs #Transforming the smallholder subsistence farmers to Commercial farming