Agriculture Topic
Land Preparation
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- Land preparation gets the soil ready for planting and healthy crop growth
- Main activities include land clearing, tilling, levelling, making beds, ridges, and furrows
- Tool safety matters because land preparation can cause cuts, strains, and injuries
Section 1Land clearing
Land clearing removes unwanted vegetation, stones, rubbish, and obstacles before planting. It makes the area easier and safer to work. Watch out: clearing should not mean careless burning or removing useful topsoil.
Section 2Preparing the soil
Land preparation may include loosening soil, breaking clods, adding organic matter, levelling, and making planting rows or beds. Good preparation helps roots grow, improves drainage, and makes planting easier.
Section 3Ridges and furrows
A ridge is a raised strip of soil, and a furrow is the lower channel between ridges. Ridges can improve drainage and root growth, while furrows can help guide water. In heavy rainfall, furrows must be planned carefully to reduce erosion.
Section 4Tools and safety
Common tools include cutlass, hoe, rake, fork, shovel, spade, wheelbarrow, and measuring line. Use tools with firm handles, carry sharp tools safely, wear suitable footwear, and keep enough space between workers. Here's the trick: safe farms are organised farms.
Examples
A farmer makes raised rows for planting sweet potato. What are the raised rows called?
They are called ridges. Ridges can support root growth and improve drainage.
After heavy rain in Portland, a field stays waterlogged. Why might ridges and furrows help?
Ridges raise the crop roots above some excess water, and furrows can help channel water away if they are planned properly.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.