Foraging and Farming: Balancing Native, Wild Plants and Agriculture

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3 Soil Management Techniques to Increase Your Crop Production

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Soil is the primary source of mineral nutrients for most living organisms. Practising right soil management techniques ensures that those nutrients do not become deficient or harmful to the plants. When the soil is healthy, the crops can withstand harsh weather conditions, consequently increasing food production. By practising soil management, you contribute to an increase in crop production, human health, and environmental conservation. There Are several soil management techniques that you should try if you want to improve your soil health and crop production. Below are three such methods that require the use of a solis 90 tractor

Mulching

Mulching your farm increases soil health in that it prevents soil erosion due to elements such as heavy rain and strong winds. To get the most from mulching, use the remains of crops such as maize in the farm for conservation tillage. Other than preventing erosion, this form of mulching also improves the overall soil health by adding nutrients when it decays. As the mulch breaks down, it prevents the soil from becoming hard, hence, improving the root structure of your crops. Soft ground is also easy for water to penetrate, thus enhancing its ability to hold moisture.

Mowing

Mowing is one of the best ways to improve crop production in your vineyard or orchard. The practise involves using a tractor to remove weeds and grass from your permanent crop farm. Mowing offers several benefits to your crops among them physical weed removal and soil improvement by leaving the mown grass to decay to create organic matter. After mowing, you reduce competition for nutrients, hence leaving enough space for your crops to grow healthy. Removing unwanted weeds and grass from your farm helps control diseases and pests, resulting in healthy crop harvest. 

Ploughing

Ploughing is an essential practice when you want to start a new farm. The exercise helps in loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter which enriches the soil. The technique has several soil management benefits such as bringing the nutrient-rich soil to the top, hence increasing crop production. By loosening the earth, you improve air circulation, which in turn enhances root respiration. It also improves the soil's water-retaining capacity, as well as hastens organic matter decomposition. Farm friendly living organisms such as worms and microbes thrive better in cultivated soil. 

The above soil management techniques tend to be hard if done manually. However, using mechanical means makes the process easier, allowing you to reap the full benefits of healthy soil.


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