Successful farming begins long before seeds are planted. Proper land preparation is crucial for achieving healthy crops and high yields.
Farmers who take the time to prepare their land before the planting season improve soil quality, reduce pests and weeds, and ensure better water retention.
Gideon Zakke, an agronomist, advises farmers to start land preparation early to allow soil to settle and regain nutrients before planting.
“Soil preparation involves ploughing, harrowing, and adding organic matter like compost or manure to improve fertility. This helps create an ideal environment for seeds to germinate and grow,” he explains.
According to Zakke, early land preparation minimises soil compaction, allowing roots to penetrate deeper and access more nutrients.
Twaha Kakooza, a commercial farmer, understands the importance of early preparation.
He explains that before the rains begin, he clears his fields, ploughs the land, and applies organic fertilisers to enrich the soil.
“I always make sure my land is weed-free and well-tilled before planting,” he says.
“This ensures that my crops grow without competition from weeds and that the soil retains enough moisture for a successful harvest.”
According to Kakooza, late land preparation can lead to poor crop establishment and lower yields.
He encourages farmers to plan ahead, as rushing the process after the rains start can cause uneven planting and reduce productivity.
William Ngania, another commercial farmer from Kuskong village in Kween district, also prepares his land well before the planting season.
He notes that early preparation helps him manage soil erosion, especially in hilly areas.
“By preparing my land before the rains, I ensure that the soil remains intact and does not wash away,” he explains.
“I also create trenches and ridges to help control water flow and improve drainage.”
Ngania has learned from experience that failing to prepare land early results in poor seed germination and increased crop losses.
He emphasises the need to plough and level the ground in advance to create a firm and uniform planting bed.
Benefits of early land preparation
Improved soil structure, tilling and adding organic matter enhance soil aeration and fertility.
Weed and pest control, clearing the land early reduces competition from weeds and eliminates pests hiding in the soil.
Better moisture retention, well-prepared land absorbs and retains water more efficiently, promoting healthy crop growth.
Enhanced root development, and loose fertile soil allows roots to grow deeply and access nutrients more effectively.
