Rules and timing of pre-sowing tillage, tillage depth and errors

To ensure uniform germination of cultivated plants, farmers engage in pre-sowing soil cultivation. Such agrotechnical measures, which begin after the snow melts, make it possible to destroy the bulk of weeds, retain moisture in the soil and prepare the soil for sowing seed. Thanks to the preparation, the sprouts sprout strong and healthy, and the farmer or gardener reaps a rich harvest.

What is it and why is it done?

Preparing the soil for sowing seed depends on the area served by the gardener. On small plots of land, this agrotechnical activity is carried out using hand tools, but farmers will need special equipment in order to complete all the work by the beginning of the sowing season.

Tilling the soil before sowing seeds allows you to solve the following problems:

• level the surface of the sown area;
• loosen the soil to the depth of sowing seeds or planting tubers;
• ensure that the top layer of soil is finely lumpy;
• destroy weed seedlings that begin to appear in the spring;
• create a compacted bed at the depth of sowing material;
• apply mineral and organic fertilizers necessary to obtain a rich harvest;
• improve microbiological activity in the soil and the absorption of nutrients by plants;
• maintain a sufficient amount of moisture in the top arable layer;
• create favorable conditions for friendly shoots and, as a result, a rich harvest;
• ensure the productive operation of agricultural machinery used for sowing, care and harvesting.

Correctly and timely pre-planting work directly affects the quantity and quality of harvested fruits, as well as the susceptibility of cultivated plants to diseases and insect pests.

The technology of soil treatment before sowing seeds depends on the soil and climatic conditions of the growing region and the crop that is planned to be cultivated.

Pre-planting work is carried out using the following methods:

1. Dumpless. This method protects the soil from wind erosion; it produces deep loosening, but without turning the layer over.
2. Dump.This method is used in areas where the soil is sufficiently moist; it allows you to get rid of weeds, roots of previous crops and microorganisms that cause the development of diseases. Deep plowing is carried out, and at the same time the soil layer is completely turned over.
3. Strip. This method is effective on low-fertility and excessively moist soils, however, to use this method you will need powerful special equipment. The field is cultivated in strips, into which the material will subsequently be sown.
4. Null. Sowing of seed material of crops is carried out using direct sowing seeders directly into untreated soil. In this case, herbicides are subsequently used to destroy pathogens, and plant residues are used as a mulch layer.

Pre-sowing soil preparation includes the following procedures:

1. Plowing the soil. This procedure is especially relevant in those regions where there is excess moisture. Promotes the successful cultivation of row crops and is often combined with loosening and incorporation of mineral complex fertilizer.
2. Harrowing. They begin to carry out such work when the snow has completely cleared from the fields. In this case, disc harrows are used, reaching a depth of 6 to 10 cm. If harrowing is carried out to a greater depth, there is a risk of increasing the weediness of the field due to the fact that weed seeds rise to the top.
3. Cultivation. This soil preparation procedure is carried out 3 days after harrowing. Thanks to the cultivator's paw, it is possible to form a bed for seeds, loosen the top fertile layer of soil and destroy weeds.
4. Rolling.For this work, a special roller is used, with the help of which large clods of earth are broken and the surface of the field is leveled. This procedure also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is necessary for seed germination.
5. Placing mineral fertilizers. Complex preparations are applied directly during sowing of the field, the depth of placement depends on the type of crop - for direct seeded grains the recommended depth is about 12 cm, for row crops - at least 20 cm.
6. Use of pesticides. Chemicals that have a soil effect are introduced along with the cultivation procedure. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of weeds that choke out young shoots of cultivated plants.

What technique is used

In order to carry out high-quality pre-sowing soil treatment, it is necessary to have special agricultural equipment. Typically, a farmer will need the following:

• harrows - disc, tooth, needle, knife;
• Flat cutter and steam cultivators;
• milling cutters and rollers;
• combined equipment that performs several functions simultaneously;
• direct sowing seeders, with which you can simultaneously prepare the seed bed, sow the material and apply mineral fertilizers;
• tiered plows and cultivators for pre-sowing tillage.

When to do it?

The timing of the start of preparatory work depends on the crops grown:

1. Early crops, such as grains, flax and legumes, are among the first to be sown, so soil cultivation begins as soon as the snow cover melts. These crops need a moist bed for rapid and friendly germination and optimal density of the arable horizon. If after cultivation the surface remains uneven, it is necessary to use a combined technique.
2. Late spring crops (corn, buckwheat, millet) need repeated soil cultivation, which helps eliminate the bulk of weeds. After this, it is necessary to carry out rolling to prevent moisture loss.
3. Winter grains. These crops are sown a month and a half before the end of the growing season, in which case the plants will have time to form several true leaves and get stronger before the onset of cold weather. It is important to remove previous crops as early as possible so that the plowed layer has time to settle. If this was not possible, you will have to roll the soil using a special roller. Experienced farmers claim that the earlier the previous crops are harvested, the more favorable the conditions for the development of winter crops.

Optimal processing depth

The depth of pre-sowing soil preparation does not affect the sequence of techniques and depends on the following criteria:

• timing of seed sowing;
• degree of weediness of the field;
• granulometric composition of the soil;
• varieties of agricultural crops.

The processing depth ranges from 5 to 20 cm.

Mulching the land

A technique such as soil mulching allows you to solve several problems at the same time. Firstly, the layer prevents the germination of weeds that choke out cultivated plants. Secondly, mulch protects the soil from overheating; moreover, even in the absence of rain, moisture remains in the fertile soil layer and promotes the full development of plants.

Rolling the earth

Soil compaction is a procedure in which soil is compacted to level the field surface and crush large pieces of soil. This agrotechnical activity is carried out simultaneously with plowing using one unit. Under no circumstances should you roll soil in which a large amount of wheatgrass grows, as well as knocked down and waterlogged soil.

Requirements for the treated area

The area for subsequent sowing of seeds should be flat, without holes or hills. Using special equipment, it is necessary to create a loose layer, which will ensure uniform and friendly shoots. In addition, in arid areas it is not recommended to use formation turnover so as not to lose moisture.

Possible mistakes

Mistakes that inexperienced farmers make include failure to comply with preplant processing deadlines, choosing the wrong method and using inappropriate equipment.