Page 256 - Primary Five Science

Preparing of land

Land tillage
It is the preparation of land for agricultural activities

1. Primary tillage

This is the clearing (removal) of the natural vegetation cover.

Primary tillage is the first soil tillage after the last harvest. It is

normally conducted when the soil is wet enough to allow

plowing and strong enough to give reasonable levels of trac-

tion. This can be immediately after the crop harvest or at the

beginning of the next wet season.

2. Secondary tillage

This involves loosening of soil in preparation of planting

Secondary tillage is any working completed after primary till-

age and is undertaken for

 Reducing clod size,

 Weed control,

 Incorporation of fertilizers,

 Paddling

 Leveling soil surface.