LAND PREPARATION

Starts with removal of shrubs and stumps from rice

fields. The land is then ploughed using hand hoes such as
jembe/panga, oxen or tractors. Power and equipment are
required for tillage in different soil types are varied. It is
essential to plough when land is dry to reduce weeds. However
in difficult soils such as virgin lands there may be need to
wet the field before ploughing. It is generally recommended
that two ploughs and one harrow or rotovation are sufficient
for soil disturbance long before planting to establish a fine
tilth. Fine tilth improves germination reduces seeding rate
and improves seedling uptake in irrigated ecologies. Ensure
soil surface is level to enhance water application by irrigation.
The field requires adequate drainage system to allow rapid
removal of excess water. However, land preparation will vary
according to cropping system used. Three main rice ecologies
(Irrigated, Rainfed lowland and Rainfed Upland) require
different land preparation techniques.