A well prepared and levelled field gives a uniform, healthy crop that can compete with weeds, uses less water, and gives higher yields at a lower cost.
A well prepared field has:
- Many small soil clods to give good seed-soil contact, i.e. clod size and seed size are similar.
- No weeds
- Harder layer at 10cm soil depth to stop water penetration
- Level and smooth surface after working
- Well-constructed bunds