CROP PRODUCTION

This is the removal of vegetation cover from the surface before tillage. This is done to prepare land for cultivation and as method of land reclamation. Land clearing is necessary under the following conditions.

1. When opening up a virgin land.

2. Where a stalk growing crop was previously planted such as maize.

3. Where land was left fallow for long time.

4. Where the interval between primary and secondary cultivation is long such that the land has reverted to the original virgin state.

Methods of Land Clearing

• Tree felling. Axes, pangas and power saws are used to cut down trees. Bulldozers and root rakers are used in felling trees on a large scale. Removal of stumps and trash later follows.

• Burning. The vegetation cover is set ablaze. The method should be discouraged as it destroys the soil organic matter, soil microorganisms and plant nutrients.

• Slashing. This is done to cut small bushes and grasses using slashers, pangas or tractor drawn mowers.

• Use of chemicals. Chemicals used to kill weeds are called herbicides.