module-6-land-preparation-presentation.pptx

LAND PREPARATION

1. MODULE 6 Land Preparation

2. Learning outcomes Understand the benefits of proper land preparation Describe the different types of tillage Learn the factors that influence the choice of land preparation methods Learn Keycheck 2, its importance, assessment, and recommendations

3. Content LESSON TOPICS Lesson 1. Benefits of a well-prepared field Lesson 2. Types of tillage Lesson 3. Factors that influence the choice of land preparation methods Lesson 4. KeyCheck2, importance, assessment, and recommendations

4. Can rice grow in this field? What do you observe?

5. Benefits of a good land preparation Make the soil suitable for crop germination & growth Less field and crop maintenance Critical to the success of a small farmer

6. Basic terms Tillage process of mechanically altering some physical characteristics of the soil to be ideal for growing crops.

7. A well-prepared land can be achieved by: Primary tillage – initial cutting of the soil where crop has been grown and harvested. Field after first plowing Secondary tillage – subsequent cultivation of soil after primary tillage. This operation breaks soil clods to incorporate materials thoroughly into the soil. Field after secondary dry working

8. Ways in preparing rice field Wetland tillage – soil is tilled in saturated or flooded condition. This is the usual way. Dryland tillage – done in upland/ rainfed fields to obtain mellow, firm seedbed for seeds to germinate, control weeds, and incorporate materials into the soil. Wetland and Dryland combination

9. Let’s compare methods Wetland Dryland Combination Clean the field Soak the field Side plow/plow the field Harrow the field Repair dikes Level the field Clean the field --------------------- Side plow/plow the field Harrow the field Repair dikes Level the field Clean the field Rotavate land while waiting for the rain Plow when moisture is available Harrow the field Repair dikes Level the field

10. Let’s compare benefits Wetland Dryland Combination Controls weeds Incorporates organic materials & fertilizers to soil Makes seeding/ transplanting easier Forms a hard layer (plow pan) which reduces water loss (percolation) during subsequent flooding Controls weeds Incorporates organic materials & fertilizers to soil Makes seeding easier Conserves irrigation water Reduces number of operation Controls weeds Incorporates organic materials & fertilizers to soil Conserves irrigation water Reduces number of operation Reduces GAS populations Forms hard pan which reduces percolation loss

11. Let’s compare costs Wetland Dryland Combination P 4,500 per hectare P7,500 per hectare (3 passings) P 6,200 per hectare

12. Factors in selecting tillage method Water availability Power resources Cost Soil types/characteristics

13. ? Which method to choose Consider these: Water availability Power resources Cost Soil type/characteristics

14. CONSIDER THIS If the farmer has these: soil type: silt + sandy available water source: shallow tube well Machine: hand tractor What is the best method to use? ?

15. CONSIDER THIS If soil is silty and sandy (‘galas’)  DRYLAND or COMBINATION is best If soil is heavily clayey (‘ lagkit ’)  WETLAND is best Soil type Water availability If irrigated  WETLAND is best If partially-irrigated (shallow tube well, etc.)  COMBINATION is best Power resources In irrigated fields, it is not advisable to use heavy equipment all the time.

16. Land Preparation Key Check 2: No high & low soil spots after final levelling

17. Importance of Key Check 2 efficient fertilizer application less weed incidence; better snail management uniform crop maturity; timely harvesting use of farm machinery & application of controlled irrigation facilitated less water to fill up; uniform water distribution; easier drainage A well-leveled field is a prerequisite to GOOD WATER & CROP MANAGEMENT.

18. Assessment of Key Check 2 No portion has more than 5 cm of water depth (≈ thumb length). No mound of soil can be seen above the water surface after final land leveling. A field is properly leveled if:

19. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2 Clean & r epair dikes & ditches. Why do you have to clean & repair dikes & ditches?

20. Benefits of cleaning & r epairing dikes & ditches. 1. Clean dikes to remove pest 2. Compact dikes to prevent seepage. 3. Maintain dikes at 15cm high x 20cm wide to prevent rat burrowing. 4. Ditches ensure even water distribution & drainage. Draining removes toxic substances, allows organic matter to decompose, & helps plant to produce stronger & deeper roots. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

21. Plow field 3 to 4 wk before planting. Why? Reduce clod size Incorporate fertilizer, residues & allow decomposition Control pests, water flow Prepare seedbed If organic materials are not fully decomposed, soil becomes acidic & some nutrients become less available. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

22. Breaks the clods Incorporates stubbles Allows drop seeds & weed seeds to germinate Helps reduce initial pest population & maintain hard pan Harrow field at least 2x at 1wk interval. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

23. Level the field with a wooden plank or power tiller-attached leveler. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

24. For direct wet-seeded rice, construct small canals surrounding the field near the levee & at the middle of the field. What for? As path for excess water & to facilitate collection of snails, to facilitate field operations (i.e. replanting, weeding) Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

25. Input-Output-Outcome Dike & ditch cleaning & repairing; plowing & harrowing; levelling FIELD WITH NO HIGH & LOW SOIL SPOTS reduced pest population, weeds, & water loss; decomposed plant residues & recycled plant nutrients; uniform water distribution & crop maturity; efficient nutrient intake Better yield & grain quality; Less damage to environment

26. For more information, please contact: Dr. Aurora M. Corales PhilRice Focal Person – BRIA FARMERS [email protected] http://www.philrice.gov.ph Mr. Matthias Radek Chief Advisor GIZ Agriculture-DPP Projects m [email protected] http ://www.better-rice-initiative-asia.org / Credit Philippine Rice Research Institute