The process includes steps that generate physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil, ensuring increased productivity
Many processes are carried out on the farm at the beginning of a harvest. Although they are not that visible to everyone, we know how important soil preparation procedures are. Planting, for example, should only begin when the soil is truly ready to receive the seeds, in order to generate new plants and more productivity for the farmer.
Soil preparation, when done efficiently, provides ideal physical and chemical conditions for the plant to have quality germination, which also leads to growth and root development within positive standards. With this, culture is able to establish itself and evolve. Some crops also require deeper soil preparation and more techniques, making it even more essential to evaluate soil conditions through analysis, so that the process becomes more efficient.
If soil preparation is carried out inappropriately, the result may compromise the development of the plant's root system, causing losses such as a drop in productivity and, consequently, higher final costs for the rural producer.
The soil is fundamental to the productivity of a crop, as it is where the nutrients that plants need to grow are stored. Therefore, the farmer needs to have in-depth knowledge about the soil on his farm, as it is where many answers will come from that can change the course of the harvest's results.
Now that I know the importance of soil preparation, how can I do it on my farm?
It is important to highlight that one of the factors that contribute to the good development of plants is the organic matter present in the soil. It is very common and, in fact, expected that the soil contains chemical elements in its composition that are normally absorbed by plant roots and that can be subdivided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients: are those that are generally consumed on large scales by plants, such as compounds of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Micronutrient: slightly different from the previous ones, they are consumed in smaller quantities by plants, and are characterized by the compounds of manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, zinc, iron and copper.
In addition to all the benefits related to plant germination and development, correcting the soil before planting also ends up helping to prevent weeds, which always cause a lot of “headaches” for the farmer and affect the productivity of the plantation.
And how is the soil prepared?
Liming: one of the most important processes in soil preparation
Liming is the main technique used to prepare the soil before planting, as it is responsible for considerably reducing acidity and the presence of aluminum, toxic components for plant roots. It is very common for aluminum and manganese to be found in the soil, and both have toxic and harmful effects on plant development, as they harm root growth, compromising crop results and reducing productivity.
The main benefits of liming are directly related to correcting soil acidity and stimulating plant root growth, but we can also mention some others that are equally important:
– Increased availability of phosphorus and intake of calcium and magnesium;
– Reduction in base losses (K, Ca and Mg) due to leaching;
– Increased root system and greater access to water and nutrients;
– Assistance in tolerating periods with less water available;
– Increased soil aggregation and decreased compaction;
– Stimulation of the development of microbial life;
Liming also has other benefits that concern the economic aspect. The return on investment relationship is very interesting, as it offers significant benefits for a small investment compared to the total costs of a harvest and/or the savings generated by purchasing higher-value inputs.
In addition to this positive return, liming guarantees considerable increases in crop productivity, something very important for every farmer, which is why it is essential in the production process of various crops.
It is important to consider that each soil has different needs as the regions of Brazil are different, and therefore, it is always recommended that an agronomist be consulted before any soil correction and nutrition process, including liming.
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