Cultivation Fundamentals
Cultivation involves stirring the soil surface with specialized tools. This process happens at three key times: pre-planting (after seed bed preparation), post-planting (before crop emergence), and post-emergence (after crops have emerged, when weeds typically appear too).
The main goals of cultivation include developing plant nutrients, encouraging beneficial microorganisms, conserving moisture by eliminating weeds, and improving soil aeration. When you're choosing cultivation equipment, consider your farm size, crop types, soil conditions, rainfall patterns, farming practices, and available power sources.
Tractor-mounted cultivators come in two main types. Central-forward mounted cultivators attach to the front of tractors and are available in sizes ranging from one to eight rows. One-row models work well for small farms, while two-row cultivators suit medium farms with straight or gradually curving rows. Rear-mounted cultivators attach to tractors with three-point hitches as single units.
Quick Tip: Match your cultivator size to your farm scale - single-row cultivators work best for small operations, while multi-row models increase efficiency on larger farms.
