Module 4

• Cultivation


  Operation that requires a tool to stir the surface of the soil to a shallow depth, destroying young weeds and promoting crop growth
• Pre-planting cultivation


  Done prior to planting after the seed bed has been prepared
• Post-planting cultivation


  Done in some crops after planting before the crops emerges
• Post-Emergence cultivation


  Done following crop emergence as weeds often sprout at the same time as the crop
• Objectives of Cultivation


  • Retain moisture by killing weeds, loose mulching on surface and retaining rainfall
  • Develop plant food
  • Aerate the soil to allow oxygen to penetrate
  • Promote the activity of microorganisms in the soil
• Factors to Consider in Selecting Cultivator Type and Size


  • Farm area
  • Crop grown
  • Soil characteristics (type and condition)
  • Rainfall
  • Farming Method (type of farming practice)
  • Power Source (what is the power available)
• Field Cultivator


  Equipment used to cultivate the soil during seedbed preparation, primary tillage, and weed control
• Rotary Hoe


  Intended for removing grasses and small weeds, also used in soil crust breaking
• Rotary Hoe


  • Can only do shallow cultivation, but for a shorter duration
• Types of Tractor-Mounted Cultivator

  • Central-Forward Tractor Mounted Cultivator
  • Rear Tractor Mounted Cultivator
• Central-Forward Tractor Mounted Cultivator


  • Available in one, two, four, six, and eight-row sizes, can be mounted on both four-wheel and three-wheel tractors
  • One-row cultivator suitable for small farms and terraced fields with curving rows
  • Two rows suitable for medium-sized farms and fields with straight or gradual curve rows
• Rear Tractor Mounted Cultivator


  • Unit assemblies attached to tractors equipped with a three-point hitch
  • Each gang provided a gauge wheel to control depth of cultivation
  • Gang attached to a toolbar or frame bar
• Components of Cultivator Gangs

  • Beam with adjustable foot and shovel
  • Shovels up to 3 1/2 in wide
  • Sweeps 6 to 24 in wide
• Factors to Consider in Selecting Shovel or Sweep

  • Type of soil
  • Crops
  • Weeds
• Beet and Bean cultivator


  Requires shovel and sweeps for shallow cultivation, gauge wheels control depth of penetration, sizes range from two to six rows with four rows being most popular
• Lister Cultivator


  Adapted to cultivation of listed crops (planted in furrow or trench below ground level), first cultivation throws soil away from row, later cultivations throw soil toward plants
• Other Cultivators

  • Rod Weeders
  • Field Cultivators
  • Subsoil Cultivators
  • Chisel Cultivators
• Rotary-hoe Cultivator


  Cultivating implement used to cultivate and destroy weeds and grass around young plants
• Rotary Hoe


  Excellent tool for pulverizing soil crust that forms after rain and hinders seedling emergence
• Problems caused by Weeds

  • Reduction of profit by reducing crop yield
  • Reduction in crop quality
  • Harboring of insects that damage crops
  • Reduce value of the land
• Methods for Controlling Weeds

  • Cultivation by stirring the soil
  • Use of flame
  • Use of chemical
  • Laying of plastic strips over the row
• What to look for in a Weeder

  • Handle (bicycle handle recommended)
  • Adjustable length rod (below chest height for operator)
  • Easy to push shape
  • Lightweight
• Existing Designs of Weeders (Rice Weeder)