Preparation of planting sites Notes, Quizzes & Revision

CROP PRODUCTION — Preparation of Planting Sites

Topic: Preparation of planting sites
Subject: Agriculture — for learners aged 12 (Kenya)

Why prepare the site?

A good site makes it easier for seeds to grow into healthy plants. Preparation improves soil, removes weeds and pests, helps water drain or stay where crops need it, and places nutrients where roots can reach them.

When to prepare

• Before the rains: get your site ready a few weeks before the long rains (March–May) or short rains (Oct–Dec).
• Do small final preparations (ridges, seedbeds) just before planting so the soil is moist.

Steps to prepare a planting site

1. Choose the site: pick a flat or gently sloping place with good sun and near water if possible.
2. Clear the area: remove stones, sticks and big weeds. Use a panga (machete) or jembe (hoe).
3. Plough or dig: loosen the soil using a hand hoe, jembe, ox-plough or tractor. This allows roots to grow and water to enter.
4. Break big clods: use a rake or jembe to make the soil fine and even.
5. Level and mark rows: make straight rows or beds so planting and weeding are easier.
6. Make ridges or raised beds (if needed): for crops like potatoes and when soil is heavy or waterlogged.
7. Improve soil fertility: add compost, well-rotted manure or correct fertilizer in planting lines or holes.
8. Test for drainage: make sure water does not stay on the site for many days after rain. Make furrows or drains if it does.

Important practices for different land types

• Flat land: create shallow furrows for drainage and planting rows in straight lines.
• Heavy (clay) soils: make raised beds or ridges so roots do not rot. Add organic matter to improve texture.
• Sandy soils: add compost and manure to hold moisture and nutrients.
• Sloping land: use contours and terracing to stop soil washing away. Plant along contour lines.

How to make ridges and furrows (simple diagram)

Plant spacing examples (simple guide)

• Maize: rows 70–90 cm apart; plants 20–30 cm apart in the row.
• Beans (bush): rows 30–45 cm apart; plants 5–10 cm apart.
• Potatoes: ridges 60–75 cm apart; seed pieces 25–35 cm apart on the ridge.
• Vegetable seedlings: start in nursery beds or pots and transplant after 3–6 weeks.

Soil fertility and tests

If possible, test the soil (pH and nutrients) at the nearest agricultural office or extension service. Most crops like slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Add lime if soil is very acidic or add compost/manure to improve nutrients.

Weed, pest and disease control before planting

• Clear and burn or compost old weeds and crop residues.
• Practice crop rotation: do not plant the same crop in the same place every season.
• Use clean seed and healthy seedlings to reduce disease risk.

Safety and tools care

• Wear gloves, boots and a hat when working.
• Keep tools sharp and clean. Store them safely away from children.
• Ask an adult for help when using heavy tools or tractors.

Quick checklist before planting

• Soil loosened and levelled
• Ridges, furrows or beds made
• Compost or manure added
• Good drainage and no standing water
• Rows marked and spacing decided
• Seed or seedlings ready and healthy

Want a simple activity? Walk to a small field near your home with an adult. Identify one place where water stays after rain, one rocky place, and one good place. Talk about which of the three you would use for planting and why.

— End of notes