Deep Tillage in Summer Can Boost Yield and Reduce Costs: Agriculture Department Advises Farmers, Highlights 8 Key Benefits

The Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development has advised farmers in the district to undertake deep tillage of their fields during the summer season. According to the department, this agricultural practice improves soil fertility, increases crop productivity, and reduces overall cultivation costs.

What is Summer Deep Tillage?

Summer deep tillage is carried out after the harvest of rabi (winter) crops and before the sowing of kharif (monsoon) crops. Also known as off-season tillage, this method involves turning and loosening the soil to a greater depth than regular tillage, which helps prepare the field for the upcoming season.

Eight Major Benefits of Deep Tillage:

At a recent awareness program held in Kakrahata village of Patan block, Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr. S.K. Nigam, Assistant Director Ravi Amravanshi, and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Dr. Indira Tripathi informed farmers about the many benefits of deep tillage:

1. Weed Control: Deep tillage brings weed seeds and rhizomes to the surface, where they are destroyed by sunlight, reducing the need for herbicides in kharif crops.
2. Pest and Disease Control: Eggs, larvae, and pathogens hidden in the soil are exposed to intense heat and perish.
3. Water Retention: Loose soil absorbs rainwater more effectively, helping retain moisture for a longer period.
4. Root Development: Breaking hard soil layers allows roots to penetrate deeper, enhancing plant growth.
5. Microbial Activity: Improved soil aeration boosts the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms.
6. Nutrient Availability: Crop residues and organic matter mix better with the soil, increasing the availability of essential nutrients.
7. Reduced Soil Erosion: A rougher surface slows down water runoff during rains, thereby reducing erosion.
8. Improved Saline Soil: Harmful salts are pushed deeper into the soil layers, improving soil health.

Be Aware of Potential Drawbacks: Assistant Director Ravi Amravanshi also cautioned farmers about potential downsides. Excessive deep tillage can harm soil microorganisms and lead to the oxidation of organic matter, reducing its content. Additionally, deep tillage requires more powerful tractors and equipment, which can increase costs. In the absence of timely rains, the soil may dry out quickly.

Deep Tillage Recommended Once Every Three Years: Dr. Indira Tripathi encouraged farmers to undertake deep tillage at least once every three years. She explained that regular tillage reaches only 15–20 cm deep, leading to the formation of a hard layer underneath. This hardpan obstructs water, air, and root penetration, which negatively impacts plant growth.

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