Agriculture

Agriculture is a crucial science in the processes of plant and animal production necessary for continuous human consumption. The agricultural sector forms the foundation of food supply globally. Climatic conditions can present costly challenges for farmers and food security, making technology highly important for achieving the desired production and profitability.

Stages of Agriculture

Agriculture management is essential, requiring farmers to consider several factors and understand the basic stages of plant production, which include:

Crop Selection

Different types of agricultural crops exist, and several factors help in selecting the appropriate crop for farming, such as:

• High productivity: Farmers prioritize selecting productive varieties for profitability.
• Suitability to the region: Selecting varieties that grow well under local conditions with guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Quality of the crop: Farmers choose high-quality varieties to increase production efficiency and profitability.
• Resistance to surrounding conditions: Crop resistance depends on its genetic makeup, allowing it to withstand difficult conditions and diseases.
• Early maturation: Early or mid-maturing varieties are preferred because they are less susceptible to diseases and weather changes compared to late-maturing crops.

Land Preparation for Planting

Preparing the land before planting is fundamental to providing a suitable environment for plant roots. This includes facilitating root penetration in the soil and ensuring the soil’s properties help seeds absorb water and nutrients for growth. Pre-existing plants are removed to prevent them from depleting nutrients. Land preparation methods vary depending on the region and crops, leading to better results when done correctly and timely. Stages of land preparation include:

• Plowing: This process involves breaking up and stimulating the soil to prepare it for seeds. Factors affecting plowing efficiency include:
  • Soil type: Compact agricultural soils need breaking up and softening, requiring strong agricultural machinery, unlike lighter soils.
  • Previous crop: Crop residues vary in root depth and soil compaction, necessitating different plowing depths and methods. Some residues can serve as fertilizer for new crops.
  • Intended crop: Different crops require varying plowing depths and preparations.
  • Weed types and prevalence: Early plowing is needed when there are many weeds to prevent them from consuming nutrients intended for the new crop.
  • Soil moisture: High soil moisture forms compact clumps needing more efficient plowing, while dry soil requires less effort.
• Land leveling: This process involves breaking up soil to improve water distribution through irrigation pipes.
• Solar soil sterilization: Raising soil temperature under polyethylene covers eliminates insects, pathogens, and weeds.
• Land planning and irrigation pipe installation: Depending on crop types, the land is planned with appropriate spacing between plants.
• Planting location determination: One planting line is established by irrigating the land briefly and then planting seeds in the areas where water gathers.

Seed Selection

Choosing high-quality seeds for planting is crucial for several reasons, such as:

• Producing healthier seedlings.
• Accelerating root growth, allowing faster nutrient uptake from the soil.
• Increasing crop productivity.

Irrigation

Irrigation is vital for agricultural production, influencing the entire agricultural process from seed preparation to plant growth, nutrient uptake, and product quality. Important considerations for irrigation include:

• Irrigation value: Benefits of irrigation include:
  • Planting more herbs and crops.
  • Producing higher quality crops and herbs.
  • Extending growing seasons and enabling early planting.
  • Marketing crops out of their typical growing seasons.
  • Enhancing fertilizer benefits and facilitating plant growth.
• Choosing an irrigation system: The choice depends on factors such as soil type, land topography, water availability and sources, farm size, water storage capacity, labor availability, and budget, along with energy sources.
• Water sources for irrigation: Typically, water is pumped directly from rivers, canals, or dams.
• Irrigation scheduling: This determines the right time and amount of water needed for crops, based on their needs at different growth stages and climatic conditions. Monitoring plants, soil appearance and texture, and using appropriate devices to measure soil moisture are recommended.

Fertilization

Fertilizer is an organic or inorganic compound containing essential nutrients for crop growth. It is applied to the soil or directly to the plant. Farmers need to test soil to determine available nutrients and provide necessary fertilizers to achieve optimal crop production and profitability. At least 17 essential elements are required for plant growth, sourced from water, air, soil, and fertilizers. The table below lists the main nutrients:

Harvesting

Harvesting involves removing crops after they have matured for processing, consumption, or storage. Some root crops may be left in the soil and harvested as needed. However, most crops are at risk of deterioration if left exposed to elements after maturation.

Agricultural Tools

There are many tools used in agriculture, and selecting the most suitable ones can lead to better outcomes and increased profitability. Some essential tools include:

• Hoe: Used to remove weeds.
• Iron roller: Used to press and break up soil.
• Axe: Used for cutting trees.
• Animal plow: Drawn by animals to till the soil, turn it over, and remove weeds.
• Ground rake: Used to remove stones and debris from the soil, consisting of a metal piece with teeth fixed on a wooden stick.
• Pitchfork: Used to separate crop grains from chaff in the air, consisting of a stick with wooden prongs.
• Sieve: Used to clean small grains from impurities, cylindrical and similar to a strainer with a mesh base to prevent impurity passage.
• Sickle: Used to remove weed branches.
• Wheelbarrow: Used to transport small loads over short distances, typically with one wheel and versatile in use, including transporting crops.