Question

Why do farmers plough their field during summer?

Answer 1

Farmers plough their field during summer because of following benefits:-

1) Summer ploughing improves soil structure due to alternate drying and cooling.

2) It improves soil aeration that helps in the multiplication of micro-organisms.

3) Organic matter decomposition is hastened to result in higher nutrient availability to the plants.

4) Increased aeration helps in degradation of herbicide and pesticide residues discharged by the root of previous crops and weeds which inhibit the growth of other nearby plants.

5) The capacity to absorb rainwater increases atmospheric nitrate mixed with water enters the soil and it increases soil fertility.
6) Insects and pests hibernate underneath the soil crust during the hot summer season, overturning of the soil in summer ploughing help the rays of the sun to enter the soil and kills the eggs, larvae and pupae of soil-borne insects and pests.