As a commercial farmer, enhancing productivity is vital to your business. Learning new ways to improve your farming techniques will allow you to increase production and maintain long-term sustainability for your farm. Here are some essential methods to enhance your farm’s productivity.
Interplanting
Interplanting, or intercropping, is a method by which different crops grow together simultaneously. Benefits vary depending on the technique but typically allow for shallow-rooted plants to fit between other crops without competing for space. It is an excellent way to maximize efficiency and productivity. For instance, you can intercrop a corn field with soybeans. It is best to ensure that the produce you grow in the same area is compatible.
Smart Water Irrigation
Water is vital for the success and productivity of your farm. Smart water irrigation is an innovative technology that monitors and manages water flow rate with wireless sensors specific to each grid of your farm. For instance, a smart irrigation valve will give you complete control to manage and view its performance. Additionally, the system can efficiently use your labor resources in other business areas. The system reduces your costs by saving water and eliminating the tasks of manual water management.
Land Reform Implementation
Another effective way to improve productivity is through land reform. This term refers to using machines and tractors to smooth otherwise rugged portions of land into a smoother surface. The benefit of this method is the ease of working in the farming area. When the work area is simplified, it improves productivity and is a cost-effective way to enhance the space.
Dense Planting
Depending on the type of farming you undertake, dense planting can be a method of grouping your crops closer together to help achieve a higher yield. For instance, if you grow fruit trees, spacing them closer together will allow room for more varieties. Notably, it depends on specific varieties to profit from this method. It is typical for some farmers to plant their key vegetables farther apart, leaving space for other cost-effective produce to flourish.
Improved Seeds
Farms that produce a higher quality product will, in turn, sell more. Seeds play a crucial role in this tip. Low-quality seeds can lead to poor germination rates and loss of time and money. High-quality seeds will increase yield, improve resistance against disease and improve the nutritional value (food seeds). Top-quality seeds come at a higher initial cost but offer optimal profits by allowing maximum yields.
Heat Tolerant Varieties
Specific plant varieties are tolerant to extreme heat temperatures. If your farm is susceptible to high temperatures, these plants can maintain top yields, increasing crop production. For instance, sweet potatoes, peppers or sunflowers thrive in excessive temperatures. Planting crops that are tolerant to excessive heat can increase harvest and reduce income loss in the case of an extreme weather event.
Plant Protection
Due to climate change’s impact, adverse effects on plant production is increasing, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Protecting your crop is essential. Antiquated farming practices could not access safe and efficient disease and pest control. If you are proactive, you can implement modern methods to reduce crop damage and continue productivity.
Raised Beds
An ideal way to create dense planting areas is by placing permanent beds between crop rows. The multiple rows create fewer pathways with more active growing space. It is a traditional farming method that is symbolic of improving crop productivity.
Manuring
For crops to grow and produce, they require a supply of regular nutrients. Manuring is a natural fertilizing process that provides these nutrients. It is a commercially prepared decomposing animal and plant waste product that replenishes soil fertility. Other beneficial options for fertilization include crop rotation, planting legumes or vermicompost.
Increasing productivity leads to increased farm income and can reduce the risk of financial loss due to unavoidable conditions, such as market fluctuations and other unfavorable conditions. This is an essential aspect of farming livelihood, and following these best practices will ensure your operation is successful with a path to thrive far into the future.
