Shovels have been an integral part of farming for centuries. From the Bronze Age to now, shovel tools have been an indispensable part of human civilisation.
Shovels usually had agricultural applications. Today, you may find shovels on construction sites or wherever there’s road work. Despite expanding mechanisation, the shovel remains an important tool for farmers and gardeners alike. From measuring soil health to weeding, the right shovel can maximise your yield in many ways. Let’s find out!
Soil Analysis
Why is soil analysis so important? It must be done because it provides valuable information. Farmers can easily adjust fertilisation according to crop and soil conditions by tracking the precise amount of nutrients. Soil pH is also important due to its effect on the uptake of nutrients. The main objective of managing soil pH is to ensure the crops aren’t exposed to toxic metals. To take a sample with shovel tools, here’s what you do:
- Dig a pit
- Vertically cut the soil along the pit wall
- Pull the shovel out so the soil doesn’t slip off
- Remove approximately 5cm of soil to the right and the left of the shovel
- The amount that remains in the middle of the shovel is your sample
Prevent Compaction
Soil compaction happens when soil particles are pressed together, diminishing the pore space between them. It’s usually found in the soils subsurface. If there’s less water infiltration, drainage and stagnant water issues, increased erosion and runoff, and less root penetration, it’s soil compaction. It limits rooting, which in turn limits nutrient and water uptake by plants.
To prevent soil compaction, you must limit tillage, and trampling by farm vehicles and traffic. Keeping the humble shovel nearby is helpful. It allows you to chart progress while cutting down compacted layers.
Preparing the Soil Bed
The shovel’s role in preparing the soil bed is undeniable. Particularly, on small-scale farms that don’t use big ploughing machines, shovel tools are extremely valuable. It helps in turning the soil, digging and transferring debris. It also helps in uprooting crops and adding mulch or fertilisers.
Weeding
Weeds are strong and compete with the crops for nutrients, light, space and water. They reduce yield and often cause crop diseases as well. Their excessive seed production and adaptability make them tough and help them to thrive. Chenopodium, Amaranthus, algae and grass are common examples of weeds.
If you plan to remove weeds with your hands, shovel tools are the best tools for this job. Dig deep and remove the weeds from the roots with garden shovels.
Shovel tools are multipurpose and an integral part of your farm or garden. Choose the right one with Tata Agrico to maximise yield.
