How to Improve Farm Land

Healthy farm land

Farm land can be improved by focusing on three major areas: soil quality, water conservation and protection from outside elements. By focusing on each of these areas, you will succeed in increased yields from your farm land. Additionally, you can focus on improvements in phases over an extended period of time. This will allow you to spread the cost of improvements over several years as money permits.

Instructions

1. Take samples of soil from several areas of your farm and send them to a lab to be analyzed. This will give you scientific information about what the soil needs by way of amendments to improve the crops you will be growing. Some crops require a more acidic soil while others prefer alkaline additives. By knowing what crops you will be growing and what types and quantities of fertilizers you need to use, you will increase your crops' production. Alternately, you can focus on becoming a certified organic farm. Through certification, you can increase your profit margin by adhering to the restrictions on types of fertilizers you use. Organic farming is increasing in popularity as people become more interested in how the food they eat is grown.

2. Analyze your current watering system. If you are currently using flood irrigation, consider changing to a more efficient sprinkler system or an underground water system. Technology has improved ways to conserve water, including the use of automation. Investigate which system could help you in your area. You should be able to cut your water usage, and improve your bottom line, by providing the correct amount of water with the least amount of labor, evaporation and cost.

3. Plant a windbreak to improve your farm land. In many areas, the wind is a major culprit in damage to tender seedlings and to loss of water through evaporation. By planting a windbreak, losses can be decreased. The farm land is also improved by the value of the trees in the windbreak as well. Windbreaks are particularly desirable across the Midwest and southwestern United States where soil erosion from wind occurs on an annual basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Your local County Extension Service can provide you with instructions on how to take a soil sample and can even provide analysis for you.

• The USDA Natural Resource and Conservation Office has free technical advice and offers the opportunity to cost-share some conservation initiatives.

References

• Cooperative Extension System: Locate Your Local Extension Office
• USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service: Cost-Share Programs

Resources

• Farmland Trust Organization: Land Stewardship Tips