Row Crop Farming Basics

Row farming can yield a large crop needing a tractor.

Farmers made up 90 percent of the work force in Thomas Jerfferson's time. In the early part of the 20th century nearly half of all Americans worked on farms and now only a tiny fraction of the population does. Information and technology have streamlined the production of crops. Row crop farming allows for rows of crop to be planted tightly, side by side, without suffocating each other; yielding the largest crop the land will give you. Does this Spark an idea?

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Soil Preparation
- A mulboard plow is dragged behind a tractor.
  
  Just before planting, the soil should be "burnt down." A mixture of mechanical tillage and chemicals kill off the weeds in the soil bed. The weeds need to be eradicated; otherwise the crop will be choked out. A mulboard or chisel plow is used to turn the earth and herbicides are sprayed directly on top of last season's crop residue. In smaller operations a hoe and spray bottle can be used.
Planting and Nourishing
- Crops are planted 4 to 10 inches apart.
  
  Most crops are planted in the spring or fall using a drill mechanism or planter. Drills and planters are pulled by tractors and plant crops in rows 4 to 10 inches apart. The mechanism digs into the earth, lays a seed and covers it. Just after planting the crop is sprayed with nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the form of manure or sewer sludge. A sprayer or spreader is dragged by tractor.
Irrigation and Drainage
- Sprayers are used to irrigate large areas.
  
  Irrigation is done by running water over the surface of the soil, using portable sprayers or by dripping water through tubes underground. Each crop needs a specific amount of water and has a critical period when irrigation is needed most. Too much water can drown crops, making drainage necessary. Shallow channels are dug between rows, pipes are installed underneath the soil or land is intentionally sloped with machinery.
Harvesting
- A wheat harvest is collected by tractor.
  
  Most harvesting is done in the fall except for wheat, which is cut several times a year. Harvesting is performed when the plant is moist for preservation. Many fruits and vegetables must be hand picked but field crops can be harvested by machine. Foragers, combines, balers and cotton harvesters cut and store the crop. These machines require an immense amount of energy and have engines with as many as 600 horsepower.