A seedbed is basically a piece of land where the conditions allow for the best growth of crops. And while seedbeds are supposed to exist naturally, current climate conditions deem that seedbeds be carefully constructed so that they meet all the nutrient requirements. All farmers, old and new, have some knowledge about seedbeds. However, it is important to understand the science behind the creation of seedbeds so that you can ensure you are taking care of all the necessary aspects.
If you live in the United States, then chances are that creating a seedbed is not exactly the easiest of the farming processes. So, here are a few tips that will help ensure that you create the perfect seedbed and have the best of produce.
Select the suitable soil
The quality of a seedbed is highly dependent on the type of soil it is being created on. Ideally, the soil you choose should be absolutely barren and should not contain any parasites and spores. These can harm the seeds and saplings so if you are trying to create a seedbed in non-barren soil then you will be most likely met with poor produce. If you are unable to find barren enough soil, then you can purchase it from your local farm store and lay it on top of your farmland before creating the seedbed.
Water and light
Seedbeds need to be moist but at the same time, the level of moisture will vary depending on what you are growing in it. So, make sure that your seedbed not only has a good water source but also have resources to allow water to flow through it and not stagnate. The next step is to make what is called a ‘cold frame’. This allows for sunlight to fall directly on the seedbed and provide the necessary nutrients to the seeds and saplings. If you are unable to create a functioning cold frame, then you can purchase one from a store or online.
Heating
Making a seedbed in winter is exceptionally tough. And if you live in the extremely cold regions of the United States your saplings might die due to lack of heat. Thus, an ideal seedbed will need to have some sort of heating mechanism. The best way to do this is by laying down a layer of green manure before preparing the seedbed. As the manure decomposes beneath the seedbed soil it will produce the necessary heat required for reducing the effects of cold weather. Manure is very easily available and finding the right brand should be no hassle at all.
Tillage
Every seedbed requires tillage to ensure that weeds and other unwanted produce do not harm the saplings. Tillage also helps in removing the stubble left behind after a season of produce that is required for laying down fresh seeds. And while many farmers still tend to use archaic tillage methods, usage of modern tillage machines such as the KELLY Tillage System allows for a much better tillage process that ensures the overall health of the seedbed and also keeps all nutrients intact. The KELLY Tillage System comes equipped with a disc-chain mechanism that ensures even tillage and removal of stubble to the point where their decomposition becomes an easier process.
If you ensure that you are performing these 4 processes up to the mark, then your seedbed should be perfect for any kind of produce. Whether you are growing fruits or vegetables, a seedbed will ensure that your yield is both high quality and rich in nutrients. You will, of course, have to regulate factors such as water, light, and heat based on the type of yield and the weather conditions of your farm.
Furthermore, usage of the Kelly tillage system will ensure that your seedbed remains intact after every season of produce. Make sure that you do not resort to the burning of stubble as it can severely damage the quality of the seedbed. The disc chain mechanism of Kelly systems will ensure that all stubble is removed up to the point where you will not have to resort to any other mechanism.
You can find various KELLY Tillage System dealers across the United States so contact your nearest dealer today!