1. Soil Preparation: This involves getting the soil ready for planting. It includes tasks like tilling, fertilizing, and amending the soil with compost or other materials to improve its structure and nutrient content.
2. Planting: This is the act of putting seeds or seedlings into the ground. The timing, depth, and spacing of planting are crucial factors that depend on the specific crop.
3. Watering: Providing adequate water is essential for plant growth. Water requirements vary greatly between different crops and depending on the climate. Irrigation systems like sprinklers, drip irrigation, or manual watering are employed.
4. Fertilizing: Crops need nutrients to grow. Fertilizers provide these nutrients in a concentrated form. Different crops have varying nutritional needs, and the type and amount of fertilizer applied will depend on these needs.
5. Weed Control: Weeds compete with crops for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Controlling weeds is vital for healthy crop production. This can be achieved through various methods like hand weeding, herbicides, mulching, or cover cropping.