By uprooting and exposing weed seeds to sunlight, the weed population
can be reduced leading to less competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight in the subsequent
crop.
Breaking up compacted soil layers through plowing improves soil
aeration, allowing roots to penetrate deeper. It enhances microbial activity, promoting nutrient
cycling and soil health.
Plowing during summer helps to create a mulch layer on the soil surface,
reducing moisture loss through evaporation. It conserves water for plant uptake during dry
periods.
Summer plowing can disrupt the life cycles of pests and pathogens,
reducing their populations and lowering the risk of infestation in subsequent crops.
By breaking up soil clods and leveling the field, summer plowing creates
an ideal seedbed for planting. It ensures good seed-to-soil contact and optimal germination
rates.
Include crop residues into the soil through plowing to decompose organic
matter and release nutrients back into the soil. This enriches soil fertility and reduces the
need for external fertilizers.
These benefits collectively contribute to higher crop yields, improved
soil health, and more sustainable agricultural practices.