Before you start planting, it is essential to prepare the soil for cultivation. This is done by digging, ploughing or ridging the ground. This activity loosens the mud and the plants grow well because the roots spread with greater ease in loose mud than in compact mud. This also allows suitable aeration of the soil, and absorption and retention of water is better. Adding manure Manure is added to soil for encouraging and sustaining plant growth.
Manure increases soil fertility by supplying requisite elements.
Organic or natural manure includes excreta of animals, and decomposed vegetation. This is more or less a complete manure because it contains all the essential nutritive elements for plant growth. Inorganic or chemical manure are of mineral origins and include nitrogenous, phosphate or potash salts, and other elements. Cow or cattle dung is better suited for light soil, has good water retention and can be used for growing ornamental plants. Sheep or goat dung is suited for light soil, and is good for growing fruit trees.