Double Digging Method

12. Double digging method:

In general the top layers (6 inches) of the soil is fertile. The microorganisms and other living forms that are required by crops are abundant in this. As we go down the layers soil fertility decreases and a hard unfertile layer is found at the bottom. The deeper layers of soil can also be made fertile and granular with the help of microbes and other life forms. This method is called double digging.

This method is particularly suitable to nurseries and deep rooted crops ex: tomato, Jowar, chillies. This method is useful in increasing yields and quality. This method gave positive results to farmers in many countries.

Method : 1

• The selected area should not have gravel, weeds and any other objects .
• Divide the area into small blocks (2x2 ft size)
• Among the divided areas top 6 inches of the soil from 1st block is removed and kept aside
• After top soil removal dig the bottom soil from four sides with crowbar. Due to this soil becomes granular air and water circulation improves.
• To this portion of the soil add well decomposed compost or waste material and sprinkle cow dung solution.
• Next, the soil that is removed from the 2nd block soil is used to fill the first portion.
• In the similar wayprepare the 2nd block soil and fill it with soil of 3rd division.
• After preparing the last block fill it with soil of 1st block.
• Sprinkle water daily in the morning and evening.
• If well decomposed compost is used, these soil blocks can be used
• For sowing the next day. if wastes are used, it can be used after 15 days
• The soil prepared in this manner becomes fertile and supports the root growth, quality and higher yields.

Method 2:

• The above mentioned double digging method can be practiced by dividing the soil in a circle.
• This method is useful for kitchen gardens
• Clean the soil of the backyard and mark circles of 1-2m. the same can be again divided into 6-8 portions
• As explained above, excavate the soil from each division and fill it with compost/wastes
• Cow-dung water is sprinkled on this and soil is covered.
• To keep the circle moist sprinkle water now and then.
• If well decomposed compost is used, these soil blocks can be used for sowing the next day.
• If wastes are used, it can be used after 15 days

Suggestions:

• The above two methods can be practiced at any time of the year particularly it is suitable to carry out at famers leisure time.
• when this is used for various vegetable crops farmer gets quality vegetables throughout the year. Ex: the short duration ones (can be sown) like radish, onion, garlic, carrot on the borders. In the middle of the field chilli, tomato, brinjal, beans, methi, maranthus, spinach, coriander, bhendi can be sown. (4 ft X 25 ft=100 sft.) the vegetables grown in this area is sufficient for one person for one day (200g) throughout the year.
• Many farmers are achieving good results with double digging method in their own fields. When practiced in backyards vegetables are available throughout the year and favorable for nutritional security.