Puddling :
Puddling is tillage of field under flooded condition. It is effective in soil having a minimum 20% clay particle.
Objectives of puddling :
It is done to enhance :
- growth and development of plant.
- Mixing of organic manure and decomposition of weed and crop stubble.
- Reduce germination and incidences of weed infestation in subsequent growing period.
- Leveling of field for stagnation of water.
Drawbacks of puddling :
- Destroy soil structure
- Crust formation on surface of soil.
- Decrease the population of soil inhibiting beneficial organism like aerobic microorganism , earthworm.
- Creates hard pan on sub-soil layer.
- Loss of nitrogen by leaching , runoff and denitrification under anaerobic condition.