If you’re thinking of growing crops or keeping livestock for profit, you’ll need to make sure that you have a suitable patch of land for farming. Whether you’re looking for land to buy or you already own some land, here are some of the main qualities that you should look for when deciding whether the land is suitable for farming.
Soil quality
Soil quality is very important when it comes to whether the land is suitable for farming. The soil shouldn’t be too dry or too boggy. There should be a good amount of nutrients in the soil and few harmful chemicals. The soil type also needs to be suitable for the plant you’re growing. Some crops like cabbage and broccoli grow better in clay soil. Cornflowers and lavender may thrive better in chalky soil.
Identify the type of soil and consider using a soil quality test kit to determine if it’s right for your chosen crop. This guide at Modern Farmer offers advice on testing soil). If you already own land, you may be able to match the crop to the type of soil. As for livestock, soil quality may not have such a big impact. Although certain animals may prefer certain conditions. Pigs enjoy the mud, but still, need a dry soil area for sleeping.
Climate
It’s important to take into account the location of the land and the local climate when determining if the land is suitable for farming. Some crops grow better in warmer climates while others prefer cooler climates. Certain types of livestock may also prefer certain climates. For instance, certain breeds of cows are better adapted to the heat, while others prefer cooler climates). Things like wind exposure and the possibility of flooding can also have an impact and are things worth looking into.
Air quality
When looking for land suitable for farming, it’s also important to factor in the air quality. You want to make sure that there isn’t too much air pollution. The field next to a chemical factory may not be appropriate to use as farmland due to the number of toxins in the air. It could be worth considering how dry or humid the air is. Certain crops or livestock may thrive better in dry or humid conditions.
Obstacles
Are there obstacles that need clearing from your land for it to be suitable for farming? You should consider whether such obstacles can be realistically cleared. Things like brush, rocks, and trees may be able to be easily cleared by companies like ASE land clearing. Other obstacles may not be able to be cleared such as footpaths, electric pylons, historical buildings, or protected trees. You should consider whether you are able to work around these obstacles.
Legal restrictions
There may be zoning laws in place that prevent you from using certain land for farming. This could be due to certain obstacles as previously mentioned. Or it could be due to state restrictions on certain types of land. It’s wise to always get approval from your local zoning board. This could be particularly the case if you plan to build structures like a barn or chicken coops.
Final Thoughts on Finding Land Suitable for Farming
It is important to find suitable land for farming. Especially if you plan to grow crops for your family and for the community. Make sure to take the above sugestions in mind.