Site preparation

Once you determine what crop you will plant further site preparation is necessary.  Many people start with a herbicide application.  Roundup or a similar product will work well for this, but it should be applied prior to planting as it will kill every plant it comes in contact with. Corn and soybeans are available in "Roundup Ready" form.  Roundup will not affect these plants. Round up will not control weeds for the entire growing season, but it will give your crop a chance to establish itself while not competing with native growth.

Controlled burns can also be effective in site preparation as it can clear an area of dead weed growth, but care should be taken if this is done.  Wind direction in relation to larger fire hazards are a primary consideration in this process.   

The primary method of site preparation for most seed types is turning over the soil to prepare an appropriate seed bed. Rototillers, pull behind, atv or utv equipment or farming equipment can all be used depending on availability, plot access and plot size.

This process doesn't have to be perfect but again, should prepare the area for good seed to soil contact. If you are using a "no til" product this part of site preparation isn't necessary.