Sowing and growing crops might seem simple on the surface. However, it follows a tedious series of essential steps, to make sure the health of the crops and the soil is intact, without any issues hindering their way to prosperity. Grain Aeration, as fancy as the name is, is an important step to making sure there aren’t any problems in the near future.

What is Aeration?

Aeration, as the definition has it, is a process in which the circulation of air is made to happen through a combination of other substances. Its key objective is to reduce the liberation of carbon dioxide during the treatment process. In simple terms, aeration treatment involves passing large amounts of air by using water and then releasing the air outside.

There are several methods of aeration. The popular methods are–

• Core Aeration
• Spike Aeration
• Blade Aeration
• Liquid Aeration

Why and When Should You Aerate?

One of the crucial reasons why you should aerate your land is compaction. The roots of your plants need air along with water and other nutrients, to grow strong. Compacted soil doesn’t allow water and nutrients to penetrate the surface, depriving the roots of their necessity. As a result of this, roots are seen to be malformed and their growth becomes shallow. This even renders the plants to discoloration, diseases, and death eventually.

Some of the adverse effects of compactions are:

• Lawn diseases
• Erosion and water runoff
• Formation of puddles and ponds

If your lawn or field exhibits these characteristics, it is an indication that they require aeration.

• Your lawn might be spongy and dried up.

• Thinning of plants followed by the development of diseases like brown patches are important signs.

• Lack of drainage during rainstorms is another sign to look out for.

Benefits of Aeration

Practicing aeration presents a set of benefits–

• It is the best way to boost your plant’s health and root growth. Aeration gives the roots of plants to spread out and strengthen, hence helping them grow denser.

• Decreases plants’ exposure to various diseases.

• Healthy plants decrease the odds of weed growth.

• It makes the soil more permeable, cutting down the need for excess water.

• Thick and strong plants with dense roots are formed reducing their susceptibility to erosion.

• Aeration facilitates nutrients to plants naturally. Therefore, you need not be concerned about shortages of nitrogen and potassium. This cuts down your fertilization expenses.

How often Should You Aerate?

Typically, aeration is done annually. Nevertheless, your soil type is a crucial determinant for the routine.

• If your soil is sandy with barely any drainage issues, you don’t require periodic aeration.
• If your soil is clayey, aeration is required as much as once or twice a year.

To aerate lands, distinct pieces of equipment that are precisely made for this purpose are used. .