Field Crops> Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)> Field Preparation

Sunflower requires well pulverised and weedfree land with adequate moisture supply. The first ploughing should be done by the mould-board plough and subsequently two to three ploughings could be done by local plough followed by planking. There should be sufficient moisture at the time of sowing for proper germination. Under irrigated conditions where sunflower is to be taken during Rabi, sowing should be done after pre-irrigation. Sunflower seeds have thick hulls and imbibe water at a slow rate. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure sufficient moisture for proper germination at the time of sowing.