Answer:

The purpose of land preparation is to provide the necessary soil conditions which will enhance the successful establishment of the young offshoots or the tissue culture plants received from the nursery. Considering the nature of the date palm, one can not "save" on this operation and hope for long term sustainability of the plantation.

Critical factors to consider during this planning exercise are summarised as follows:

- Availability and quality of irrigation water;

- Field selection;

- Mechanical actions to be implemented;

- Chemical needs for pre-plant soil improvement;

- Tools and equipment needed for date cultivation;

- Labour needs;

- Irrigation design and installation;

- Leaching schedule;

- Hole preparation;

- Financial requirements and

- Time schedule.