The first plowing time for maize crop here in the study area is done as soon as on the onset of the first rain season. Because of its V-shaped ploughing by Maresha, the local farmers have to do repeated tillage with any two consecutive tillage operations carried out perpendicular to each other. As a result, the soil is pulverized resulting in weak soil structure and compact formation. Farmers plough 2–3 times before sowing maize in the study area. Because of repeated tillage at shallow depths, commonly 15 cm, plough pans may form below the plough layer. The V-shaped furrows also result in higher relative surface area exposure leading to an increased loss of moisture through evaporation