Dig a knee-deep hole (about 1 m in length and breadth) in the middle of the plot, then refill it with the soil dug out. If there is excess soil left over, it indicates that the land is favourable.

Dig a hole in the same way and fill it with water. If half the water gets absorbed, fast, the ground is unfavourable, if the water is stagnant it is unsuitable and if the water subsides gradually, it is favourable.