Tillage systems: traditional plowing, simplified with cultivator, strip-tillage, no-till



Different soil cultivation systems


The selection of a soil cultivation system is predominantly influenced by the farm's machinery assets. Investing in new machinery and cultivation systems is advisable, and additional eco-schemes, such as highly-rated no-plough cultivation, serve as an incentive for this investment. Evolution has been a constant presence since the inception of our planet, permeating every aspect of life, including agriculture and soil cultivation practices. This is evidenced by the rapid advancement of soil cultivation technologies that facilitate the elimination of ploughing. This traditional practice, carried out for decades on nearly every farm, is increasingly being replaced by more modern technologies. Notably, less intensive soil cultivation fosters better conditions for the accumulation and formation of humus.


Soil cultivation systems and the evolution of farming practices

Pros and cons of plowing the field (traditional farming) It is not accurate to state that ploughing is an outdated technology that will soon become obsolete. Currently, plough manufacturers continue to thrive, as demonstrated by the advancements in these tools. Modern ploughs can now integrate with GPS, ensuring a straight furrow even in highly variable soils. The primary drawback of ploughing is the formation of a plough sole, particularly when working with excessively moist soil.


Pros and cons of conventional tillage

To mitigate the risk of creating dense soil layers, many manufacturers offer on-land ploughs, where all tractor wheels traverse the soil rather than the furrow. These machines facilitate the use of twin tires, thereby reducing the tractor's soil pressure. The plough effectively covers crop residues, which is not advantageous for the microbiological processes involved in organic matter transformation. Prior to the plant residues reaching the bottom of the furrow, it is advisable to mix catch crops or straw residues using a disc harrow. Rolmako U652 machines with 560 mm diameter discs or heavy stubble harrows U671 Pro with 620 mm discs are suitable for mixing large quantities of organic residues.


Advantages of modern ploughs and on-land technology

After ploughing, no plant remains on the top layer of soil, leaving fields more susceptible to wind and water erosion compared to lands with a mulch layer. Ploughing strongly aerates the soil, leading to the mineralization of humus. Highly aerated soil dries out intensively, resulting in significant water loss in this cultivation method. The recommended solution is to compact the soil during ploughing using heavy rollers. Rolmako rollers, such as Campbell, are effective for this purpose. Rolling the fields further compacts the top soil layer, enhancing moisture retention and plant emergence. Rolmako offers rollers like Cambridge with rings of 530 mm diameter, available in widths from 5.0 m to 9.4 m. The advantage of the plough, due to regular and intensive mixing, is the even distribution of nutrients throughout the humus horizon, ensuring plant roots have consistent access to nutrients.

Simplified cultivation omitting plowing (no-plough farming)
Due to the disadvantages of plough cultivation, support for no-plough soil cultivation systems is increasing. This technology can be classified into several categories: simplified cultivation with deep loosening of the entire surface, strip cultivation, and zero cultivation. Simplified cultivation with deep soil loosening is the most prevalent method of cultivation without ploughing. The primary machine replacing the plough in this method is a cultivator, where the soil loosening tines are arranged on at least three cross beams. With the appropriate working elements, the cultivator can operate at a depth of up to 35 cm. Rolmako offers the multifunctional U436 cultivator for no-plough soil cultivation, with a working width ranging from 2.6 to 6.0 meters. Suspended and hitched versions are available, with wheels positioned either in front of or behind the compacting roller.


Advantages of loosening soil with Rolmako U436 cultivator for no plow cultivation

For larger farms, we provide a chisel plough with a Ripper U624 tine, capable of working at a maximum depth of 50 cm. Additionally, DeepTiller varieties (up to 65 cm depth) are offered for large-area farms and service companies, along with a LITE version of the chisel plough for smaller farms.


Chisel plough Rolmako U624 and deep no plow cultivation

The primary advantage of replacing the plough with a cultivator or chisel plough is reduced aeration and soil inversion. The soil is loosened, but not inverted across the entire working width of the cultivator. This single cultivation procedure fosters conditions for humus accumulation in the soil. A substantial portion of crop residues remains on the surface, reducing the risk of wind and water erosion. Additionally, the mulch layer on the surface reduces water evaporation from the soil. The Rolmako U436 cultivator’s versatility in no-plough soil cultivation is notable. With appropriate working elements, it can be used for deep loosening before sowing and shallow post-harvest cultivation. Performing basic cultivation procedures with one machine significantly reduces the costs of maintaining the machinery fleet.


Soil loosening with Rolmako U436 cultivator as an alternative to ploughing

The cultivator is also available in a lighter PREMIUM version with enhanced standard equipment and another version designed for smaller farms adopting no-plough cultivation, featuring a short two-beam design compatible with tractors of lower pulling power. However, after several years of soil cultivation using this system, the lower soil layers become nutrient-depleted. Due to less intensive soil mixing, broadcast mineral fertilizers do not integrate thoroughly with the soil across the entire depth of loosening. Mineralizing plant residues release nutrients, resulting in a significant difference in nutrient content between the top layer and below, such as at 20 cm depth. The solution involves applying fertilizers, primarily potassium and phosphorus, during deep loosening with the Rolmako U436 cultivator, which allows for fertilizer undersowing at two depths. Deeper nutrients further stimulate root system development.


PREMIUM cultivator and subsoil fertilization during cultivation

Strip tillage
Strip tillage, or Strip-Till, is increasingly prevalent in our fields. This method involves cultivating and deeply loosening the soil only in a narrow strip, where seeds are sown. Strip-Till is especially recommended for growing deep-rooted plants, such as rapeseed, sugar beet, or sunflower. In this cultivation system, there is minimal mixing or aeration of the soil. The deeper soil layers, previously overgrown with crop roots, are minimally disturbed. A significant advantage of this technology is the ability to apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers deep into the soil. However, a disadvantage may be plant damage by field rodents, mainly voles, as they feed primarily in the loosened strips and do not move to the unloosened areas of the field.


Strip-Till cultivation – deep loosening only in the seed row

The machines currently offered for strip tillage have generally come with large working widths, necessitating tractors with power exceeding 300 HP. However, the market is now seeing the emergence of machines compatible with tractors up to 150 HP. Rolmako is also set to introduce machines for strip tillage. In strip tillage, other cultivation procedures such as using a cultivator or disc harrow can be bypassed. Excellent results are achieved by cultivating and sowing seeds directly into the stubble. Mulching harrows, such as the Rolmako SpringExpert or MATRIX rotary hoe, are employed to stimulate weed seeds and forecrop. For addressing excessive soil compaction in Strip-Till cultivation, the Rolmako U624 chisel plough with a Ripper tine is the most effective tool.


Strip-Till machines for low-power tractors and their applications

No-Till cultivation
Zero tillage is a method virtually unheard of in Poland. Successful cultivation with this technology requires an ideal soil structure, naturally rich in nutrients and water, such as black soil. These soils are characterized by a very high humus level, reaching up to 5 meters. Special seeders are used for cultivation in this technology, working directly on the stubble. In this system, the soil is not loosened with other tools.


No-Till cultivation – technology without mechanical soil disturbance

Here is a brief comparison of four tillage systems: traditional, no-plough, strip and zero-till.
Conventional tillage
Description: involves multiple passes with various tillage tools, including plowing.
Advantages: helps control weeds and pests; prepares soil for seeding.
Disadvantages: leads to soil erosion; increases fuel and time consumption; causes soil compaction.


Comparison of traditional and modern soil cultivation systems

No-plough
Description: cultivation of soil without plowing, utilizing tools such as no-plough cultivators, chisel ploughs, or disc harrows.
Advantages: reduced soil erosion; time and fuel savings; soil structure preservation.
Disadvantages: may require increased herbicide use; initial challenges in transitioning from traditional methods.


Benefits of no plow system – cost savings and soil structure preservation

Strip-Till
Description: involves cultivating only narrow strips of soil where crops will be planted, leaving the rest of the soil untouched.
Advantages: fuel and time savings; reduced erosion; improved water infiltration.
Disadvantages: may require specialized equipment; necessitates more careful management.


Strip tillage – efficiency and erosion prevention

No-till (maintenance-free)
Description: no mechanical soil cultivation. Sowing is conducted directly into plant residues from the previous season.
Advantages: maximum protection against erosion; time and fuel efficiency; soil moisture preservation.
Disadvantages: may necessitate increased herbicide application; difficulties in managing crop residues.


No till farming – minimal disturbance and maximum moisture conservation

Summary
Selecting the appropriate tillage system relies on various factors, such as soil type, climate, available equipment, and the farmer's objectives and values. No-plough, strip-till, and No-till methods positively impact soil health and decrease erosion risk compared to traditional methods. They also offer greater efficiency in fuel consumption, time, and overall farm profitability. In contrast, traditional and mechanical tillage may be more effective at weed control without herbicides, a reliance that is often necessary with no-plough and no-till systems. Notably, agricultural machinery manufacturers like Rolmako are continually developing new technologies and solutions to help farmers choose the tillage method that best meets their needs and environmental conditions. These innovations include advanced no-plough machines that minimize soil disturbance while ensuring effective weed control and seedbed preparation. This enables farmers to benefit from both traditional and modern tillage methods, customizing them to the specific conditions of their farms.


Modern approach to choosing tillage system and support from Rolmako