The highest scoring eco-schemes include catch crops (5 points), simplified cultivation systems (4 points), application of liquid fertilizers by methods other than spraying (3 points), mixing manure within 12 hours, and integrating straw with soil (2 points).

Catch crops offer numerous benefits for the soil and provide an additional financial boost through subsidies
Catch crops can be sown in both traditional (ploughing) and simplified cultivation systems. Using a grain seeder or a specialized seeder for catch crops, such as the APV utilized by Rolmako in disc harrows and cultivators, is recommended for optimal seed sowing. Sowing seeds broadcast with a spreader results in the lowest accuracy, particularly with catch crop mixtures where seeds vary in size and weight. Precise catch crop seeders with an electric or hydraulic blower are ideal for this purpose.

When implementing an eco-scheme with catch crops, the recommended machine for properly incorporating the catch crop mass into the soil is the TurboCut knife roller. Its function is to cut the catch crop mass, primarily stems. This process facilitates easier mixing of the cut catch crop with the soil. Additionally, cutting the stem enhances its microbiological decomposition and nutrient release. The TurboCut roller can be operated on both the front and rear three-point linkage, though front operation is advised. This allows a disc harrow or cultivator to be mounted at the back, enabling residue mixing in a single pass. Using a traditional disc harrow to destroy the catch crop poses the risk of arranging the mass in so-called braids, complicating its mixing and subsequent decomposition. To prevent this, consider equipping the disc harrow with a front, single ProCut roller or using the SpeedCutter disc harrow for ultra-shallow fast cultivation.

Funding for no-plough farming systems
For the simplified cultivation systems eco-scheme, replacing the plough with another cultivation tool that loosens the soil to a depth of up to 35 cm is necessary. The optimal solution is the universal Rolmako U436 cultivator, featuring working elements arranged on three beams to facilitate the mixing of pre-crop residues. Various working elements can be mounted on it, making the equipment useful for shallow stubble cultivation, secondary cultivation to mix chopped straw, as well as deep soil loosening, and replacing the plough. The integrated roller compacts the soil, preparing the field for sowing immediately after cultivation. Investing in such equipment addresses stubble and deep cultivation needs. Numerous configurations enable the unit to be adapted to each farm, including a 3.0 m variant offered in various PREMIUM versions for extensive operations and an economic version (two-beam unit) for smaller farms up to 50 ha.

Chisel plough
The Rolmako U624 chisel plough with Ripper tine enables the elimination of the plough. When using a chisel plough, deeper cultivation is possible, allowing for pre-sowing preparation, deep soil loosening, and the destruction of the plough sole. For quick sowing in a field cultivated with a chisel plough, it is advisable to compact the soil before sowing with a roller suspended on the front three-point linkage, such as a Cambridge, ORION, or Campbell roller, among other devices, instead of the front ballast of the tractor.

Subsoiler
An alternative to the plough is the Rolmako subsoiler, such as models U602, U608, U614, U619, U632, U638, and others available from the manufacturer. It is advisable to use deep loosening equipment with a rear roller or three-point linkage. An ideal solution is a double spiked roller, which pre-dresses the soil before the cultivation and seeding set enters. With a three-point linkage, a disc harrow can be attached to the subsoiler to thoroughly prepare the soil for sowing.

Soil application of slurry
Additional payments can be obtained by utilizing liquid organic fertilizers, such as slurry, through non-spraying methods. In this regard, Rolmako offers the Vogelsang applicator mounted on the U693 disc harrow. Mixing slurry with soil during application optimizes the benefits of natural fertilizer. Covering the fertilizer with soil prevents nitrogen loss and eliminates unpleasant odors. The Vogelsang applicator features a shredding mechanism that ensures precise and smooth fertilizer distribution across its entire width. It also includes an integrated solids settling tank, which protects the shredding components from damage.

Cultivation machinery for eco-schemes
Traditional machines, such as a disc harrow or cultivator, are sufficient for mixing manure and straw. Each post-harvest cultivation should be performed at an angle to the seeder's working track. Note that a disc harrow will not improve the distribution of crop residues in the field; the discs will only roll over the mass of previous crop residues and mix them with the soil. If the distribution of organic matter in the field is not ideal, such as uneven spreading of chopped straw, it is advisable to use the SpringExpert mulching harrow.

The cultivator will more effectively level the distribution of crop residues if its working elements are arranged on multiple cross beams. The multifunctional U436 cultivator is ideally suited for this task, featuring working elements on three cross beams. When the side wings are removed from the beam, the cultivator can operate at greater depths and serve as a plow replacement. The U497 cultivator, designed for pre-sowing and stubble cultivation, also efficiently mixes shredded straw. This requires the goosefoots to be mounted on four rows of SW or ST tines.

The ComboTill, a notable machine for mixing shredded straw, combines a cultivator and a mulching harrow. It features three rows of spring tines with goosefoots that loosen the soil and mix it with straw residues. Following this, the mulching harrow section operates, with three rows of spring fingers further evening out the distribution of crop residues.

Another machine that aligns with eco-schemes is the chisel plough. These machines are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of users in challenging soil conditions, especially in compacted soils and fields with plant residues. They enable the abandonment of certain other cultivation practices. Characterized by deep soil cultivation, the specific shape of the tines facilitates effective mixing of soil layers, akin to the operation of both a subsoiler and a plough. The design of the chisel and the side elements of the tines prevents the soil from being carried to the top layer. Using appropriate tines supports the formation of soil structure ready for sowing.

Thanks to the additional roller with spiked tines, the soil is effectively mixed with crop residues. The entire soil mass is thoroughly combined with organic residues, transforming them into humus. Earth clods are effectively broken, eliminating the risk of re-compaction. The soil is thus optimally prepared for sowing. The hydraulic and mechanical regulation mechanism, combined with the counter-rotating tines on the spiked rollers, performs perfectly in various soil conditions.

Scoring in eco-schemes and selected Rolmako cultivation equipment suitable for these activities
Winter cover crops – 5 pts
APV cover crop seeder
ProCut knife roller on the front three-point linkage
Double knife roller TurboCut
Compact disc harrow U 693
Disc harrow U652
The SpeedCutter disc harrow for ultra-shallow tillage
Manure incorporation within 12 h – 2 pts
Compact disc harrow U 693
Disc harrow U652
Heavy stubble harrow U 671
Multifunctional tillage cultivator U 436
Use of liquid fertilizers by methods other than broadcasting – 3 pts
U693 disk harrow equipped with applicator
Simplified cultivation systems – 4 pts
Mulch harrow SpringExpert
Combination of a cultivator with a mulch harrow ComboTill
Compact disc harrow U 693
Disc harrow U652
The SpeedCutter disc harrow for ultra-shallow tillage
Heavy stubble harrow U 671
Multifunctional tillage cultivator U 436
Chisel plough U 624
Universal subsoiler U602
Subsoiler with a coupler U 608
Multi-purpose subsoiler U 638
Subsoiler with the coupler with Atlas tine U632
Incorporation of straw into soil – 2 pts
Mulch harrow SpringExpert
Combination of a cultivator with a mulch harrow ComboTill
Compact disc harrow U 693
Disc harrow U652
Heavy stubble harrow U 671
Multifunctional tillage cultivator U 436
Universal crop cultivator U 497
Chisel plough U 624

Summary
Tillage machines adapted to eco-schemes typically exhibit the following characteristics: no-plough cultivators, disc harrows, chisel ploughs, or ultra-shallow tillage machines that minimize soil disturbance, help maintain soil structure, increase soil water capacity, and reduce erosion. These devices efficiently manage crop residues, serving as natural organic material. Eco-scheme machines help reduce agriculture's impact on climate change. They harvest crops in a manner that minimizes losses and ecosystem damage. In summary, tillage machines adapted to eco-schemes are designed to support environmentally friendly agricultural practices while maintaining crop efficiency and productivity. With the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy and a growing focus on sustainable agriculture, there is expected to be increased pressure on the development and adoption of such machines across Europe.