Tillage simplifications
Currently, in agriculture, there is a focus on cost reduction. One of the most costly and time-intensive practices is ploughing. Consequently, an increasing number of farmers are abandoning it. Simplified cultivation aims to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture, enhance soil quality, decrease erosion, and save time and energy. This approach demands meticulous planning and adaptation to specific soil and climatic conditions, requiring farmers to pay closer attention and possess greater knowledge about soil health and the agricultural ecosystem. Ploughless cultivation is challenging but worthwhile, as it offers numerous benefits.
Soil load capacity
The effectiveness of no-plough cultivation is particularly evident in spring, when spreading the first dose of nitrogen is necessary for winter rape and winter cereals. Often, fields cultivated without ploughing can be accessed earlier than those subjected to traditional ploughing. This is especially important when preparing fields for sowing, as timing is crucial for successful crops.
The practice of no-plough farming offers numerous benefits, including higher soil quality, improved soil biology, and increased soil bearing capacity. It is a sustainable method that assists farmers in adapting to changing climate conditions and mitigating negative environmental impacts.
Traditional vs. Conservation Cultivation
Whether you practice traditional or simplified soil cultivation, it is essential to use the appropriate machinery and perform tasks timely to achieve high yields and maintain proper soil properties.
Traditional tillage using plows is a long-established method of land preparation for cultivation, practiced for centuries. Its primary objective is to transform the land, eliminate weeds, and integrate plant residues into the soil.
Traditional cultivation
- Intensive and energy-demanding cultivation method
- Total soil inversion using a plough
- Fewer than 20% of crop residues remain on the soil surface
- Pre-sowing cultivation with a cultivator or disc harrow
- Reduced weed pressure
- Potential for reduced use of plant protection products
- Enhanced soil drying and faster temperature increase lead to improved nutrient uptake by plants.
Traditional tillage with the plough, proven over centuries, is increasingly being replaced by minimum or no-plough methods to preserve soil health and enhance environmental sustainability.
Traditional cultivation, advantages:
- Introduction of crop residues
- Pest control
- Problem-free sowing due to absence of crop residue in the sowing layer
- Increased topsoil volume with large pores
- Loosening damage from wheel tracks.
Traditional cultivation, disadvantages:
- Negative impact on soil composition
- Natural settling process post-ploughing typically lasts several weeks
- Decrease in soil organic matter
- Increased risk of erosion
- High process costs.
Reduced (conservative) tillage
Conservation tillage technology entails removing the most energy-intensive tillage method, specifically pre-winter ploughing, from autumn tillage, and either foregoing spring tillage entirely or restricting it to a single shallow operation designed to mix the catch crop mulch with the soil.
No-plough farming is a method of soil cultivation that minimizes soil structure disruption and preserves its surface layers. Using a cultivator or chisel plow in no-plough farming allows for some mechanical operations in a less invasive manner compared to traditional plowing.
No-plough farming
- Extensive soil cultivation method
- Vertical soil cultivation prevents horizontal layer formation (plow sole)
- Enhanced water absorption, root development, and nutrient uptake
- Well-developed roots ensure intensive plant growth by providing nutrients and water, leading to high yields
- Strong root system enhances plant resistance to wind and drought
- Can be combined with traditional pre-sowing cultivation, without mulch sowing
- Lower energy and cost expenditure
No-plough farming, utilizing a deep tillage cultivator or chisel plow, combines the benefits of maintaining soil health and environmental protection with essential mechanical practices to provide optimal conditions for plant growth. It is an effective and sustainable approach to agricultural production under most soil and climate conditions.
No-plough farming advantages:
- Soil is not turned over, making it less susceptible to wind and water erosion
- Crop residue on the ground helps retain moisture, beneficial in dry conditions
- Reduced need for heavy equipment saves on fuel and operating costs
- No-plough farming increases biological activity in the soil, improving soil structure and health in the long run
- Working the soil releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, no-plough farming reduces this release
- Reduced need for tillage means farmers can finish field work faster.
No-plough farming, disadvantages:
- Without traditional tillage, some weeds may become problematic, necessitating the use of herbicides or other control methods
- Crop residue can provide a habitat for certain diseases and pests that affect crops
- Transitioning to no-plough may require different management practices and learning new techniques
- It may be necessary to purchase new equipment or modify existing equipment
- Crop residue may decompose more slowly under certain conditions, impacting fertilization and soil management.
Mulch sowing
- Reduced intensity of field passes
- Over 30% of crop residues remain on the soil surface
- Extended soil rest period
- Cultivator and/or disc harrow mix organic matter to a depth of up to 10 cm, creating an optimal environment for plant growth
- Soil cultivation across the entire working width of the machine
- Cultivation and sowing in a single pass
- Soil protection against erosion
- Improved moisture retention in the soil.
Mulch drilling is a direct drilling method where seeds are sown directly into the crop residue from the previous crop, which remains in the field and acts as mulch. This method has become popular as part of a conservation tillage strategy.
Mulch drilling is an effective conservation tillage technique that offers numerous benefits to soil health and crop productivity. However, as with any technique, it necessitates appropriate management and consideration of its unique challenges.
Mulch sowing advantages:
- Avoiding soil silting and erosion
- Creating a stable soil structure
- "Good technical practice" in erosion-prone locations
- Preventing nitrate leaching in winter with catch crop cultivation
- No yield or quality loss compared to conventional tillage
- Increasing organic matter in the soil; earthworms loosen, aerate, and mix the upper soil layer
- Promoting soil warming in cool locations and during young plant development.
Mulch sowing, disadvantages:
- Uneven distribution of cut straw from the previous crop
- After crop too thick or too weak
- Uneven field surface; catch crop sown in uneven furrows
- Avoiding complete herbicide application in case of intensive weed infestation
- Soil and mulch material too wet for sowing
- High degree of compaction often present on light soils; deeper loosening usually recommended
- Mulch sowing with seedbed preparation generally beneficial in intermediate soils.
Strip-till cultivation
- strip cultivation combines the advantages of conventional cultivation (rapid drying and heating of the soil) with the benefits of simplified cultivation (soil protection against erosion) by cultivation in the place where the plants are located
- Strip loosening of soil before or during sowing on one-third of the machine width, leaving up to 70% of the land surface untouched
- Row application of fertilizers
- Protection of soil against erosion and drought.
Strip-till cultivation is a conservation tillage method that integrates the benefits of no-plough cultivation with those of selective soil loosening. This method involves loosening only narrow strips of soil prior to sowing, while the remainder of the field remains undisturbed, with plant residues from previous crops forming mulch on the surface.
Strip-till is a versatile technique that can be used in various soil conditions and with a variety of crops. However, its effectiveness and benefits may vary depending on specific conditions. Strip-till can be particularly beneficial in heavier soils, as selective loosening at the seeding site helps plant roots penetrate. Strip-till can also be used in sandy soils, although the water retention benefit may be less pronounced compared to heavier soils. Dry years without rainfall may favor the use of strip-till.
Strip-till Advantages:
- Surface mulch material prevents evaporation and erosion
- Soil loosening occurs only in necessary areas
- Soil structure is preserved between rows
- Simultaneous fertilizer application saves time and reduces passes.
Strip-till, disadvantages:
- Strip tillage cultivators and precision seeders must be aligned based on the number of rows
- A GPS control system with requisite accuracy is necessary
- Ground coverage is reduced when slurry is applied simultaneously compared to standard methods
- For smaller farms, machine rental is the only practical option.
Traditional soil cultivation
Traditional tillage using a plough has been a common agricultural practice for many years, but it has its drawbacks, such as soil erosion, nutrient loss, and negative environmental impacts. Consequently, an increasing number of farmers are experimenting with alternative methods of cultivation that are more sustainable and less harmful to the land and environment.
Crop optimizations
Simplified cultivation in agriculture is a method designed to decrease the number of agrotechnical operations conducted in the field. It is implemented to save time and money and to lessen the negative impact of agricultural activities on the soil and the environment. The use of agricultural machines and the sequence of their operations may vary depending on the type of crops and soil conditions. Optimization of land cultivation is an ongoing process that may require adjusting practices and strategies in response to changing conditions and the availability of new technologies and tools. It involves tailoring cultivation practices and techniques to specific soil, climate, and crop conditions to achieve maximum efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental impact. One method of optimization is to combine cultivation tools and utilize the front three-point linkage of the tractor.
Why is it worthwhile to utilize simplified cultivation?
Simplified cultivation is an agricultural technique aimed at reducing the number of tillage operations, including plowing, cultivation, harrowing, etc. This approach is employed for several reasons, the most significant of which are:
- Soil protection and cultivation simplification reduce soil erosion and loss of organic matter, enhancing land fertility and health
- Cost reduction by minimizing cultivation operations, leading to savings on fuel, labor, and machinery costs
- Time-saving through fewer cultivation operations, allowing farmers to allocate time to other activities
- Increased water retention in soil due to continuous vegetation or plant residues on the surface, aiding during drought periods
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing carbon dioxide release from soil and agricultural machinery, supporting environmental protection
- Reduced soil compaction with fewer cultivation operations, lowering the risk posed by heavy agricultural machinery, and benefiting soil structure and plant roots.
Combining cultivation tools
Combining implements such as cultivators, harrows, or seeders allows several operations to be completed in one pass, saving time and fuel. Multifunctional machines adaptable to various tasks (e.g., a cultivator with fertilizing capabilities) also enhance work efficiency. It is common to combine multiple cultivation implements in a single machine mounted on the back of the tractor to increase field work efficiency. Depending on needs and available machinery, different combinations of implements can be utilized.
Utilizing the tractor's front three-point linkage
The front three-point linkage can mount cultivation tools such as cultivators, harrows, or machines such as a snowplough. This enables two operations to be performed simultaneously, e.g., cultivating the soil at the front and sowing at the rear of the tractor. In winter, the front three-point linkage can mount a sweeper or snowplough to remove snow from roads and squares. Its variety of applications significantly increases the functionality and versatility of an agricultural tractor. Using the front three-point linkage allows two tools to be used simultaneously, one at the front and one at the rear, enabling dual operations such as cultivating and harrowing. The front three-point linkage can also be used to ballast the tractor by mounting a suitably heavy tool, improving traction and stability.
The most commonly used combinations simplifying cultivation
Mulch harrow SpringExpert
A mulch harrow is a machine designed to enhance and streamline the land cultivation process. This versatile tool offers numerous benefits for farmers, particularly in terms of simplifying cultivation and lowering soil processing costs. The device's distinctive long fingers shallowly mix crop residue with the soil and evenly distribute it across the field. The added OFAS cutting discs or the ProCut knife roller further enhance the cultivation effect. The structure and arrangement of the rods effectively prevent clogging, while the hydraulic adjustment of the rod angle can be tailored to field conditions. Rods with carbide tips are specifically suited for dry and hard soils.
Combination of a cultivator with a mulch harrow ComboTill
The ComboTill cultivator aids farmers in reducing cultivation costs by efficiently utilizing plant residues, decreasing fuel consumption, protecting soil from erosion, and enhancing soil quality. It combines a mulch harrow and a cultivator, with both sections separately adjustable. The cultivator chisels operate at a specified depth, while the harrow breaks up clods, accurately follows the field contours, and distributes crop residues. The ComboTill, with a working width of 5 meters, requires a pulling force similar to that of a traditional 3-meter cultivator with a roller.
Subsoiler U608 with disc harrow U693
The combination of a subsoiler and a disc harrow serves as an effective cultivation tool, reducing cultivation costs by decreasing fuel consumption and the time required for fieldwork. Utilizing two machines mitigates excessive compaction by minimizing the number of tractor passes over the field. Equipped with Michel-type tines, recommended for compact soils, the device can operate to a depth of 35 cm, effectively loosening soil compacted by machinery. This process destroys the "sole" and prevents water stagnation. The tine design ensures excellent penetration angle and stability during operation. The coupling feature allows for the attachment of a disc harrow, ensuring a level field surface and optimal mixing of crop residues across the machine's entire width post-subsoiling.
The integration of the VibroSTAR pre-sowing unit with the Cambridge roller
A pre-sowing unit connected to a second machine, such as a Cambridge roller, is an effective tool that simplifies cultivation, reducing the costs of land preparation for sowing. Its modular design allows for various configurations of working devices. The basic version includes 5 rows of spring tines with a pre-sowing share, providing cultivation depths of up to 12 cm, loosening the surface, and protecting against moisture loss. The use of goose foot coulter ensures comprehensive weed removal. A hydraulically synchronized support wheel system maintains consistent working depth for the tines across all beams. The unit, equipped with an additional hitch, can be coupled with the Cambridge roller, which crushes clods and levels the field for sowing, particularly recommended for dry conditions as it retains soil moisture effectively.
U436 no-plough cultivator with fertilizer application
The multifunctional cultivator crushes and aerates the soil, mixes crop residues with the topsoil, and, thanks to additional equipment, prepares the field for sowing. The large clearance under the frame and the distance between the working elements allow for fast, aggressive cultivation without the risk of blockages. Hydraulic depth adjustment from the tractor cabin enables shallow and deep cultivation. The cultivator with fertilizer undersowing is a cultivation tool that combines soil cultivation and simultaneous fertilizer spreading, reducing cultivation costs. The installed seeder allows for cultivation combined with fertilizer sowing to a depth of up to 30 cm. This cultivator enables two operations—soil cultivation and fertilizer application—in one pass, reducing the time and number of passes around the field. This integrated approach requires fewer machines and less time to perform the same operations, reducing labor costs.
Slurry tanker with disc harrow U693 and slurry applicator
The slurry applicator is engineered to deliver rapidly oxidizing nitrogen directly to the soil. A hydraulic distributor is connected behind the slurry tanker (to the disc harrow), which feeds slurry via discharge hoses into the grooves made by the front row of discs, while the rear row fills the grooves. The traditional method of spreading slurry is associated with an irreversible loss of up to 50% of the ammonium nitrogen initially available in the liquid. By employing applicators and a disc harrow, these losses can be reduced by up to 90%, thereby saving on mineral fertilizers. Due to their precise spreading during harrowing, fertilizer losses can be minimized, and their efficiency improved. This means that smaller quantities of fertilizer can be used, leading to cost reduction.
U652 disc harrow with after crop seeder
A harrow designed for high-power tractors, providing optimal results at higher speeds. To prevent blockages, the central roller is positioned backward. The front disc beam allows for adjustment relative to the rear working section. The included APV cover crop seeder ensures precise sowing, even in minimal doses and strong wind conditions. The disc harrow prepares the soil by breaking it up and smoothing it out, facilitating efficient distribution of cover crop seeds. Green manures, sown after the main crops, improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. The cover crop seeder ensures even seed distribution, enhancing main crop yields. Cover crops positively impact soil fertility maintenance, potentially reducing the need for large amounts of fertilizers and lowering production costs.
Combination of the U693 disc harrow with a disc seeder
Operating at high speed produces a level field surface with efficient mixing of crop residues and aerated soil. The disc harrow is employed to crumble and smooth the soil, facilitating its preparation for sowing. This preparation is crucial as it enables uniform seed distribution and access to nutrients. A well-selected seeder, combined with a disc harrow equipped with a coupling for the accompanying machine, allows for precise and rapid sowing in a single pass. The seeder is mounted behind the disc harrow, enabling simultaneous cultivation and sowing of seeds in the prepared soil. This integration saves time and fuel that would be required for separate machine passes.
Combination of the U684 cultivator with a disc seeder
This set is recommended for heavily cloddy, hard soil. The front harrow and front string roller shred the straw and intensively mix it with the soil. They also crumble large lumps and level the surface at a given depth. Consequently, the tines loosen the seedbed at the same depth. The rear Crosskill roller compacts and prepares the soil for sowing. The disc seeder, connected by a coupler, precisely distributes the seed, and the harrow evenly covers it with suitably crumbled soil, all during one pass. The simultaneous operation of the cultivation unit and the disc seeder ensures that seeds are evenly spread on a uniformly prepared surface. This can contribute to uniform plant emergence and better yields. The simultaneous operation of two tools in one pass saves fuel compared to separate passes with two machines.
U624 chisel plough with double spiked roller
The chisel plough allows for deep soil loosening and the creation of humus without turning the soil over. Its large mass and optimal weight distribution facilitate work at great depths, even in hard soil. The 560 mm diameter spiked roller, with hydraulic depth adjustment, further breaks up, opens, and mixes the ground and crop residues. The leveled soil is then ready for sowing. Traditional ploughing, however, can lead to the formation of a plough sole. Preparing the soil for sowing often requires several machine passes, increasing fuel consumption and extending working time. Achieving the right soil structure may necessitate a disc harrow and, for heavy soils, an additional pre-sowing unit pass. Using a chisel plough can eliminate at least two additional passes, saving both time and fuel costs, as well as reducing operator fees. This is an effective solution that ensures efficiency in time and cost management.
Machines on the tractor's front three-point linkage
A tractor equipped with a front linkage allows for the attachment of a compact tillage machine, which, in combination with rear-mounted implements, forms a comprehensive tillage and seeding unit. For instance, a cultivator on the front three-point linkage can be connected with various tillage and seeding sets, such as a disc cultivator, stubble cultivator, or disc harrow paired with a multifunctional tillage cultivator at the rear. Numerous configurations are possible, but the objective remains the same: to perform multiple agricultural operations in a single pass. Additionally, tillage machines mounted on the three-point linkage act as front ballast and enhance the tractor's controllability.
Alternative optimization methods
Soil analysis
Soil analysis is an essential tool in agriculture, enabling farmers to manage crops optimally and achieve maximum yields. Soil tests provide precise information on nutrient content such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements. This data allows farmers to tailor fertilization to the actual needs of plants, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs. The results of soil analysis enable farmers to adjust the type and amount of fertilizers used in the field, preventing excessive or insufficient fertilization, which can lead to financial and ecological losses. Additionally, soil analysis monitors pH levels. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can restrict nutrient availability for plants. By monitoring pH, farmers can make adjustments like liming or acidification to meet the specific needs of their crops. Regular soil tests are a fundamental aspect of sustainable agriculture, facilitating more effective and informed crop management. Through soil analysis, farmers can achieve better yields while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
GPS systems and precision agriculture
The utilization of GPS technology for precise machine guidance and the application of plant protection products and fertilizers ensures cost savings and minimizes environmental impact. GPS enables farmers to accurately determine the specific locations and quantities for fertilizer application, curbing excessive use and lowering production costs while reducing groundwater and air pollution. GPS systems facilitate precise guidance of agricultural machinery, such as tractors, seeders, and sprayers, preventing work duplication in the field, conserving fuel, and decreasing energy consumption. Efficient fuel use through precise machine guidance translates to cost savings and diminished greenhouse gas emissions. By managing resources accurately, GPS technologies support sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing the natural environment's impact. The adoption of GPS technology in agriculture offers significant benefits, including cost savings, enhanced production efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. This precise agricultural approach leads to improved crop yields while decreasing resource usage and preserving nature.
Application of agrotechnics
Optimal crop and machinery selection dates, along with appropriate agrotechnical practices like crop rotation, are crucial for optimizing cultivation. Choosing the right dates to start and finish growing crops is critical, affecting growth efficiency, water availability, minimizing disease and pest risks, and obtaining maximum yields. Selecting suitable agricultural machinery, such as tillage machines, seeders, and sprayers, is essential for effective cultivation. Proper matching of machines to specific tasks ensures efficient and precise work. Crop rotation, involving periodic changes in crop types on a given field, helps maintain soil health, reduce pest and disease populations, and balance nutrients. Practices like minimal soil tillage shape land structure, influencing soil health and water retention capacity. Agrotechnics aims for sustainable agricultural practices, considering environmental protection, minimizing climate impact, and maintaining biodiversity. It is integral to modern agriculture, optimizing plant cultivation and achieving better yields while preserving the natural environment. Correct selection of terms, machines, and agrotechnical practices is imperative for sustainable and effective agriculture.
Optimizing the use of tillage machinery is essential for enhancing farm efficiency and profitability while minimizing environmental impact. Plan work to utilize machinery under optimal soil and climate conditions, avoiding tasks during unfavorable periods (e.g., post-rain). When feasible, select multifunctional machinery or combine different operations in a single pass, such as utilizing the tractor's front three-point linkage. Careful analysis, planning, and continuous improvement of tillage machinery management practices are critical for achieving optimal efficiency and sustainable farm development. Regularly assess the condition and performance of your machinery to inform decisions about replacing, purchasing new machinery, or renting equipment during peak periods.
The benefits of combining agricultural machines
Saving time and fuel: Combining machines results in fewer passes in the field, conserving both time and fuel.
Reducing soil compaction: Fewer passes minimize soil compaction, enhancing soil structure and plant root development.
Increasing work efficiency: Simultaneous operations boost work efficiency and optimize the use of time and resources.
Reducing erosion: Quicker cultivation and fewer passes can mitigate soil erosion, particularly on steep slopes.
Operating costs: Decreasing the number of passes and machine operating time reduces operating costs, including oil consumption, parts wear, and repair expenses.
Reducing CO2 emissions: Fuel savings lead to lower carbon dioxide emissions, benefiting the environment.
For the farmer
Saving time and labor: Fewer agricultural operations require less time in the field and reduced labor.
Saving fuel and energy: Fewer machine passes through the field decrease fuel and energy consumption.
Reducing costs: Lower fuel and crop protection product usage and decreased labor lead to reduced production costs.
Improving soil structure: Less intensive field work enhances soil structure, improving its water and nutrient retention capacity.
Reducing the risk of erosion: Simplified tillage methods diminish the risk of soil erosion, particularly on steep and windy terrain.
For the environment
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Lower fuel and energy consumption decreases greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide.
Protection of biodiversity: Reduced agricultural practices and pesticide use help protect biodiversity in fields and surrounding ecosystems.
Conservation of water: Enhancing soil structure increases its capacity to retain water, mitigating drought risk and conserving water resources.
Reduced water pollution: Decreased use of fertilizers and pesticides, along with improved soil water retention, reduces the risk of watercourse pollution.
Improved soil health: Maintaining plant cover and minimizing tillage enhance soil health by preserving organic matter and microbial activity.
Climatic conditions and their impact on cultivation methods
Climatic conditions significantly influence soil management and cultivation. Depending on rainfall and cultivation methods, they can vary to create optimal conditions for plants. Regardless of weather conditions, the use of appropriate cultivation technology is crucial to maintaining soil health and fertility, which leads to agricultural success and sustainable resource management.
Drought years
The priority is to protect the soil from excessive evaporation by covering it with an organic layer, such as straw. Deep tillage can enhance water infiltration and improve water retention in the soil. Opt for conservation tillage, ultra-shallow, no-plough, or strip-till methods that minimize soil disturbance and help conserve moisture.
Years with significant rainfall
The construction of drainage ditches aids in removing excess water and preventing soil erosion. Employing green manures enhances soil structure by boosting its capacity to absorb and retain water. During wet years, minimizing the use of heavy equipment is crucial to avoid soil compaction and water flow obstruction. Utilizing cultivation methods that elevate organic matter levels is vital, as this enhances water retention.
Despite advances in weather forecasting technology, farmers still face the challenge of unpredictable long-term climatic conditions. When planning sowing and selecting specific crops and cultivation technologies, they must make choices without full certainty whether the next year will be dry or rainy. This carries risks and necessitates flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions. Nature will always possess an element of unpredictability that impacts decisions and strategies in agriculture.
Summary of cultivation simplifications
Reduced tillage is an agricultural approach designed to enhance efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources. By minimizing intervention in the natural environment and employing ecological practices, it seeks to deliver long-term agricultural productivity with minimal environmental impact. No-plough, mulch seeding, and strip-till offer numerous economic, ecological, and agrotechnical advantages over traditional cultivation methods. They protect and regenerate the soil, reduce production costs, and optimize natural resources.
