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What to do instead of plowing? Why and how is the no-plough cultivation system introduced?
No-plough cultivation is a currently promoted and subsidized cultivation method gaining popularity in agriculture. It avoids the traditional practice of deep plowing before sowing. Instead, plant remains from the previous season remain on the ground, creating a natural cover. No-plough farming is attracting increasing support thanks to promotional campaigns, materials expanding farmers' knowledge, and subsidies from European Union programs. Simultaneously, the range of agricultural machinery supporting the no-plough cultivation system is constantly expanding. Thanks to companies such as Rolmako, farmers can easily navigate modern soil care methods, and innovative and reliable agricultural machinery ensures efficient and effective fieldwork.
The history and development of no-plough cultivation
The origins of this method date back to antiquity, but it was in the 20th century, particularly after the Great Depression in the USA in the 1930s, that the advantages of leaving plant residues in the field began to be recognized. It became evident that traditional plowing, which significantly disrupted the soil structure, could cause erosion and moisture loss, leading farmers to seek more sustainable farming practices.

Benefits of no-plough cultivation
A primary advantage of this method is the protection of soil against erosion. Leaving plant remains on the ground creates a natural barrier that shields it from atmospheric factors such as rain or wind. Additionally, no-plough cultivation enhances soil structure and its water retention capacity, which is crucial in drought-prone regions. Abandoning deep plowing and retaining organic residues in the fields also promotes the formation and multiplication of natural microflora in the soil. Its presence reduces the proliferation of pathogens, resulting in fewer bacterial and fungal diseases affecting crops grown with no-plough farming and with consideration for soil health.

Challenges Associated with No-Plough Farming
Despite numerous benefits, no-plough farming presents certain disadvantages. One significant issue is the management of weeds and pests, which can thrive in plant remains. Additionally, transitioning from traditional plowing to no-plough farming may necessitate investment in new machinery and adaptation to new cultivation techniques. It is advisable to consider renting or purchasing subsoilers, cultivators, and harrows for ultra-shallow cultivation. Such equipment is available at Rolmako.

Advantages of No-Plough Cultivation
An essential element of no-plough cultivation is the activity of earthworms and other organisms inhabiting the arable layer, as they naturally loosen the soil. No-plough cultivation primarily involves replacing the traditional plough with stubble cultivators. These cultivators can mix the soil at a depth of up to 20-35 centimeters.

No-plough cultivation is particularly recommended for crop rotations dominated by cereal plants, in hilly regions, and in areas with low and unevenly distributed rainfall. It is also broadly applicable in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion.

The primary advantages of this system are:
a) reduced work time expenditure
b) decreased fuel consumption and machine maintenance costs
c) preservation of biological and microbiological life, promoting the decomposition of mineral and organic substances.

The primary advantage to note is the increase in porosity and improvement of soil structure. This is particularly crucial during periods of decreasing average rainfall in the growing season, as greater porosity and enhanced structure directly impact water retention and the increase in organic matter content in the soil's top layer.

In a no-plough system, the soil is not turned over, preventing drying or weathering. Enhanced seepage of groundwater into the upper soil layers is then observed. However, crop residues left on the soil surface are partially mixed, with the remaining part forming a protective layer that reduces water evaporation.

Disadvantages of Using No-Plough Cultivation
Simplified cultivation methods are increasingly adopted on farms but must comply with legal conditions regarding integrated plant protection principles. According to many farmers who already use simplified farming methods, the effects become visible only after a few years.
The disadvantages of the no-plough farming system include:
a) Increase in weeds in the field
b) Increase in the number of plant pests
c) Economic impact involving the need to change farm equipment.
However, it is expected that in the future, more farms will transition from traditional cultivation to simplified systems, considering water conservation in the soil and reduced costs related to fewer agrotechnical procedures and time spent.

Techniques and methods of no-plough cultivation
In practice, no-plough farming requires the use of appropriate tools and machinery, such as specialized no-plough cultivators for crop residue management or chisel plows. Proper weed and pest management is also important and may require alternative control methods. Mechanical weeding tools should be utilized. Rolmako offers a number of modern and extremely solid agricultural machines enabling agricultural operations to be carried out no-plough farming and for mechanical weed removal.

To replace plowing and achieve high yields, it is advisable to introduce harrows, cultivators, and subsoilers into the field instead of the traditional plow. Each of these implements is designed differently, but their use ensures that the soil remains fertile, moist, and the yields are maximized. Rolmako offers the best harrows, cultivators, and subsoilers.
Characteristics of no-plough tillage machines from Rolmako
Rolmako offers comprehensive solutions for intensive soil cultivation, ensuring efficiency and versatility in the field. The U671 disc harrow is an excellent tool for stubble cultivation, replacing traditional plowing. The solid frame and appropriate weighting of the discs ensure effective soil cultivation in a single pass. The chisel plow effectively breaks up impermeable soil layers, improving access to air and water, and reducing costs.

For most farms, the U436 multifunctional cultivator for no-plough soil cultivation, with a working depth range of 6-35 cm, is an ideal choice. This three-beam cultivator enables various tillage operations. It is a versatile machine suitable for farmers beginning no-plough field work.

The Rolmako U624 chisel plow is suitable for no-plough cultivation to loosen and mix soil layers without complete turnover. It serves conservation agriculture by maintaining soil structure, reducing erosion, and enhancing water permeability and nutrient retention. The chisel plow can be employed for preparatory work before no-plough sowing or as a component of a sustainable plant cultivation system.

The U638 multi-purpose subsoiler is a proposition for modern agriculture, enabling deep loosening of the soil and improving its structure. This device not only enhances fieldwork but also positively affects the physical properties of the soil, increasing its permeability to water and air and reducing weed growth. It is characterized by high efficiency, solid construction, and ease of use, making it indispensable for every demanding farmer.

These machines from the Rolmako portfolio are employed in no-plough soil cultivation to preserve soil structure, reduce erosion, enhance water retention, and minimize nutrient losses, contributing to sustainable agricultural production. The popularity of no-plough machines is increasing due to their ecological and economic advantages.
