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Agricultural Machinery Used in Simplified Soil Cultivation

Simplified technologies in farming, introduced as an alternative to traditional plowing, aim to mitigate its drawbacks. Replacing the plow with less intensive tillage methods often reduces tillage costs and fuel consumption. Simplified agriculture practices, such as conservation tillage or reduced tillage, focus on minimal soil cultivation. The goal is to reduce ground disturbance, leading to less erosion, improved water infiltration, increased microbial activity, and a healthier soil structure. Thus, simplified tillage systems employ specialized machinery that minimizes soil disturbance. Rolmako has long specialized in simplified cultivation, including no-plough land management and ultra-shallow soil cultivation. The company is committed to land-conserving agriculture. Rolmako explicitly states the direction of its new agricultural equipment designs, opting not to include an arable plow in its portfolio and continuing to develop equipment that enhances soil water and air management.

Tillage machines used to simplify soil cultivation

Low-disturbance cultivators: Unlike traditional plows that disrupt the entire soil, these machines gently disturb the soil, preserving soil microorganism biodiversity and maintaining soil structure. At Rolmako, this feature is exemplified in the U436, U497, and ComboTill cultivator models.






Disc harrows: These machines, equipped with metal discs, cut and mix the soil. While they cause some ground disturbance, they are less invasive than traditional plowing. Rolmako's assortment includes various models, ranging from light to very heavy tillage machines, such as the U622 light disc harrow, the U652 disc harrow, and the U671 heavy disc harrow.






Plant residue management machines: After harvesting, plant residues remain in the field, which can be managed using specialized machines such as straw choppers. These devices help maintain plant cover on the soil surface. Rolmako specializes in this type of land processing, offering several models of disc harrows, including SpeedCutter, ProCut, and TurboCut knife rollers, a mulch harrow, or a combination of a cultivator and a mulch harrow called ComboTill.






Shallow Tillage Machines: In certain simplified systems, shallow tillage can be employed to a depth of a few centimeters to manage weeds or prepare the soil for seeding. For this purpose, specialized tools for ultra-shallow cultivation are utilized, such as the MATRIX rotary harrow, SpeedCutter disc harrow, SpringExpert mulch harrow, and various other machines for this cultivation.






Pre-sowing rollers: utilized for soil preparation by flattening. Rollers are employed to crush and incorporate plant residues into the soil.






Mulch seed drills: These machines enable seed sowing without prior comprehensive soil treatment, leaving approximately 30% of crop residues on the field surface. They feature specialized mechanisms to place seeds at the appropriate soil depth without plowing.






The introduction of simplifications in agriculture necessitates adjustments in soil management practices and investment in suitable tillage machinery by farmers. However, the benefits of this approach, including improved soil health, increased water retention, and reduced erosion, often outweigh the initial costs.

No-plough cultivation

No-plough cultivation is a soil cultivation system that eliminates traditional plowing. It aims to reduce land disturbance, leading to various ecological and economic benefits. Key features and benefits of no-till farming are as follows:





Preserving Soil Structure: No-till farming preserves the natural structure of the soil, which is beneficial for its long-term quality. Avoiding extensive turning of the earth helps maintain soil aggregates, preventing soil erosion.

Erosion Reduction: Eliminating the plow reduces the risk of water and wind erosion because the plant layer remains on the soil surface, protecting it from washing away.

Conservation of Moisture: No-till farming helps retain moisture in the soil because the plant layer acts as a natural cover, limiting water evaporation from the ground surface.

Increased Biological Activity: Land under no-till cultivation tends to show greater activity of microorganisms and soil fauna, which positively affects its health and quality.

Saves Time and Fuel: Plowing the soil takes much more time and uses more fuel than no-till farming, leading to savings in production costs.

Less Environmental Pollution: Reduced fuel consumption, fewer work trips, and less soil erosion contribute to lowering the environmental impact of agriculture.

Reduced Destruction of Soil Structure: Traditional tillage can damage soil structure and reduce its ability to retain water and nutrients. No-till farming minimizes this risk.

Cost Reduction: Although initially investing in appropriate machinery and tools for no-plow cultivation may be expensive, it can lead to long-term savings due to reduced fuel consumption and less need for agrotechnical procedures.

Increased Drought Resistance: By maintaining plant cover on the surface, no-till farming can improve the soil's ability to hold moisture, aiding in coping with periods of drought.

Carbon Sequestration: No-till farming can contribute to the sequestration of carbon in the soil, positively impacting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary of no-till farming

Eliminating plowing reduces labor and fuel consumption, resulting in cost savings. Post-harvest, plant residues remain on the soil surface, forming a natural mulch that protects against erosion, retains moisture, and enriches the soil with organic material. No-till farming enhances soil water retention, which is advantageous during drought conditions. However, it is more management-intensive than traditional farming and requires specialized equipment like no-plow seeders or cultivators. While no-till farming presents challenges and may not be suitable for every situation or soil type, it is often viewed as a more sustainable agricultural practice due to its numerous ecological and economic benefits.

Ultra-shallow tillage

Ultra-shallow tillage involves working the soil to a very shallow depth, usually between 2 to 5 cm. This agricultural practice requires minimal disturbance of the soil surface while achieving specific agricultural goals. Unlike conventional tillage, which often involves deep plowing and turning the earth, ultra-shallow tillage aims to disturb the topsoil as little as possible. The goal is to minimize soil disturbance, preserve plant residues on the surface, and prepare an ideal seedbed for seeds. Shallow cultivation significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil and promotes faster emergence of weeds and other self-seeding plants, which can be managed in subsequent mechanical agricultural operations. This technique is often used in conservation tillage, aimed at protecting and improving land health. Rolmako offers the SpeedCutter disc harrow for ultra-shallow soil cultivation, suitable for conservation agriculture and adaptable for traditional farming technologies. Other Rolmako devices for ultra-shallow operation include the ProCut and TurboCut knife rollers, the SpringExpert mulch harrow, and the MATRIX rotary harrow. The range of pre-sowing rollers also aligns well with this conservation tillage technology. Key features and benefits of ultra-shallow cultivation include:

Minimal Soil Disturbance: This technique involves minimal soil agitation and pulverization, preserving the soil's structure and layered composition.

Use of Specialized Tools: Ultra-shallow soil cultivation employs specialized tools, such as knife rollers for mixing plant residues or harrow cutting discs, which work on the surface without penetrating deeper layers.

Preservation of Soil Microorganisms: Minimal soil disturbance helps maintain populations of microorganisms and soil organisms crucial for soil health and biodiversity.

Erosion Protection: This method minimizes soil erosion by reducing exposure to wind and water compared to traditional farming practices.

Moisture Conservation: Minimal soil disturbance helps retain moisture in the surface layer, increasing water availability for plants.

Healthy Soil: Minimal tillage maintains soil health and structure, preserving its beneficial physical and chemical properties.

Increased Water Efficiency: Retaining water on the soil surface can enhance water availability for plants, particularly in areas with limited water access.

Environmental Protection: Ultra-shallow soil cultivation reduces soil erosion, protecting the environment and groundwater quality.

Fuel and Time Savings: This method requires less energy and time compared to traditional tillage practices, resulting in savings for farmers.

Increased Biodiversity: Maintaining healthy soil promotes biodiversity, creating better conditions for plant growth.

Reduced Maintenance Costs: Minimal soil disturbance reduces costs associated with repairs, replacement of plow components, and maintenance of agricultural machinery.

Summary of Ultra-Shallow Soil Tillage

If the soil is heavily contaminated with weeds or diseases, deeper processing may be necessary to control them. Additionally, some plant species can grow better in soil with a looser structure. Choosing an appropriate alternative to the traditional plow depends on many factors, such as soil type, climatic conditions, equipment availability, and the farmer's production and environmental goals. It is essential to adapt growing practices to the specific needs and conditions of the farm. Ultimately, the decision to use ultra-shallow tillage should be based on an analysis of specific local conditions, type of crop, and agricultural objectives. As with other conservation tillage practices, ultra-shallow tillage may not be suitable for all soil or climate conditions. Nevertheless, under the right conditions, it brings numerous benefits to both the land and the grower. When deciding whether to adopt this practice or use other farming methods, farmers must consider their specific goals, soil conditions, and crop selection. Additionally, it is important to monitor the long-term impact of any farming practices on land health and adapt management strategies accordingly. It is advisable to consult with local agricultural experts and tailor the technique to specific needs and soil conditions.