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Disappearing arable land – will it be possible to feed humanity?
The top layer of soil, or arable soil, is essential for food production. However, 150 years of conventional agriculture have led to significant degradation of agricultural land. It is estimated that nearly half of the most productive soil has been lost. If this rate of consumption continues, humanity will completely deplete arable land resources in the next 150 years, according to David R. Montgomery, a geomorphologist at the University of Washington. Additionally, the French Demographic Institute projects that the global population will reach 10 billion in 30 years, necessitating an increase in food production. Will agriculture be able to meet this challenge?
How to Feed 10 Billion People
The next 30 years is not an extensive period to overlook issues related to the destruction of the arable layer. Annually, approximately 10 million hectares of arable land vanish due to soil erosion. Simultaneously, the potential for regenerating agricultural land remains inadequate. This inadequacy stems from the fact that rebuilding a productive layer takes 10 to 40 times longer than its destruction. In the chapter "How to Feed the World in Times of Climate and Ecological Crisis" from the book "In Five to Twelve," Prof. Paulina Kramarz of the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Jagiellonian University elucidates why industrial agriculture poses such a threat. Large-scale crops without crop rotation, characteristic of this type of cultivation, lead to soil sterilization. Additionally, monocultures are increasingly vulnerable to frequent extreme weather events, resulting in the destruction of substantial amounts of cultivated food.
This poses a significant challenge for feeding the rapidly growing population. According to experts at the World Resources Institute (WRI), food production must increase by 56% by 2050. Among their five proposed methods, one is clear: enhance crop yield by improving agricultural efficiency, including better soil management. However, how can this be achieved given the limitations of exhausted soil?
Considering the alarming data on the extent of agricultural land degradation, this appears to be a challenging task. However, challenging does not equate to impossible. Numerous farmers globally have restored the topsoil on their fields. For instance, brothers Keith and Brian Berns from Nebraska significantly improved their 2,000-hectare farm's soil condition through no-plough farming and the use of cover crops between rotations. The average organic matter content increased from 1.8% to approximately 2.8% between 1999 and 2008, and by 2015, it reached 3.4%.
Why does plowing damage the soil so much?
One effective way to enhance the quality of the arable layer is to abstain from plowing. Consequently, for years, Rolmako's mission has been not only to design modern, efficient units for no-plough cultivation but also to disseminate knowledge on its implementation.
Why does no-plough cultivation have a significant advantage over traditional plowing?
Plowing involves cutting strips of land, turning them over, and crushing them. Although it brings benefits (increases aeration, improves the distribution of nutrients, reduces the activity of pests), it also exposes the soil to erosion and promotes the crusting of the subsoil. Erosion ultimately leads to the loss of arable land due to the deterioration of the subsoil structure and the formation of landslides, ravines, catchments, and gouges. In turn, the crust increases water evaporation, impairs soil ventilation, promotes the development of fungi responsible for seedling blight, and hinders or prevents seed germination.
How to enhance the quality of the arable layer in your field with Rolmako machines?
Rolmako specializes in agricultural systems that assist in restoring the valuable arable layer. Machines for no-plough and ultra-shallow cultivation hold a critical position in the brand's portfolio, serving as tools for regenerative agriculture that build rather than degrade the arable layer. It is important to note, however, that transitioning to no-plough farming requires careful planning.
Before introducing the new system, it is necessary to:
- perform a comprehensive soil analysis to optimize pH and supplement deficiencies
- remove the plow sole (compaction between the plow layer and subsoil) – Rolmako subsoilers are perfect for this, such as the U602 universal subsoiler, U614 and U619 subsoilers, U638 multifunctional subsoiler, or U624 chisel plow
- level the field surface – for this purpose, you can use Rolmako rollers, such as the field leveling and clod-breaking roller or the Cambridge soil finishing roller.
The machines mentioned here will be utilized not only during the transition period (i.e., between the use of plowing and its complete abandonment) but also for many years of plowless cultivation. The Rolmako chisel plow effectively loosens and levels the soil, preparing it for sowing. It has a significant advantage over a traditional plow due to its lower pull and fuel consumption, combined with high efficiency. Additionally, tillage rollers are often included in units for simplified tillage and can be connected, for example, to a disc harrow or a tillage unit.
Another important Rolmako agricultural unit that supports soil reconstruction is the SpringExpert mulching harrow. Mulching is the uniform covering of a field with a layer of organic matter (e.g., straw, harvest residues, or forest litter). Mulch protects the soil against drying out and water erosion, and enables the growth of biodiversity and the development of soil microorganisms. In addition, it limits the growth of weeds (reduces access to light for seeds). The organic matter left on the field surface positively affects soil fertility.
The mulching harrow is ideal for cultivating stubble after cereals and rapeseed. Utilizing the SpringExpert harrow facilitates excellent breakdown of the straw structure, accelerating the decomposition of post-harvest residues. Additionally, this tool effectively combats weeds and pests. It stimulates the growth of volunteer crops and weeds, subsequently destroying them at the cotyledon stage. This process reduces the snail population by removing their food source and destroying their nests.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
Considering the alarming data on the extent of agricultural land degradation, this appears to be a challenging task. However, challenging does not equate to impossible. Numerous farmers globally have restored the topsoil on their fields. For instance, brothers Keith and Brian Berns from Nebraska significantly improved their 2,000-hectare farm's soil condition through no-plough farming and the use of cover crops between rotations. The average organic matter content increased from 1.8% to approximately 2.8% between 1999 and 2008, and by 2015, it reached 3.4%.
Why does plowing damage the soil so much?
One effective way to enhance the quality of the arable layer is to abstain from plowing. Consequently, for years, Rolmako's mission has been not only to design modern, efficient units for no-plough cultivation but also to disseminate knowledge on its implementation.
Why does no-plough cultivation have a significant advantage over traditional plowing?
Plowing involves cutting strips of land, turning them over, and crushing them. Although it brings benefits (increases aeration, improves the distribution of nutrients, reduces the activity of pests), it also exposes the soil to erosion and promotes the crusting of the subsoil. Erosion ultimately leads to the loss of arable land due to the deterioration of the subsoil structure and the formation of landslides, ravines, catchments, and gouges. In turn, the crust increases water evaporation, impairs soil ventilation, promotes the development of fungi responsible for seedling blight, and hinders or prevents seed germination.
How to enhance the quality of the arable layer in your field with Rolmako machines?
Rolmako specializes in agricultural systems that assist in restoring the valuable arable layer. Machines for no-plough and ultra-shallow cultivation hold a critical position in the brand's portfolio, serving as tools for regenerative agriculture that build rather than degrade the arable layer. It is important to note, however, that transitioning to no-plough farming requires careful planning.
Before introducing the new system, it is necessary to:
- perform a comprehensive soil analysis to optimize pH and supplement deficiencies
- remove the plow sole (compaction between the plow layer and subsoil) – Rolmako subsoilers are perfect for this, such as the U602 universal subsoiler, U614 and U619 subsoilers, U638 multifunctional subsoiler, or U624 chisel plow
- level the field surface – for this purpose, you can use Rolmako rollers, such as the field leveling and clod-breaking roller or the Cambridge soil finishing roller.
The machines mentioned here will be utilized not only during the transition period (i.e., between the use of plowing and its complete abandonment) but also for many years of plowless cultivation. The Rolmako chisel plow effectively loosens and levels the soil, preparing it for sowing. It has a significant advantage over a traditional plow due to its lower pull and fuel consumption, combined with high efficiency. Additionally, tillage rollers are often included in units for simplified tillage and can be connected, for example, to a disc harrow or a tillage unit.
Another important Rolmako agricultural unit that supports soil reconstruction is the SpringExpert mulching harrow. Mulching is the uniform covering of a field with a layer of organic matter (e.g., straw, harvest residues, or forest litter). Mulch protects the soil against drying out and water erosion, and enables the growth of biodiversity and the development of soil microorganisms. In addition, it limits the growth of weeds (reduces access to light for seeds). The organic matter left on the field surface positively affects soil fertility.
The mulching harrow is ideal for cultivating stubble after cereals and rapeseed. Utilizing the SpringExpert harrow facilitates excellent breakdown of the straw structure, accelerating the decomposition of post-harvest residues. Additionally, this tool effectively combats weeds and pests. It stimulates the growth of volunteer crops and weeds, subsequently destroying them at the cotyledon stage. This process reduces the snail population by removing their food source and destroying their nests.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
Why does no-plough cultivation have a significant advantage over traditional plowing?
Plowing involves cutting strips of land, turning them over, and crushing them. Although it brings benefits (increases aeration, improves the distribution of nutrients, reduces the activity of pests), it also exposes the soil to erosion and promotes the crusting of the subsoil. Erosion ultimately leads to the loss of arable land due to the deterioration of the subsoil structure and the formation of landslides, ravines, catchments, and gouges. In turn, the crust increases water evaporation, impairs soil ventilation, promotes the development of fungi responsible for seedling blight, and hinders or prevents seed germination.
How to enhance the quality of the arable layer in your field with Rolmako machines?
Rolmako specializes in agricultural systems that assist in restoring the valuable arable layer. Machines for no-plough and ultra-shallow cultivation hold a critical position in the brand's portfolio, serving as tools for regenerative agriculture that build rather than degrade the arable layer. It is important to note, however, that transitioning to no-plough farming requires careful planning.
Before introducing the new system, it is necessary to:
- perform a comprehensive soil analysis to optimize pH and supplement deficiencies
- remove the plow sole (compaction between the plow layer and subsoil) – Rolmako subsoilers are perfect for this, such as the U602 universal subsoiler, U614 and U619 subsoilers, U638 multifunctional subsoiler, or U624 chisel plow
- level the field surface – for this purpose, you can use Rolmako rollers, such as the field leveling and clod-breaking roller or the Cambridge soil finishing roller.
The machines mentioned here will be utilized not only during the transition period (i.e., between the use of plowing and its complete abandonment) but also for many years of plowless cultivation. The Rolmako chisel plow effectively loosens and levels the soil, preparing it for sowing. It has a significant advantage over a traditional plow due to its lower pull and fuel consumption, combined with high efficiency. Additionally, tillage rollers are often included in units for simplified tillage and can be connected, for example, to a disc harrow or a tillage unit.
Another important Rolmako agricultural unit that supports soil reconstruction is the SpringExpert mulching harrow. Mulching is the uniform covering of a field with a layer of organic matter (e.g., straw, harvest residues, or forest litter). Mulch protects the soil against drying out and water erosion, and enables the growth of biodiversity and the development of soil microorganisms. In addition, it limits the growth of weeds (reduces access to light for seeds). The organic matter left on the field surface positively affects soil fertility.
The mulching harrow is ideal for cultivating stubble after cereals and rapeseed. Utilizing the SpringExpert harrow facilitates excellent breakdown of the straw structure, accelerating the decomposition of post-harvest residues. Additionally, this tool effectively combats weeds and pests. It stimulates the growth of volunteer crops and weeds, subsequently destroying them at the cotyledon stage. This process reduces the snail population by removing their food source and destroying their nests.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
Before introducing the new system, it is necessary to:
- perform a comprehensive soil analysis to optimize pH and supplement deficiencies
- remove the plow sole (compaction between the plow layer and subsoil) – Rolmako subsoilers are perfect for this, such as the U602 universal subsoiler, U614 and U619 subsoilers, U638 multifunctional subsoiler, or U624 chisel plow
- level the field surface – for this purpose, you can use Rolmako rollers, such as the field leveling and clod-breaking roller or the Cambridge soil finishing roller.
The machines mentioned here will be utilized not only during the transition period (i.e., between the use of plowing and its complete abandonment) but also for many years of plowless cultivation. The Rolmako chisel plow effectively loosens and levels the soil, preparing it for sowing. It has a significant advantage over a traditional plow due to its lower pull and fuel consumption, combined with high efficiency. Additionally, tillage rollers are often included in units for simplified tillage and can be connected, for example, to a disc harrow or a tillage unit.
Another important Rolmako agricultural unit that supports soil reconstruction is the SpringExpert mulching harrow. Mulching is the uniform covering of a field with a layer of organic matter (e.g., straw, harvest residues, or forest litter). Mulch protects the soil against drying out and water erosion, and enables the growth of biodiversity and the development of soil microorganisms. In addition, it limits the growth of weeds (reduces access to light for seeds). The organic matter left on the field surface positively affects soil fertility.
The mulching harrow is ideal for cultivating stubble after cereals and rapeseed. Utilizing the SpringExpert harrow facilitates excellent breakdown of the straw structure, accelerating the decomposition of post-harvest residues. Additionally, this tool effectively combats weeds and pests. It stimulates the growth of volunteer crops and weeds, subsequently destroying them at the cotyledon stage. This process reduces the snail population by removing their food source and destroying their nests.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
Another important Rolmako agricultural unit that supports soil reconstruction is the SpringExpert mulching harrow. Mulching is the uniform covering of a field with a layer of organic matter (e.g., straw, harvest residues, or forest litter). Mulch protects the soil against drying out and water erosion, and enables the growth of biodiversity and the development of soil microorganisms. In addition, it limits the growth of weeds (reduces access to light for seeds). The organic matter left on the field surface positively affects soil fertility.
The mulching harrow is ideal for cultivating stubble after cereals and rapeseed. Utilizing the SpringExpert harrow facilitates excellent breakdown of the straw structure, accelerating the decomposition of post-harvest residues. Additionally, this tool effectively combats weeds and pests. It stimulates the growth of volunteer crops and weeds, subsequently destroying them at the cotyledon stage. This process reduces the snail population by removing their food source and destroying their nests.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
A no-plough cultivator is essential for soil regeneration
For instance, a no-plough cultivator such as the Rolmako U436 significantly aids in soil regeneration by minimizing mechanical operations. By avoiding traditional turning of the earth, it maintains soil structure without degradation, enhancing water retention and soil permeability. Additionally, it reduces soil erosion, prevents the loss of organic matter, and preserves beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased soil productivity. The effectiveness of no-plough cultivators in improving land quality positions them as crucial tools in promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-schemes.
No-plough and simplified cultivation – agricultural systems in harmony with nature
Prof. Paulina Kramarz states in her book, "Agroecology is an alternative to industrial agriculture. It is a system of land cultivation and animal breeding based on the knowledge of connections between organisms inhabiting ecosystems, including agricultural ones".
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
Ultra-shallow and simplified cultivation, use of mulching harrows, no-plough cultivators, subsoiling (loosening without turning), maintaining plant cover in winter, and many other practices that meet the requirements of Ecoschemes positively impact soil conditions and entire ecosystems under the farmer's care. The field should be viewed as a sensitive organism requiring care and attention.
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