No-plough agriculture | Carbon farming | Ultra-shallow cultivation

Minimal tillage. The success of no-plough farming largely depends on the appropriate agricultural equipment.

No-plough cultivation is termed simplified or reduced because it minimizes the number of cultivation operations compared to ploughing systems. Effective soil cultivation without a plough decreases CO2 emissions and increases organic carbon content in the soil. This system involves loosening and mixing the soil without turning it over, thereby achieving effective cultivation and reduced CO2 emissions.

What is no-plough farming?

In this method, soil turning as done with traditional ploughs is unnecessary. Consequently, some crop residue remains on the surface, providing the soil with essential organic substances for fertility. Additionally, this cultivation technique works on shallower soil layers, with earthworms naturally cultivating the soil by creating corridors in deeper layers in search of food. The presence of such beneficial organisms enhances the biological properties of the soil, aiding in its aeration, mixing, and water regulation.

Earthworms substitute the function of the plow

Ploughless cultivation, also known as reduced cultivation, involves fewer procedures compared to the traditional method. Unlike ploughing systems, it entails loosening and mixing the soil without turning it over. In no-plough cultivation, earthworms replace the function of the plough. Their activity promotes soil cultivation by loosening it as they search for food, creating tunnels in deep soil layers. Additionally, earthworms enhance soil fertility by aiding in aeration and mixing post-harvest residues.

Which machines are used for no-plough farming?

Ploughless cultivation involves substituting ploughing with cultivators, disc harrows, and subsoilers. It is especially recommended for simplified crop rotations with a predominance of cereals, hilly areas, and regions with low and unevenly distributed precipitation. This method is effective in preventing soil erosion. Utilizing these tools allows for up to 70% of stubble residues to be mixed into post-harvest cultivation, with the remainder forming a protective mulch on the field's surface. This approach benefits the soil and safeguards it. The primary advantages of no-plough cultivation include reduced fuel costs, time, and labor savings, coupled with a diminished risk of erosion and enhanced soil moisture retention.

What specifically is used in no-plough farming and for what purpose?

In no-plough cultivation, traditional ploughs are replaced by the following tools:
- Cultivators-grubbers with rigid tines ending in goose foot
- Undercut the soil over the entire surface, loosen it, and partially mix it; can operate at various depths
- Disc harrows
- More efficient than a plough at the same depth; can level the soil surface
- Deep loosening tools (subsoilers and chisel ploughs)
- Enhance soil structure, improve water management, and increase air access
- Cultivation rollers
- Level the field, break up clods, enhance seed-soil contact, improve moisture retention, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil structure
- Other cultivation machines suitable for intensive, shallow mixing post-harvest, e.g., mulch harrows and other pre-sowing cultivation tools

Why switch to no-plough farming?

- Low financial, labor, and energy input
- Time savings
- Soil protection against erosion
- Minimal interference with soil structure
- Limited water evaporation
- Increased water retention
- Reduced CO2 loss
- Slower nutrient leaching
- Lower machine maintenance costs
- Reduced air pollution (lower exhaust and carbon dioxide emissions)
- Increased organic matter content in soil
- Plant residues provide shelter and food for beneficial organisms
- Reduced field passes
- Better terrain leveling
- Reduced herbicide runoff
- Environmental conservation

Abandonment of the plow obligatory

Traditional ploughing is a classic model of cultivation. It is an energy-intensive and time-consuming activity. It is also associated with higher fuel consumption and does not always positively affect soil properties and the environment. It can cause excessive soil drying and promotes water and wind erosion. Therefore, the traditional ploughing method is being abandoned in favor of newer methods with fewer disadvantages. One alternative is no-plough cultivation, a simplified technology and a form of land management. It is effective on well-maintained soils rich in calcium and organic matter. No-plough cultivation is the basis of conservation cultivation.

Tillage cultivators

For many years, Rolmako has specialized in providing solutions for pre-sowing cultivation. New designs of aggregates are the result of the company's experience and development work. Machines designed for pre-sowing soil cultivation are used to loosen the top layer of soil, break up and crush clods of crusted field surface, and compact the ground for better water absorption. Pre-sowing aggregates are particularly useful when growing plants that require a leveled field.

Disc harrows

All machines with working elements in the form of cultivation discs exhibit low power demand and relatively low wear of working components relative to the cultivation performed. Individual disc harrows vary in the distance between disc sections, the angle of attack of the working elements, their weight, and the type of shock absorption.

Stubble cultivators

Machines utilizing tines for stubble cultivation, mixing natural fertilizers, no-plough operations, and other agrotechnical tasks. The function and versatility of the unit are determined by the type of working tines employed. Cultivation machines designed for universal use are equipped with a beam compatible with various working attachments tailored to different field treatments.

Subsoilers

These machines are designed to loosen soil to enhance its physical and biological properties. Subsoilers disrupt soil layers untouched by plowing, improving water absorption, integrating fertilizers into deeper layers, and aerating them, which promotes root development. The working depth varies by machine model, ranging from 35 cm to 60 cm.

Tillage rollers

Rolmako provides a variety of rollers for multiple applications, including pre-sowing cultivation, green areas, clod crushing, use behind a stubble cultivator, soil compaction post-ploughing, and other agricultural tasks. Suitable for light, sandy soils as well as heavy, wet, and sticky clay soils, these cultivation rollers can be tailored to meet all customer requirements.

DEALER FORM

See more

ON-LINE TRAINING

See more

DEALER ZONE

See more