Each new growing season begins with harvest. During this period, the combine harvester is the first machine to influence the emergence and further development of plants, primarily through straw management. The combine harvester chopper must be in optimal condition, with sharp knives and counter-knives. This ensures the straw is cut into short sections, allowing it to penetrate the stubble seamlessly. Properly chopped straw also mixes better with the soil and mineralizes faster. If incorrectly chopped, straw will lie on the stubble, causing issues.

The second important factor is the even distribution of chaff over the entire width of the combine harvester's cutterbar. This is a significant challenge, especially for wide headers. When straw is unevenly distributed, issues with plant emergence may arise in areas with more chaff. A spreader for chaff from the combine harvester's sieve basket is crucial, particularly in simplified cultivation systems. This ensures that lighter grains from the sieves are also evenly distributed over the entire width.

The Rolmako SpringExpert mulching harrow enhances the distribution of chaff and residue in the field. Each machine must operate at an angle to the combine harvester's passages to optimize residue distribution. The SpringExpert harrow's 16 mm thick spring tines not only spread the chaff but also shallowly loosen the soil. Consequently, weed and forecrop seeds are shallowly covered, promoting germination. The SpringExpert mulching harrow can be equipped with a ProCut front knife roller or soil cutting discs, which are beneficial for working in challenging, dry conditions and on rape stubble.

Methods for cutting/shredding straw after rape and corn
For rape and corn stubble cultivation, TurboCut knife rollers operate effectively and can be mounted on the front or rear three-point linkage. Their task is to cut the stalks and shallowly disturb the soil. The TurboCut Plus roller includes a row of wavy discs, allowing for crumbling and very shallow soil cultivation. The Rolmako SpeedCutter disc harrow and the MATRIX rotary harrow align perfectly with the philosophy and goals of ultra-shallow stubble cultivation.

Selecting the appropriate machine is crucial for soil improvement
Disc harrows and cultivators are primarily used for initial stubble cultivation and the mixing of shredded straw with soil. It is important to note that a disc harrow will not improve residue distribution in the field. When selecting a disc harrow, two parameters are key: disc diameter and the distance between rows of discs. At the same speed, a harrow with smaller discs, such as 510 mm in diameter, will have a higher peripheral speed compared to one with larger discs, such as 620 mm, resulting in better soil crumbling and mixing—especially effective on fields after cereals. Conversely, a machine with larger diameter discs can work deeper, providing superior mixing of significant crop residues, such as corn straw. In conclusion, opting for large diameter discs necessitates a more powerful tractor.

The distance between the rows of discs is crucial when working in fields with substantial plant residues, such as mixing catch crops or cultivating stubble after corn harvested for grain. The greater the distance between the rows of discs, the lower the risk of blocking the plant mass on the working elements.

Utilizing a cultivator for post-harvest cultivation enhances residue distribution in the field. It is crucial that the working elements are distributed across the maximum number of cross beams. For instance, the U497 universal cultivator, equipped with springy SW or ST tines distributed on 4 beams ending with a goosefoot, can be used for this purpose. Traditional stubble cultivators, such as the U453, employ side wings to undercut the entire soil surface. For shallow initial cultivation, adjusting the beam angle to set the side wings at a smaller angle to the ground is advisable. When employing a three-beam cultivator for no-plough cultivation, like the U436, which can replace the plough, installing side wings is essential. Side wings facilitate residue mixing, with a maximum working depth of 15 cm with wings or 35 cm without wings for no-plough cultivation. For smaller farms with tractors of lower lifting capacity, the cultivator is available in a two-beam version. This lighter version of the U436 model maintains durability.

Rolmako machinery for stubble cultivation
Enhancing crop residue distribution: SpringExpert mulching harrow, ComboTill cultivator and mulching harrow combination.

Ultra-shallow stubble cultivation: SpringExpert mulching harrow, SpeedCutter disc harrow, ComboTill combinational cultivator and mulching harrow, TurboCut Plus – knife roller with disc section, ProCut roller.

Traditional stubble cultivation:U453 stubble cultivator, U497 four-beam universal cultivator, U436 no-plough cultivator, U622 light disc harrow, U693 disc harrow, U652 disc harrow, U671 heavy stubble harrow (discs with a diameter of 620 mm x 6 mm).

Shredding residues: TurboCut - double knife roller mounted on the front or rear three-point linkage. TurboCut Plus - combination of a knife roller with a disc section. ProCut - double knife roller for the front or rear three-point linkage of the tractor.

Summary:
In summary of the chapter on straw management, the key is its proper preparation and distribution in the field. Straw should be precisely cut to facilitate its decomposition and integration with the soil. Spreading straw in the field requires even distribution to provide optimal conditions for decomposition and improve soil structure. Attention should be paid to the size and consistency of the cut straw to avoid problems with clogging agricultural machinery and to ensure that residues are effectively incorporated into the soil, supporting its fertility and health.