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How to switch to a no-plough system, after which previous crops can one forgo plowing, how to cultivate the soil, how to check if you can sow the next plants in it, remaining issues of no-plough farming
How to start practicing no-plough farming?
Transitioning from a plow-based system to a no-plough system is relatively straightforward. It requires selecting the appropriate moment in the crop rotation. The simplest approach is to cease plowing after deep-rooted plants, such as rape, leguminous plants, large-seeded crops, potatoes, or sugar beet. Specialized machinery is unnecessary for this transition, but no-plough cultivation for these deep-rooted species will require different equipment capable of cultivating at 25-30 cm, such as a cultivator or subsoiler for no-plough farming. In a no-plough system, surface cultivation is the primary technique, which involves maintaining the organic layer on the soil surface. Maintaining plant cover on the field is important in no-plough farming. Plant residues on the soil surface help protect it from erosion and retain moisture. No-plough farming may promote weed growth. Therefore, it is important to apply effective weed control techniques, such as mechanical removal or the use of herbicides if necessary. Monitoring and managing pests also remain important. Transitioning to a no-plough system is best started gradually. In the first year, consider minimizing the use of the plow and limiting tillage to a minimum. In subsequent seasons, the area under no-plough cultivation can be gradually increased. Choosing the right precursor crop is crucial because some plants may be more conducive to transitioning to no-plough farming. Consider precursor crops that leave more plant residues in the field, such as legumes (e.g., lupine, pea), which can help improve soil structure and provide organic material.
Transition to no-plough farming after rapeseed
The primary focus is to perform cultivation immediately after harvesting to promote rapid emergence of self-seeds. For this, the SpringExpert mulch harrow can be utilized to mix the soil a few centimetres or conduct ultra-shallow cultivation. Available equipment includes the TurboCut knife roller, the SpeedCutter disc harrow, or the ComboTill cultivator from Rolmako.
After rape, the most commonly succeeding crop is cereals. The next treatment should be cultivation at approximately 15 cm, targeting the main mass of roots. This method allows for:
- destruction of rape volunteers and weeds that have emerged post-initial treatment
- incorporation of crop residues at the specified cultivation depth
With this setup, a cultivation and sowing unit can be driven in. In this technology of treatments, we also have significantly less soil settlement compared to plowing, which is especially important for emerging rye or barley; the deeper they are sown, the longer and more delicate the mesocotyl they produce can be. In settling soil, this mesocotyl can break, reducing the plant population on the plantation (mesocotyl is the stem between the grain and the tillering node).
After the leguminous crops and potatoes
Following these species, crop residue is minimal. Legumes develop a tap root similar to rape, though more delicate but equally robust in penetrating the soil. Consequently, one cultivation procedure at 15 cm depth can be performed, allowing for the sowing of cereals or catch crops, followed by crops like corn or beets. The approach differs slightly with potatoes; deep cultivation is conducted before planting, and under optimal conditions, the structure can remain viable in the field until autumn, provided that soil moisture at harvest is not excessive, preventing compaction. If soil compaction is high, deeper cultivation at 15-20 cm is necessary. With optimal soil moisture and minimal compaction, a cultivation depth of 10-15 cm suffices for cereals, followed by sowing. This can be achieved using the Rolmako U652 disc harrow or the U436 multifunctional cultivator.
After the sugar beet
In practice, there are two approaches to no-plough cultivation for cereals, depending on the soil and its condition post-harvest. If the soil is not excessively moist, the sowing of cereals can be done without prior soil preparation. It is recommended to use a cultivator and seed drill comprising a disc harrow and a seeder equipped with disc coulters. These components effectively handle shredded leaves and prevent machine clogging. Post-beetroot harvest, soil can also be cultivated to a depth of approximately 15 cm, for which the U436 cultivator or U652 disc harrow is sufficient. The mounted undercutting shares will adequately mix the leaves with the soil. For deeper cultivation, such as in compacted soil, the shares should be dismantled.
After corn for grain
It is more challenging to cease ploughing after grain corn due to the straw. A plough is optimal for managing large amounts of residue, but it is not always necessary. Shredding the straw and stalks in a few post-harvest operations can eliminate the need for a plough. With only a disc harrow, it must be used twice to effectively cut the straw and hard lower sections of the stalks. Additionally, harrowing should be relatively deep, up to 15 cm, to mix the residue well with the soil. Note that the grain to straw mass ratio in grain corn is 1:1.3-1.6, so high-yielding corn can result in hard-to-decompose residue of 20 t/ha or more. The optimal solution is the heavy U671 disc harrow from Rolmako, which achieves excellent results even in a single pass. Comparable results in cutting and mixing crop residues can also be achieved with the U652 disc harrow working with the ProCut or TurboCut knife roller mounted on the tractor's front three-point linkage.
What about other species?
Regarding cereal cultivation, it is important to note that barley significantly depletes soil moisture, especially during drought conditions. Therefore, when cultivating after barley, and prior to crops such as rapeseed, without using a plough, it is advisable to perform two post-harvest treatments: stimulating self-seeding (shallow, preferably with the Rolmako SpringExpert mulch harrow) and subsequently destroying the self-seeding and mixing crop residues (deeper, 10-15 cm with a disc harrow or cultivator). Additionally, a deeper treatment at 20-25 cm should be considered to loosen the soil for better rapeseed taproot penetration. If the soil is not excessively compacted, the 10-15 cm treatment can be omitted, as the deeper treatment will also mix crop residues and destroy self-seeding. Economic considerations and fuel costs must be taken into account.
Summary
Switching to no-plough farming is a significant change in agricultural practices designed to reduce soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and improve overall soil health. Transitioning to no-plough can be a gradual process, with each field and crop requiring a unique approach. It is crucial to adapt practices to specific needs, resources, and soil conditions. Monitoring and documenting results is advisable to track progress toward sustainable farming. Regular soil testing will help assess changes due to no-plough farming, allowing for adjustments in fertilization and other practices.
