Successful cover crop
incorporation
An example of successful cover crop incorporation
Ploughing in spring
In principle, the catch crop should be left as long as possible so that it develops as much as it can. In spring, crop requirements as regards the seedbed must be the priority. These differ according to the tillage system, the type of crop and the style of management. In general: Tillage operations should be carried out with caution and only when the field can be easily navigated. During spring, it is important to drive in a way that protects the soil and safeguards water (i.e. as shallow as possible). Tillage can only be carried out when the soil conditions are sufficiently dry. Reducing the working speed and adjusting tyre pressures means you are well equipped for the spring drought.
An example of successful cover crop incorporation (see graphic below):
To ensure a good start and to provide a crop with the best possible seedbed, the cover crop must be well shredded. If the catch crops are not too vigorous during winter or if a high proportion of the cover crop is well frozen, the shredding steps may not always necessary. This means an initial shallow cultivator pass can be immediately carried out. To ensure a successful pass, take note of the following points:
- Full-width, clean chop: All plants and weeds still standing should be cut off above the main root zone. A fullwidth cut is possible when using the correct line spacing (approx. 15 cm / 5.90″) and duckfoot sweeps that are not too wide (20/22/24 cm / 7.90/8.70/9.40″). Sweeps must overlap so that vegetation cannot “slip through”.
1. Precise working depth: The device must be precisely set to the required working depth and must also maintain this depth.
2. Flat operation: This mode of action safeguards good capillary water connection for the seed, means that the soil crumbles well and enables optimum penetration even under hard soil conditions.
- Break open clods of soil: cultivator with rapidly rotating trailing working tools, such as flat rod crumblers and serrated crumblers, separate the soil from the roots: Clods of soil are broken at the root and crushed.
- Expose the roots: A trailing weeder tine with heavy tines levels the soil and deposits the roots on the soil surface. The sun and wind will dry the roots there. ZERO pressure: To prevent the cover crop from continuing to grow, it must not be pressed down again after it has been cut. The trailing weeder tines ensure any cut vegetation and roots are deposited on the surface. If the roots are free of soil, they will dry out quickly.
Technical tip: Use duckfoot sweeps made from carbide metal – they stay sharp for longer and maintain the cutting width.
Practical tip: Work at a shallow depth – do not work deeper than the subsequent sowing depth.
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