Primary tillage lays the foundation in agronomic terms for the subsequent crop, which is why it has a decisive influence on the growth of the plants. To develop properly, these require an optimum supply of water and nutrients.
A loose soil structure with a natural pore distribution and no harmful compaction effects lets the crop develop strong and deep roots. The large amount of space available for roots is essential for taking in nutrients and groundwater during the principal growth stages. The risk of under nourishment or a shortage of water is minimised because the soil has plenty of capacity for storing water and nutrients. It means that the plants can bridge extreme conditions much better.
Crops that have a sufficient supply of water and nutrients are healthier and more resilient to pathogens. As a result, less plant protection measures are needed for a high yield, which forms the basis for a successful harvest.
Tillage is about changing the structure of the soil. Site-specific tillage improving the soil structure to actively influence the function of the soil.
During this process, the plough loosens the soil over the full depth of the tilth and eliminates any compaction in the topsoil. As the soil passes the mouldboard, the furrow ridge breaks along its natural structure. Depending on the type of soil and its condition, the plough is set up to create a tilth that encourages downward root penetration and growth.
In loosened soils, the size distribution and volume of the pores also changes. The higher proportion of large pores leads to faster warming of the soil due to the larger air content, and water can infiltrate faster.
Primary tillage using a plough does more than loosen the soil for the next crop. The plough furrow creates a "clean slate", bringing additional agronomic advantages that directly affect subsequent passes and crop development.
The plough turns the soil over so that there are no harvest and plant residues at seed slot level, because these are reliably incorporated by the plough. Reliable seed emergence following lower demands on the seed drill technology is guaranteed.
In addition, the threat of weeds is reduced because weeds and their seeds are ploughed in and completely covered well below the surface. Especially in organic farming, the plough is still the tillage method of choice for a pre-emptive and active reduction of weeds, where weeds have become resistant and on problem sites.
Surface plant material and crop residues often result in increased phytosanitary risks for the next field crops. The organic material can harbour various diseases that go on to survive until the next round of infection.
The proven mouldboards from PÖTTINGER, together with an extensive range of skimmer tools, ensure that organic matter is incorporated without leaving any residues on the surface. Consequently, this reduces the risk of wheat becoming infected by fungal diseases such as fusarium ear blight (fusarium graminearum) or tan spot (drechslera tritici-repentis), and leads to a healthier and more resilient crop that requires less plant protection measures.
In addition, clean and tidy incorporation of organic residues also facilitates the control of animal pests. It can suppress the spread and reproduction of the European corn borer, for example.