Optimum germination conditions

There are three factors that are key deciders on the emergence of our plants: temperature, moisture and oxygen. These parameters are determined primarily by the type of soil, the location and the weather.

In terms of farming, these three parameters are difficult to influence. One of the biggest influencing factors is the pore volume of the soil. A loose, crumbly tilth structure with many medium-sized pores can absorb water better and provide the roots of each plant with sufficient space and oxygen. It can also warm up evenly and quickly, creating optimum germination conditions.

Soil aggregates

Soil aggregates or soil particles are created by the formation of clay and humus complexes and biological activity below ground. Aggregates can be several millimetres in size and form a very stable structure that promotes the exchange of water and gas.

Harmful compaction

If forces act on the ground in excess of the load-bearing capacity of the soil, the aggregates are pushed together to counteract the pressure. This reduces the pore volume. Fine pores of less than 2 µm are particularly problematic here, because they absorb water without making it available to plants.

This is frequently caused by incorrect arable management. A high number of passes with heavy equipment in wet soil conditions have the worst impact. Ultimately, every type of cultivation leaves its mark and in some cases compaction in the form of consolidation is even favourable.

Revitalising the soil

Soil is our most important asset and is one of our finite resources. In Europe, we lose 2.46 ton / ha of soil through erosion every year. Worldwide, it is estimated that 224 billion tons are lost.

Fallow land is particularly at risk. The lack of vegetation makes the soil more susceptible to erosion by wind and rain. Dry fields are unable to absorb the volume of water precipitated during heavy rainfall events due to the hydrophobicity of the dry soil. Permanent vegetation or very short fallow periods make it possible to retain more moisture in the soil. The leaves reduce evaporation and water is fed back into the soil as a result of dew formation.

Another positive effect is the promotion of biological activity in the soil to create stable soil aggregates that can absorb and release water efficiently. Careful arable management can also be a solution to prevent or loosen up compaction. Some crops, such as field beans and sunflower seeds, manage to break up compaction with their strong root growth and thus improve the soil.

In agriculture, we often have to carry out many processing steps within a very short period of time, which can be a real challenge. This is where our extra arable farming products can help: the AMICO F hopper and the flexible TEGOSEM hopper. These help capitalise on the narrow time windows when machines can be deployed while conserving the soil.