Soil is the source

Fertile soil is the most important resource for agriculture and is only available for arable farming to a limited extent. That is why it is essential that it is conserved very carefully to ensure the sustainable production of high-quality food and animal feed.

Healthy soil with a natural tilth structure and optimum pore distribution with no harmful compaction allows the crop to develop strong and deep roots.

Tillage is about changing the structure of the soil. Shallow cultivation with the TERRADISC disc harrow conserves much of the soil structure stabilised by plant roots and soil organisms in the deeper soil layers. This does more than improve the resilience of the soil when being driven over. It also causes less disturbance to soil habitat, as there is much less deep movement of the soil.

Conserving soil water

Water is one of the most important site-specific factors in arable farming. Especially during dry periods, the availability of water is essential for germination, plant development and crop yield. Differences are particularly noticeable from one location to another and it is essential that cultivation methods are implemented that conserve water.

With the help of conservation tillage with the TERRADISC and a crumbly soil surface, the capillary rise of water to the soil surface can be interrupted, without excessive loosening of the soil. This keeps the water in the soil and prevents unproductive water evaporation while the soil is ready to be planted. Additional ground cover protects the soil from direct sunlight and creates shade.

Conserving the soil

Even on slopes with a gradual gradient, there is risk of soil erosion in the event of heavy rainfall. Organic material maintained on the soil surface by the conservation tillage with the TERRADISC reduces the energy of water droplets as they impact the surface. The soil is therefore not directly exposed to rain, and the soil particles are protected from extreme weather conditions.

This prevents ponding, and retains the surface structure and natural infiltration capacity of the soil. In addition, the material on the surface significantly slows down rainwater run-off and prevents the water from displacing the soil.

Revitalising the soil

Conservation tillage using the TERRADISC compact disc harrow leaves organic matter on the soil surface or incorporates it only into the top layer, making it available as a source of nourishment for soil life. As a result, organic material is decomposed by living organisms and made available again as a nutrient for the next crop.

At the same time, organic matter is enriched by soil organisms in the form of humus from organic plant residues. This creates a stable soil structure in the course of living soil stabilisation. The best-known helper here is the earthworm, which, together with bacteria, converts large quantities of organic residues, having a phytosanitary and sanitising effect.