Ecotillage shows promise
30 January, 2003
“Winter wheat and barley yields were as good or better than with ploughing with wheat yields of more than 10t/ha recorded last autumn” said Tony Fortune at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in Carlow (Wednesday, 29 January). These findings were the results of two years trials of the new reduced cultivation “Eco-tillage” system at Teagasc Oak Park.
According to Mr. Fortune “The first environmental findings are also positive with increased earthworm numbers and less aphids recorded. Similarly increased disease pressure fears with the new system have not materialised. Less take-all and lower levels of BYDV were noted”. While its early days in this long-term trial, this low-cost cereal establishment system may have a role to play in the increasingly competitive crop production sector.
Soil Protection
Dr. Dermot Forristal, of Teagasc Oak Park, told the conference that “the use of heavy machinery is damaging the soil. Modern machines have brought huge efficiency benefits, but there are some downsides”.
“Tillage machines can now weigh up to 25 tonnes with single axles carrying up to 18 tonnes. Axle loads in excess of six tonnes pose a particular soil compaction threat. Cultivating tractors, combines and trailers are the main culprits”,said Dr. Forristal.
Dr. Forristal outlined how the use of bigger tyres operating at lower pressures can protect the soil. Despite appearances, the tyres fitted as standard, to many tractors and machines, exert almost twice the ground pressure required to prevent soil compaction. A move to much larger tyres, capable of operating at 0.5 to 1.0 bar pressure, will reduce the load on the soil. Big tyres are expensive, but to avoid the long-term costs of soil compaction, they must be used.
The full conference papers can be found in 2003 National Tillage Conference
