SEEDBED PREPARATION
THE RIGHT SEEDBED
FOR MAXIMUM FIELD EMERGENCE
An optimal seedbed is the basis for high field emergence and thus for high yields. It requires a fine crumbled and uniform reconsolidated seedbed to allow an optimal seed coverage. At the same time best seed-to-soil contact is achieved when the seed is connected with the capillary water from deeper soil layers.
An optimal suger beet seed bed
Ideally seedbed preparation should not be deeper than the sowing depth. Structural weaknesses of the soil must be improved in many places by deeper processing, but in wet conditions and heavier soils this would be fatal. The goal is to avoid as many passes as possible to maintain soil aggregates and to ensure uniform reconsolidation. Active equipment such as Kverneland power harrows and passive machines such as seedbed harrows (TLD and TLG see next page) or disc harrows (Qualidisc Pro and Qualidisc Farmer), which intervene less in the soil structure, can be used here. If there is a risk of field mice, the seed should not be sown too flat and must be re-consolidated directly. The occurrence of slugs can be reduced with good re-compaction to destroy cavities. A higher proportion of fine earth stops slugs finding places to hide.
KVERNELAND UNICORN
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