CONSOLIDATION
CONSOLIDATION OF THE WORKED PROFILE
ROLLING EFFECTS
Effective consolidation plays a crucial, but often under-appreciated part in modern arable farming. As part of a reduced tillage regime, it can save valuable time, reduce costs and increase yields. Fundamentally, it plays a key role in combating the problem of compaction, which is a barrier to root growth and water infiltration and a major factor in poor soil structure leading to run-off and erosion.
High quality consolidation.
PRESSING THE SOIL PROFILE Following cultivation, consolidation of the surface through to depth is required. If performed in this sequence, it is most efficient and least damaging to structure. Surface rolling cannot consolidate efficiently to depth, as the weight of a surface acting roller required to consolidate loose soil at depth would usually destroy, or in most cases, damage the surface layers. Pressing first, ahead of rolling the surface, therefore provides the best method.
WEATHERING SURFACE The resulting soil surface, corrugated and firm, can take wet or dry weather, and is suitable for seeding immediately or leaving for later drilling as required due to the weatherproof finish. The added benefit of a press surface rolling effect is seen in the stale seedbed ahead of drilling (picture, right). This assists by increasing the emergence of weeds and volunteers which can be sprayed out before drilling the next crop. Pressing also reduces short term CO 2 emissions, giving an added environmental benefit. A corrugated surface has more area to absorb heat and warm up faster in early spring, which can assist soil temperatures and seed germination.
REDUCING LARGE PORES Ploughed land is especially assisted by pressing to reduce large open pores to a manageable size, increase bulk strength to allow effective seedbed cultivations, reduce significantly short term CO 2 emissions, conserve moisture, and leave the soil in a weatherproof state. By combining pressing and levelling with pre-cultivation, it is possible to reduce the costs of making seedbeds following the plough.
KVERNELAND ACTIROLL
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