Research project Famers explore the potential of dirct-drill techniques

General introduction

Direct seeding in arable farming, as an alternative to intensive and deep tillage, is the focus of this project. The aim is to bring together in an operational group a number of pioneering and interested farmers with researchers from ILVO and from Praktijkpunt Vlaams-Brabant. On trial fields, demo fields and in their own practice, they will then discover what potential there is in Flanders for the new technique. Arable farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the disadvantages of conventional rotary tillage and seedbed preparation. Direct seeding is often applied abroad from a low-cost strategy. In Flanders, there is not yet much knowledge available in terms of cultivation management and yield, machinery and background knowledge. An additional objective is to reach the contract workers: to what extent do they have the knowledge and willingness to invest to include a direct seeder in their offer, and how do they assess the profitability of such an investment?

Research approach

Three types of practitioners are in the group: pioneers with experience in direct seeding, arable farmers who want to get started with it for the first time, and machine experts who can share their knowledge. We foresee rather theoretical knowledge transfer moments, as well as a demonstrative study trip/training in France and a farm visit in Wallonia. We establish test plots in the research institutes, and also on practical plots at the participants' homes. Direct seeding is being tested in both intermediate crops and for main crops.

Relevance/Valorization

Plowing the soil and preparing a loosened clean seedbed poses risks to the soil: moisture loss in a dry spring and crusting (crusting) when precipitation occurs shortly after seeding; soil life is disturbed; a relatively large amount of organic matter is lost. Direct seeding is a possible, radical answer to these drawbacks. We expect that the critical contacts between participants and researchers will increase knowledge and clarify the pros and cons and feasibility in their own rotations. Beyond the concerns of arable farmers around keeping their agricultural soils healthy and fertile, there is an alternative, soil-sparing solution on the map through this operational group that has already been tested and evaluated on a small scale.

Financing

Dept L&V, afdeling Monitoring en Studie