Online masterclass: How to start with reduced tillage?
Why should you start with reduced tillage? What are the costs and benefits? Both financial and in terms of eco-system services? How to start with reduced tillage? what types of reduced tillage and related machinery exist?
ILVO BLOGS from the Experimental Platform for Agroecology in Hansbeke: Temporary grassland destroyed with minimal tillage
On July 30, 2020, at the Agroecology Trial Platform in Hansbeke (PPAE Hansbeke) four techniques were applied on one plot to destroy temporary grassland with minimal tillage.
ILVO BLOGS from the Experimental Platform for Agroecology in Hansbeke: Sowing wheat with minimal tillage and no plowing
This research project addresses those concerns by evaluating specific soil compaction remediation methods and by educating farmers about ways to prevent soil compaction.Research approachWe perform experiments on various farmers' fields to test soil compaction prevention and remediation techniques (e.g. deep tillage, crop rotation, cover crops).
By combining this sustainable form of agriculture (perennial plant combinations, minimal input and soil tillage, closed nutrient cycles, etc.) with an innovative economic form (short chain, digital market place, direct cooperation), the Operational Group hopes to inspire other farmers.
The Gomeros project focused on cultivation techniques that reduce erosion on-site, such as non-inversion tillage, strip-till and ridges. Upon farmers’ suggestions, also measures that were not on the official list yet, such as broadcast sowing of maize, were investigated.
., by building thresholds between ridges and clearing tire tracksErosion and non-inversion tillage ILVO has been doing research on non-inversion tillage for years, both on practical fields and on long-term trial fields, whether or not in collaboration with practical centers at home and abroad.
The explanation lies in the combination of a constant supply of organic matter in the form of roots, root exudates and grass residues and the absence of intensive tillage, which reduces the rate of decomposition of organic matter.
Less intensive and shallower tillage also saves the soil. How can we measure soil health? Measuring soil quality traditionally involves working with chemical, physical, and biological indicators. These indicators are often correlated with each other.