The Benefits of Moving Less Soil

J.J. Metcalfe & Son Ltd provide one of the lowest disturbance drill coulters on the market, moving only 12mm of soil in every row width, but what are the benefits of this?

• Using a narrow tine greatly improves seed placement and seed to soil contact. Moving less soil means there is less soil to replace, which makes filling the slot easier. Minimal disturbance also leaves a level seed bed which further promotes soil contact over the seeds, and in turn helps to prevent slug damage.
• Moving less soil means that very few weed seeds are disturbed, reducing the germination of bothersome varieties such as black grass and brome.
• The angle of the tip is crucial as it gives the least amount of throw and keeps smearing to a minimum, retaining moisture in the process.
• Low disturbance drilling goes hand in hand with conservation agriculture, which helps fix and increase carbon or organic matter in the soil and supports the worm population.
• Aside from the agronomic benefits, there are a wide range of advantages to the farmer. If you move less soil, you use also use less labour, wearing parts and fuel.