What is no-till cultivation of maize?
No-till cultivation of maize consists in preparing the sowing site without turning the furrow, which replaces traditional plowing with deep, no-plough loosening. In this technology, crop residues remain on the surface or are mixed with the topsoil, creating a natural mulch cover.
This is the arrangement limits water evaporation and protects the soil against erosion. The aim of this method is also to preserve natural biological corridors created by earthworms and root systems. As a result, the loosened soil absorbs rainfall better and creates a durable lumpy structure.
No-plow cultivation step by step
The implementation of no-plow cultivation for maize requires maintaining the appropriate sequence of agrotechnical procedures. Here are the key stages of field preparation:
- Shredding the remains and leveling the field: Carefully chop the stems and crop residues right after harvesting the forecrop to make it easier to mix them with the soil later.
- Shallow stubble cultivation: Perform shallow discing to a depth of 5-8 cm to encourage weeds and self-seeding plants to germinate quickly.
- Deep soil loosening: Break off the plowing sole without turning the furrow in autumn on compact soils or in spring on light sites.
- Soil biological stimulation: Apply organic and mineral fertilisers or biological preparations with microflora to accelerate humification and decomposition of organic matter.
- Precise maize sowing: Drive into the prepared site with the seeding unit set to the appropriate section pressure and constant sowing depth.
No-plough cultivation – how deep to loosen?
Loosening depth in no-plough maize cultivation is usually between 25 and 35 centimeters, depending on the level of the plowing sole. The treatment aims to break up the compacted soil layer, which allows the maize roots to grow freely into the deeper layers of the soil profile.
Shallow loosening to a depth of 10-15 cm is performed only during the first pass after harvest to mix weed seeds. Remember not to work too deep in conditions of excessive humidity, as this leads to sticking of the working elements and destruction of the soil structure.
Soil application of fertilisers and sowing of seeds
Soil application of fertilisers using no-plow technology involves: deposition of macroelements into the zone of future growth of maize roots. Phosphorus and potassium fertilisers are placed at a depth from 10 to 20 cm underground, which prevents them from getting stuck in the dry top layer.
Sowing seeds is performed with a precision seeder equipped with discs for cutting crop residues and pressing wheels. This arrangement guarantees precise placement of seeds at a constant depth and their precise contact with moist soil.
Choosing the right equipment: generator or strip-till?
Choosing a machine for no-till cultivation depends mainly on the amount of crop residues in the field, soil type and farm equipment. Both the no-plowing unit and the strip-till technology allow for lower fuel consumption compared to traditional plowing.
The table below shows the main differences between both solutions:
|
Feature/Parameter |
No-plow cultivator (chisel cultivator) |
Strip-till (strip tillage) |
|
Soil treatment method |
Loosening and mixing the soil over the entire working width. |
Loosening only narrow strips for future maize rows. |
|
Working with crop residues |
Evenly mixing a large amount of straw into the top layer. |
The residue remains intact in the rows as a protective mulch. |
|
Number of trips |
It requires separate travel with a loosening unit and a seeder. |
It combines deep loosening, fertiliser application and sowing in one pass. |
|
Protection against drought |
Good – reduces evaporation and improves water absorption. |
Very high – minimizes drying of uncultivated space. |
|
Fuel saving |
Large – reduction in fuel costs by approx. 20-30% compared to plowing. |
Maximum – lowest fuel consumption thanks to the integration of treatments. |
Harvest residues – no-plow cultivation after maize
A large amount of maize straw in no-till cultivation promotes the development of diseases and pests. To accelerate its decomposition without using high doses of nitrogen, it is worth using Humus Agro For Harvest Residues.
The preparation provides bacteria that digest lignin and cellulose, transforming straw into humus and reducing the necessary nitrogen fertilisation by up to 50%. Just spray the 20 l/ha dose directly onto the residues before mixing them shallowly with the soil.
What problems does no-till farming solve?
No-plough soil cultivation solves the problem of progressive drying of fields and growing expenses for the operation of agricultural machinery. Here are the most important issues in which giving up the plow helps:
- Protection against the effects of drought: The lack of furrow turning retains moisture from winter rainfall in deeper layers of the earth, protecting maize during rainless periods.
- Fuel and time savings: Fewer passes in the field reduce diesel consumption and reduce wear and tear on machinery.
- Soil structure protection: Reducing heavy plowing protects the soil from excessive compaction and the formation of a plow sole.
- Reconstruction of biology and caries: Leaving organic matter on the surface stimulates the development of beneficial soil microflora and increases the fertility of the site.
Increase yields and cut costs with Agrizaz!
No-plow cultivation combined with Agrizaz technology guarantees stable yields and lower operating costs. Our preparations based on humic acids not only facilitate the transition to regenerative agriculture, but also effectively protect the soil profile against drying out.
Do you want to rebuild the structure of your soil and increase its water retention? Check out our products and prepare your field for the upcoming season: https://www.agrizaz.pl/.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is no-till farming?
No-plow cultivation is a farming system that completely abandons traditional plowing and replaces it with deep loosening with machines without turning the furrow. In this method, crop residues remain on the soil surface or are mixed only with its top layer. This system protects the soil profile against drying out, limits erosion and reduces fuel consumption.
How deep is no-till cultivation performed?
The depth of no-plow cultivation for maize is from 25 to 35 centimeters during deep loosening and from 5 to 15 centimeters with shallow stubble mixing. Full-depth work is intended to break up the plowing sole and allow the roots to grow freely into the soil. The precise positioning of the working elements is adjusted to the depth of the compacted layer and the degree of field humidity.Which is better – plowing or no-till farming?
No-plow cultivation is a more effective solution than plowing because it retains moisture better in the soil, increases the level of humus and reduces fuel costs. Traditional deep plowing dries out the soil, destroys natural biological corridors and requires more work and energy. Choosing the no-plow method works especially well in places exposed to periodic droughts and erosion.
