Ploughing to control weeds on farms
Weed management is a major problem in farming. Agronomic levers such as crop rotation, false seedbeds or delayed seeding help control weeds, but ploughing remains the most effective solution. ...
Ploughing: a soil-improving agronomic lever
Ploughing prepares the soil by improving its structure, controlling weeds at an early stage, and reducing the need for chemical inputs. For many farmers, it’s a core practice that supports sustainable and efficient production.
Ploughing: an essential practice for agronomic soil management in farming
Ploughing involves turning over the top layer of soil, usually to a depth of 15 to 25 cm. This helps to aerate the soil, improve root development, and speed up the breakdown of organic matter. By creating a more uniform seedbed, ploughing improves germination. Ploughing also improves soil structure by limiting compaction and enhancing water infiltration. To avoid creating a plough pan, it’s best to avoid ploughing damp, clay-heavy soils. Alternating ploughing depths and planting deep-rooted crops can help prevent this issue. If a plough pan forms, deep tillage may be needed to break it up.
Controlling weeds and pests through soil management
Ploughing is also helpful in weed and pest control. By burying weed seeds, it prevents their germination and reduces pressure from problem species like vulpine, ryegrass and brome. It reduces the seed bank on the surface, which in turn limits the use of herbicides.
It also disrupts the life cycle of certain pests, such as slugs and insects by disrupting their habitats and burying their eggs, helping reduce pest pressure and crop losses. The same applies to certain fungal diseases, like Fusarium in wheat or ergot in cereals, which spread through contaminated crop residues. By burying these residues, ploughing helps limit mycotoxin contamination in harvests and improves crop sanitary quality.
Burying weed seeds to reduce the use of crop protection products
Ploughing plays a key role in efforts to reduce the use of plant protection products. By limiting weed emergence and disease pressure, it allows farmers to cut back on herbicide use. It’s also useful in cases of herbicide resistance, where active ingredients are no longer effective against certain weeds.
Ploughing to secure crop yields and manage risk
Ploughing can improve crop yields in challenging conditions, like heavy clay or waterlogged soils. In organic systems, where herbicides are banned, ploughing remains a key method for managing weeds and ensuring good crop establishment. By optimising soil-seed contact and improving soil structure, it supports even crop emergence.
Responsible ploughing for sustainable farming
Ploughing continues to be a valuable tool on farms. With a balanced approach, farmers can reap the benefits of ploughing while preserving soil fertility and meeting environmental goals. By managing tillage wisely, farmers can achieve stable yields, improve soil conditions, and move toward more sustainable food production.
Reducing slug attacks with ploughing
Ploughing gets rid of slugs by burying their eggs, disrupting their habitat, and destroying their shelters....
How can ploughing help improve soil structure to increase crop yields?
Depending on climate conditions and soil types, abandoning tillage can lead to physical land degradation....
Ploughing to create a uniform seedbed before sowing
Ploughing is a traditional farming practice used to cultivate the topsoil in preparation for sowing. By turning over the soil between 10 and 35cm deep, ploughing creates a seedbed that promotes proper...