The benefit of rolling
- Thread starter A1baz
- Start date
- Location
- Wormingford, Essex
Can you take a picture each month so we can see how it progresses?
I am now keeping "book" on how long before the use of a plough (and combi) is pointed at 
Bramble
Member
Had the same this year in 2 fields, rained off while rolling (2 sets of rolls going). Noticeable difference for 3-4 weeks but you can’t see any difference now between the rolled/unrolled bit in either field.
It was all drilled with a Rapid so the wheels will have rolled it a bit anyway
It was all drilled with a Rapid so the wheels will have rolled it a bit anyway
- Location
- Northumberlandia
was that in OSR previously? i get little bother here after any other crop but OSR & any dry clods what a job. all rolled aswellGot rained off when rolling a field of newly drilled winter wheat and it never got finished. Took this 3 weeks later slugs have hammered it where it hadn’t been rolled. Won’t make that mistake again!
ollie989898
Member
Got rained off when rolling a field of newly drilled winter wheat and it never got finished. Took this 3 weeks later slugs have hammered it where it hadn’t been rolled. Won’t make that mistake again!
If you think that looks bad for slugs, consider how effective any residual chemistry will have been and how uneven the weed germination will be in such conditions.
Yes. Surprised rapid didn’t firm it enough.
glasshouse
Member
- Location
- lothians
Seen the opposite plenty timeGot rained off when rolling a field of newly drilled winter wheat and it never got finished. Took this 3 weeks later slugs have hammered it where it hadn’t been rolled. Won’t make that mistake again!
Germination ruined by rolling
I have had more problems in the autumn from rolling than not rolling - the benefits on this fairly light land seem almost cosmetic, the downside if it comes wet are poor emergence (particularly headlands)
If in doubt I now don't roll - it can always be done in the spring if needed
If in doubt I now don't roll - it can always be done in the spring if needed
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Nothing rolled here. Maybe should have done non ploughed wheat after grass as it's clearly a bit fluffy. But the rest was rolled by the mighty deluges we had in the week after.
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Will all get done in spring, weather permitting, when the agronomist isn't looking.
Fish
Member
- Location
- North yorkshire
The only crop I bother to roll is osr, all others, for me, is simply a waste of time and energy and is just recreational.
I will quantify that statement, all soils on this farm contain almost no stones.
I will quantify that statement, all soils on this farm contain almost no stones.
- Location
- Lincolnshire
Looks pretty.
- Location
- Top of the Chilterns
One of the harder decisions I reckon. Strong land with shut loads of stones does definitely benefit. I've probably regretted not rolling more than I have rolling. Depends on the consolidation of the drill though, and something of a catch 22 in wet conditons- use the tine drill because it the one with the packer wont go, but then tine drill needs consolidation, which you cant then do. And then germination is pants and slugs have a party.
Moral of the story- always drill in perfect conditions and always roll.... oh, hang on...
Moral of the story- always drill in perfect conditions and always roll.... oh, hang on...
glasshouse
Member
- Location
- lothians
When i farmed a lot of heavy land, in autumn we rolled if possible, esp after rape, but didnt roll headlands, leaving a teardrop shape every bout.
Spring drilling was left till it emerged unless v v dry
Spring drilling was left till it emerged unless v v dry
Last edited:
ollie989898
Member
I don't think enough rolling is done. Done right (and with a reasonable season in front of it) it works wonders.
I wish more people would roll their stubbles where they are harrowing or otherwise tilling them. Get a far better weed chit and it firms the surface up making it less hospitable for slugs.
Would do it after drilling for most crops where it was possible. Makes it harder for slugs and birds to get at the seed. Makes it better for soil acting chemistry. Evens up emergence.
It can be done in the spring I agree but not always- depends on the spring and your ground.
I wish more people would roll their stubbles where they are harrowing or otherwise tilling them. Get a far better weed chit and it firms the surface up making it less hospitable for slugs.
Would do it after drilling for most crops where it was possible. Makes it harder for slugs and birds to get at the seed. Makes it better for soil acting chemistry. Evens up emergence.
It can be done in the spring I agree but not always- depends on the spring and your ground.
glasshouse
Member
- Location
- lothians
Rolling makes it easier for weeds to grow too
And makes it harder to harrow them out