Root penetration

[Neddy flanders]

The current downturn in prices is somewhat focusing the mind on cultivation costs here. I have no doubt that direct or strip till drills are well capable of getting seed into the right places. However, once there, will a seed/crop perform as well in indisturbed soil as it will in cultivated land. Can roots penetrate unmoved soil as well?

 

[Badshot]

Yes. Cant really back that statement up but yes just the same. I'll see if I can find the video that was a turning point for me.

 

[SilliamWhale]

The current downturn in prices is somewhat focusing the mind on cultivation costs here. I have no doubt that direct or strip till drills are well capable of getting seed into the right places. However, once there, will a seed/crop perform as well in indisturbed soil as it will in cultivated land. Can roots penetrate unmoved soil as well?

Put it another way. How long do you think the affect of "moved" soil lasts? 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years? I'd say 3 weeks max before slumping or going to natural status.

How did those plant roots of a wheat plant manage to grow again after all the winters rain in the spring without cultivation in between?

 

[Neddy flanders]

Cultivating a field that was no tilled last year and it comes up in breeze blocks. Cultivate one that was ploughed last year and it comes up in much smaller lumps. I.e more fissures and cracks and structure to allow roots to penetrate (?)

 

[Badshot]

Cultivating a field that was no tilled last year and it comes up in breeze blocks. Cultivate one that was ploughed last year and it comes up in much smaller lumps. I.e more fissures and cracks and structure to allow roots to penetrate (?)

Ah, now my heavy old shite here that used to be a solid block has got much better since doing much less. I used to dig a bit up and it would be solid, no holes, no OM, nothing, just a solid bit of soil with no air in. Now when I dig a bit up it is full of holes and fissures, and a bit of OM in there too, as a result the soil is a lot more forgiving.

there is an absolute plague of slugs after rape though.

 

[SilliamWhale]

Cultivating a field that was no tilled last year and it comes up in breeze blocks. Cultivate one that was ploughed last year and it comes up in much smaller lumps. I.e more fissures and cracks and structure to allow roots to penetrate (?)

What was the crop before and how did it yield on each?

 

[Badshot]

I can't find it, there is a great video showing the difference of direct drilled root balls against cultivated root balls. Changed my whole outlook.

 

[Neddy flanders]

What was the crop before and how did it yield on each?

Not one particular crop just a general observation. Each time we've cultivated some previously dd'd land it's lumpy as hell.

 

[debe]

We plough up three year grass leys and they break down beautifully, depends entirely what ground you are working.

 

[SilliamWhale]

Not one particular crop just a general observation. Each time we've cultivated some previously dd'd land it's lumpy as hell.

Could be lots of reasons really.

 

[martian]

I can't find it, there is a great video showing the difference of direct drilled root balls against cultivated root balls. Changed my whole outlook.

Ray Archuleta?

 

[Badshot]

Ray Archuleta?

No wasn't that one. It was showing the advantage of using a machine very shallow, ie as a rake, and planting into the undisturbed soil underneath. The results were striking.

 

[Robert]

No wasn't that one. It was showing the advantage of using a machine very shallow, ie as a rake, and planting into the undisturbed soil underneath. The results were striking.

Let us know if you find it please - might help me convince some sceptics! Thanks

 

[willy]

If the previous crop is good the new crop will utilise it's existing root structure. Just plant it with a decent drill.