- Location
- Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos
I am wondering about this too.Can anyone share any advice on getting slots to close nicely please, this is spring I have rolled at an angle to really close them up which has worked really well. Anything that’s clay drilled over the winter when slightly wet has baked now and opened up like a big crack. Can I see what finish you are getting drilling
Thankyou
Simon Weaving kindly did a demonstration for us last Tuesday on a 30 acres field of failed rape in to spring oats.
I was very impressed especially as this field is 3 soil types , ranging from very heavy to less heavy to medium.
Simon advised me to roll it, which I tried at right angles to the way it was drilled. But this did absolutely nothing, so I gave up. If it starts to open up the slot, I might have another attempt.
I have been in contact with @Warnesworth for a while on the whole subject of DD and he kindly turned up to see how well the drill coped. As did my neighbour who we share farm on a labour and machinery sharing basis (yes we did keep 2 metres apart!)
I am very impressed at how this drill opens up a slot, drops the seed in and the the wheel closes the slot.
This wheel must exert more pressure on the flap of soil closing it up than any roller can do subsequently. However, @Warnesworth rightly says that in these dry and sunny conditions, the slot will probably open up.
As in all farming, timing will of the utmost priority to get this right. So far, those slots haven’t opened up.
Here are some more pictures of the drilling progress
I’ll post more photos as the crop emerges.This wasn’t the ideal place or time to try it. But I am in no doubt that the system has it’s place and that despite arguments as to whether we should be using a tine drill or a disc drill, this angled disc drill is as near perfect for me on this farm as can be.
I particularly like the little things such as the easy way to remove the drop pipes from the discs for cleaning and the fact that I am looking for absolute minimum soil disturbance for Blackgrass control, whilst at the the same time making sure the seed is placed into a soil medium it can grow in.
I have to admit that my original idea at looking at this whole concept was for gaining maximum advantage as to the ELMS scheme. However, I am extremely doubtful that this will now take place without major modification due to what is happening in the world re Coronavirus. IMO, this will affect us for 2 years before any sort of normality returns. It has already been hinted that the planned reduction in BPS payment amounts are now on hold for at least a year.
Nonetheless, ELMS or not, this type of crop establishment technique is going to have a place an many farms.