Soil cultivation

Soil cultivation in the Netherlands

Soil is the basis for production and houses a wealth of organisms such as worms, bacteria and fungi, which are essential for both its structure and fertility. However, deep plowing can disrupt this delicate soil life, resulting in the loss of an important source of productivity. Non-killing tillage (NKG) attempts to disturb the soil as little as possible. This is especially relevant in Dutch agriculture, where growing fine-seeded crops such as onions and carrots has challenges, such as problems with crop residues in the topsoil.

Tillage in Dutch arable farming focuses on strengthening the soil by increasing biodiversity and organic matter content. When tillage is less intensive or less use is made of (green) fertilization, then it contributes to better water management, making the soil less sensitive to (extreme) weather conditions.

What is soil cultivation?

Tilling the soil to create an optimum environment for seed germination and crop growth. This ranges from plowing and harrowing to more specialized techniques, such as deep-draining and precision tillage. In short, the right tillage techniques can improve soil structure, increase water retention and reduce weed growth. In this, constant developments within tillage techniques play a major role.

Homburg, as a supplier of leading agricultural equipment, understands the importance of effective tillage in maximising yields and maintaining overall soil health.

The soil cultivation range

Homburg offers advanced tillage equipment designed to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. With brands like Väderstad, known for their reliable and high-quality tillage and seeding equipment, Homburg is committed to providing the best equipment for every farming need. These machines are designed to accurately work the soil, resulting in better soil structure and optimal growing conditions for crops. These machines can be found on our “non-tilling tillage” page.

No-tillage

Non-inversion tillage (NKG) is a promising approach for more sustainable agricultural practices. It improves soil health, optimizes water management, encourages biodiversity and increases efficiency, all of which contribute to a sustainable future in agriculture. By implementing and adapting NKG correctly, it can have a significant impact on agricultural practices, especially given the challenges of climate change.

Rotary tillage

Tillage turns over the top layer of the soil, which suppresses weeds, allows organic matter to better decompose and improves water infiltration. This makes nutrients more accessible and creates a better seedbed with less weed pressure, contributing to healthier and more productive soil.

More about rotary tillage

Want to learn more about NT?

Sustainability is a key component in modern agriculture. Tillage techniques that maintain and improve soil health are essential to the long-term productivity of farmland. Homburg understands this and offers machines and solutions that not only increase efficiency, but also contribute to sustainable farming practices.

At Homburg, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of success. That’s why we offer extensive training and support to our customers through the Homburg Academy. These trainings focus on optimizing the use of our tillage machines and sharing the latest insights and (sustainable) techniques in agriculture.

To the Academy