Tillage
Strip-till is a tillage system that involves deep, vertical loosening of narrow strips of soil in which mineral fertilisers and crops are sown. At the same time, the soil remains untouched in the interrows.
Strip-till makes it possible to obtain and maintain soil properties beneficial for agriculture, increase the efficiency and profitability of crop cultivation, while protecting the environment.
Strip-till characteristics:
Czajkowski strip-till unit
provides a number of financial benefits
reduced fertilisation
reduced fuel consumption
shorter time required for cultivation, fertilisation and sowing
Fertilisation and soil
structure in strip-till
Soil structure is determined by the shape, size and persistence of aggregates formed by combinations of soil particles. It is one of the basic properties of the soil – extremely important from both an ecological and practical point of view. In natural soils, the structure depends mainly on vegetation, water conditions, bedrock and climate. The proper growth of most plants is most favourable in persistent, fine-aggregate structures – lumpy or coprolite structures.
They facilitate the rooting of plants and the life of small soil fauna. In addition, they provide the optimal air and water conditions and facilitate the absorption of rainwater, thus partially protecting the soil from erosion. The well-developed structure makes the soil resemble a sponge with a complex arrangement of particles (aggregates) and channels formed by roots and soil organisms.
In agricultural areas, the key factor shaping the type and quality of the structure is anthropogenic activity – including the type of agro-technical treatments used.
The greatest structural transformations occur as a result of arable farming.
As a result of ploughing, the topsoil becomes heavily aerated and dried, which results in worse conditions for the development of soil organisms (e.g. earthworms, microorganisms), increases the rate of decomposition of humus and leads to a lower humus content. Soil exposure is also responsible for intensifying the water and air erosion, further depleting the soil of organic compounds and decreasing biological activity.
The above transformations result in large lump structures (in clay soils) and weak aggregate structures (in sandy soils). Due to the low water resistance of these aggregates, the soil surface easily forms lumps and closes.
Limited tillage – including strip-till – improves the condition of agriculturally used soils. These soils show the regeneration of fine-aggregate structures and the associated increased humus accumulation, a reduction in surface run-off by up to 92% and soil loss by 95% (compared to plough tillage), a several-fold increase in earthworm populations and overall biological activity. The development of favourable soil structure is accompanied by the restoration of its natural functionality and resistance to degradation.
dr hab. Marcin Świtoniak, prof. UMK w Toruniu
Technology in harmony with nature
The undeniable climate change and the associated, increasing frequency of droughts linked to wind erosion are prompting the use of technology intended to retain soil moisture in the best possible manner and as long as possible.
It is therefore worthwhile to protect it against the loss of water and organic matter. It is also worthwhile to care for the increased the activity of biological life like earthworms in the soil, its loosening, improvement of its structure and its compactness reduction. Strip-till facilitates maintaining proper water supply.
Mulch causes water to penetrate into the soil, keeping the soil moist for longer. There is no soil caking or erosion – caused by water or wind. Channels formed by earthworms enable water to penetrate to the roots.
The challenges of modern agriculture are met by Technologia Czajkowski ST, which contributes to optimal plant growth conditions. Loosening, fertilising and sowing are reduced to a single pass. Environmental aspects are changing the approach to agriculture and soil cultivation.
