Seedbed preparation

Seedbed preparation and making a good seedbed

A successful crop yield or harvest starts with the preparatory tillage. Seedbed preparation is the last step in soil cultivation. Questions like how deep to prepare the seedbed and how to compress are answered on the basis of soil type, organic matter content in the soil, water balance and type of crop.

A good seedbed contributes to successful germination in the first weeks after sowing. Sowing in consolidated or settled and humid soil makes germination far less dependent on rain.

Sowing in humid soil

Successful germination depends on sowing in humid soil, where the seed can thrive in an ideal environment. That is where the germination process begins, even without rain or irrigation for some time. Seed that lies just above the compressed moist soil is less dependent on rain after sowing. However, the seed must be at the right depth at all places. Seed that lies at the same depth at all places will result in an even emergence. Sowing too shallow may cause the seed to dry out or be eaten by mice or birds. When sowing too deep, the seed will take longer to reach the surface and makes it prone to plant diseases.

Which tillage for which soil types?

The soil cultivation method depends on the type of soil on which crops are grown. The main differences between clay and sandy clay on the one hand, and sand and reclaimed peat soils on the other hand, are as follows.

Clay, sandy clay and loamy sand soils

Sow the seed in slightly compressed and moist soil. In most cases, a layer of 2 to 3 cm of crumbled soil on top of slightly consolidated subsoil is ideal for fast and even germination. If after preparatory tillage the soil is level, both seedbed preparation and seeding can often be done in one operation. Avoid any rutting as much as possible by working with wide tyres or twin wheels under low tyre pressure.

Sandy and reclaimed peat soils

Removing soil compaction in sandy and reclaimed peat soils is very important, as it allows water to seep into the soil more quickly in springtime and it prepares the soil better for root development. Reconsolidate the soil sufficiently across the entire working width after deep soil cultivation. The seedbed can then be prepared at the same depth, making it easy to sow at the same depth all around.

Various tillage methods are used to prepare the soil for sowing.

Thanks to many years of experience in soil cultivation and seedbed preparation, Evers machines offer an optimal combination for every type of soil and crop. The product range of rear rollers offers solutions for adequately consolidating the top layer of the soil to keep the moisture content at the right level for guaranteed seed germination.