Getting Started with Direct Sowing in Regenerative Agriculture

Direct sowing is one of the fundamental practices in regenerative agriculture, but many farmers remain hesitant about making the switch. There is a common misconception that direct sowing requires an expensive high-tech seeder, but luckily, we have good news: you can get started with the equipment you already have.

The Seeder You Have is Good Enough!

It’s a myth that direct sowing requires a no-till drill costing millions. You can start with the seeder you already own. While newer seeders with discs and pressure rollers are well-suited for direct seeding into stubble, they are not a requirement for getting started.

Winter crops are often easier to establish through direct sowing, so if you’re sowing directly for the first time, we recommend you try sowing winter crops. Spring crops can be more challenging, especially if the soil hasn’t been properly prepared. However, with good planning and soil management, success is possible.

Soil Preparation Matters More Than the Seeder

Instead of focusing on buying new machinery, consider the timing and conditions of your soil:

• Cover Crops: Make sure that mandatory cover crops are established early.
• Patience: Wait until the soil has dried sufficiently is crucial. Do not drive in the field too early! If you wouldn’t want to lie on the ground, it’s not ready for sowing.
• Seedbed Preparation: Prepare your seedbed by using glyphosate to clean up the field so there are as few hindrances for the new seeds as possible.

Crop Rotation and Residue Management

Choosing the right crop rotation can significantly impact the success of direct sowing. Sowing after crops like rapeseed, peas, fava beans, or spinach makes direct seeding easier. The key is even distribution of crop residue from the previous harvest. Adjusting the combine harvester’s straw chopper is far more critical than using a harrow or which seeding machine you are using.

Many farmers sell straw for export, which can remove valuable organic matter. But in crops like rapeseed, fava beans, and spinach, where biomass is not removed, you can successfully direct sow with minimal soil disturbance.

Take the First Step

The best thing you can do is to take action. Direct sowing in regenerative agriculture is not about having the latest and greatest machinery but rather about understanding your soil and making adjustments to improve its condition. By starting with what you have and experimenting with different approaches, you can gradually transition towards a more sustainable and profitable farming system. And if you want to try out a new machine before investing in one, you can borrow one from a neighbor or rent one from your local machine station.

Start experimenting on your own farm. There is no perfect formula—each field behaves differently. Instead of waiting for the perfect machine, test different methods and learn what works best for your land. Regenerative agriculture is about observation, adaptation, and long-term soil health.

Our advice is: Start small, test different methods, and learn from your experience. And most importantly – don’t give up.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to get started with direct sowing, contact consultant Jeppe Grabow at +45 6174 4507 or our team.