no till | Agroganic

Getting Started with Direct Sowing in Regenerative Agriculture

Written by Kea-Lena Talbot on 26. February 2025. Posted in News. No Comments on 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.

How no till farming improves soil health

Written by Kea-Lena Talbot on 24. May 2024. Posted in News. No Comments on How no till farming improves soil health

Get rid of the plow and save time and money while improving soil health and biodiversity

Intensive plowing has been an integral part of agriculture for decades, but it has also had detrimental effects on soil health and biodiversity. In recent years, no till farming and minimum till farming have emerged as a sustainable alternative. This offers numerous benefits including time and cost savings, improved soil health, and enhanced biodiversity. This blog post delves into the principles of no till farming and its advantages.

The Benefits of Minimum Soil Disturbance

No till farming is an agricultural practice that avoids disturbing the soil through plowing. Instead, seeds are placed directly into undisturbed soil using a direct drilling sowing machine. This method contrasts sharply with conventional tilling, which involves turning over the top layer of soil to prepare it for planting. The key benefits of minimum soil disturbance include:

Soil Structure and Health:

Plowing disrupts soil structure, destroying soil aggregates and pore spaces essential for water infiltration and root growth. No till farming preserves these structures, promoting better water retention and root development. Studies show that soiled that aren’t tilled have significantly higher water infiltration rates and better moisture retention, which are critical during dry periods.

Carbon Sequestration:

Tilling exposes soil organic matter to oxygen, accelerating decomposition and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Minimin soil disturbance practices reduce this carbon release, enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Research indicates that no till farming can increase soil organic carbon by storing CO2 from the atmosphere. This makes it a viable strategy for mitigating climate change.

Soil Microbial Activity:

The undisturbed soil environment in no till systems fosters a rich microbial community. These microorganisms play vital roles in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and organic matter decomposition. Evidence suggests that microbial biomass and diversity are significantly higher in no till soils compared to conventionally tilled soils .

Biodiversity:

No till farming supports greater biodiversity both above and below ground. Residue from previous crops left on the soil surface provides habitat and food for a variety of organisms, including insects, earthworms, and small mammals. Studies have shown that no till fields have higher populations of beneficial insects and earthworms, which contribute to pest control and soil health.

Economic and Operational Benefits

Beyond the ecological advantages, no till farming also offers substantial economic and operational benefits:

Cost Savings:

No till farming reduces the need for labor, fuel, and machinery maintenance associated with plowing. By not plowing, farmers can save on these operational costs.

Time Efficiency:

Plowing and tilling are time-consuming processes. No till farming streamlines planting operations, allowing for quicker field preparation and planting. This time efficiency can be particularly advantageous during narrow planting windows in the growing season.

Improved Crop Yields:

While the transition to no till may involve an initial adjustment period with lower yields, long-term studies have shown that no till systems can achieve comparable or even higher yields than conventional tillage systems. Improved soil moisture retention, enhanced nutrient availability, and better soil structure contribute to these yield benefits.

No till Is Here to Stay

No till farming has been seen as a bit of an experimental endeavor thus far. But with new technologies and improved direct drilling machines, it has become a proper alternative to conventional plowing. By preserving soil structure, enhancing carbon sequestration, supporting microbial activity, and promoting biodiversity, no till farming contributes to improved soil health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the economic and operational benefits, including cost savings, time efficiency, and potential yield improvements, make no till a viable option for farmers seeking sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.

The transition to no till farming requires careful management and patience, but the long-term benefits to both the environment and farm profitability are substantial. Read more about how no till farming is a part of regenerative agriculture here.

Tag: no till