Controversies about soil cultivation

There are many controversies about soil cultivation. This is logical, because every soil type requires a different approach. However, there are a few ideas that often recur, but are incorrect. This blog lists four of these controversies. They include spading machines, weed control, and working in wet weather.

Good soil structure does not come naturally

Healthy soil is important for a good yield. Plants grow better in soil with a good structure. Such soil has small crumbs that retain air and water. These crumbs are created by fungi, bacteria, and worms. They produce a sticky substance that helps to keep the soil in good condition.

Good soil structure also prevents problems such as compaction and waterlogging. That is why it is important to actively work the soil so that its structure is maintained and the soil remains airy and healthy for plants.

A spading machine is not a rotavator

It is sometimes thought that a spading machine is just a large rotavator. This is not true. A spading machine works with a slowly rotating spading shaft that mixes the soil. This usually happens to a depth of 20 to 30 centimeters. This creates an airy, evenly mixed soil with a good structure.

A rotavator works differently. It rotates quickly and breaks up the top layer. This can actually make the soil more compact. Air and water then have difficulty penetrating the soil, which is bad for plant growth.

Spading is also possible when it is wet

Many people think that spading can only be done in dry weather. However, with the right machine, spading is also possible in wet conditions, for example on clay soil. This is actually an advantage.

If wet soil is not worked in time, the pores close. This means that less oxygen enters the soil. This is bad for soil life, water management, and the plants that need to grow there.

Spading keeps the structure open. The soil remains airy and water can drain away easily. This keeps the soil life and water management intact, even when the weather is bad.

Spading does not prevent weeds, but makes them more manageable

Spading does not reduce the amount of weeds in the soil. However, it does change how the weeds emerge. After spading, they emerge more evenly and flat. This makes it easier to deal with them later, for example with a hoe.

In practice, users find that weeds are easier to control after spading than after plowing. Not because there are fewer weeds, but because they emerge more evenly. That makes all the difference.

Better insight, better choices

Soil cultivation is not a standard job. Every soil requires a different approach. That is why it is important to recognize common misconceptions and know what really works. Spading is an effective way to maintain soil structure, keep the land workable, and better control weeds.

Curious about what spading can do for your soil and your business? Contact us or a dealer in your area. We will be happy to help you find a suitable solution.

Translated from Dutch