Saving fuel with non-inversion tillage

Summary

The mouldboard plough is the traditional and proven method of preparing a seedbed for drilling and controlling arable weeds. However there is a downside; trials have shown deterioration in structural stability, losses of soil organic matter, poor moisture retention and infiltration rates (Riley et al 2008). Farmers have long been aware of these adverse impacts of mouldboard ploughing, but concerns over the greenhouse gas emissions associated with tractor usage have prompted a fresh look at cultivations. ORC researchers, Oliver Crowley, Jemima Showering and Thomas F. Döring consider the case for non-inversion tillage.