Conventional cultivation can have devastating effects on soil. With traditional cultivation techniques, soil is often ploughed several times to create a fine seed bed and control weeds.
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This will expose soil particles and erosion from wind and rain, destroy humus and result in severe breakdown of soil structure. Over time repeated passes eventually create compaction of the soil – the opposite of our end goal!
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Without exposing the soil and destroying some if its existing valuable properties, fracturing the subsoil down to at least 30cm, will improve some important features:
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Soil structure
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Reduce aggregate size, ideally creating a “soil crumb”
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Increase the porous nature for water, oxygen, application penetration and retention
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Increase root penetration and distribution which in turn contributes to improved aggregate size
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Soil Biology
The “oil of the engine”, earthworms and micro-organisims can thrive in aerated friable soil, perform their aerobic processes, supply nutrients for efficient plant growth and help to bind soil crumb. They also play an important part in protecting the roots.
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Soil Chemistry
Soil pH and minerals are often monitored - any applications required to address any imbalances can penetrate and be retained minimising wasteful run off. Increased soil temperatures for grass growth In the right conditions, nutrients become available for roots to thrive
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We need to care for our soils with minimal disturbance in order to preserve some of its most valuable qualities.
It is a living asset!
What results can aeration achieve on your farm?
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​Maximised current & future yields
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Reduce costs of e.g fertiliser
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Reduce waste of any applicants applied - Aeration enhances the use of applications on pastures. Many farmers use e.g. biostimulants / manure from poultry houses as fertiliser for their pasture. When combined with aeration, applicant use is more efficient and can become an even more important element of forage production.
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Increased grazing periods - earlier turn out and extended grazing in to the autumn
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Increased stocking rates supported by better grass growth
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Improved livestock performance with less veterinary issues
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Reduce run off, erosion, poaching & water logging When water hits pasture it will either run in or run off and when it runs off it takes part of the soil with it. Aeration allows more of the water to run in.
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Aeration enhances the outcomes of no-till planting. As more farmers adapt the practice of no-till planting, many are discovering that aeration prior to planting yields better results.
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Contributing to your compliance with agricultural standards
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Investing in your journey to regenerate the future health of your soil