Destruction of plant cover

To help farmers destroy their plant cover, Actisol has developed and manufactured dedicated machines to preserve their soil capital.

Why install plant cover?

Plant cover is part of the simplified cultivation techniques. Soil devoid of vegetation contains little or no nutrients and its structure is weakened by the absence of a root system Bare soil is prone to problems of erosion, fertility and climatic aggression.

On the other hand, a cover crop is beneficial for the very structure of the soil, which is maintained by the roots. It is also a good remedy against compaction It increases carbon and nitrogen storage, but also maintains biodiversity, while limiting the development of certain diseases and weeds. Soil under plant cover is more fertile.

The flora and fauna it contains contribute to the renewal of organic matter through a natural cycle.

How do you go about it?

Successful sowing of cover crops requires attention to several factors.

Mixing different species of cover crop provides effective cover, as each species will correct the deficiencies of another at root or aerial level. Radish, mustard oats, clover, phacelia and faba bean are just a few examples of commonly used seeds. The choice of seed depends on the crop rotation. Anticipating this choice will ensure that you are ready to plant the cover crop in the best possible conditions at the right time.

To take advantage of residual moisture, seed should be sown in the days following the harvest, taking into account the weather conditions at the time and the species chosen. The sowing depth should be determined by the ideal depth for the smallest seed in the mix.

Re-compaction of the soil is a key factor in ensuring even emergence. Finally, irrigating the cover crop increases the chances of producing more biomass.

Why destroy plant cover?

The purpose of plant cover is to keep the soil healthy between two crops, but not only that. It is destroyed when its role as a biomass producer is at its peak. By destroying a cover crop at the right time, you can return to the soil, and therefore to the following crop, all the nutrients it needs for a good yield.

Destroying your plant cover depending on your crop

In addition to the regulations, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account if you want to destroy a cover crop and reap all the benefits without depressing the next crop:

The species planted
The following crop
Soil type and moisture level

1 - Species planted

Like any other species, planting grasses or legumes will have an impact on the time at which they are destroyed. For example, legumes can be destroyed a few days before the next crop is planted because they are more easily degraded. Grasses should be destroyed at least a month before. It should also be noted that a well-developed cover crop will be easier to destroy.

In all cases, it is essential to destroy the cover crop before it goes to seed so as not to mess up the crop that will be planted afterwards.

2 - The following crop

The impact of destroying a cover crop also includes the type of crop planted afterwards.

For a spring crop, destruction should take place approximately two months before the new crop is planted. This will allow the residue to decompose without causing a depressive effect.

For autumn crops, it is advisable to destroy the cover crop a few days before sowing.

In all cases, it is essential to destroy the cover crop before it goes to seed so as not to mess up the crop that will be planted afterwards.

3 - Soil type and moisture level

Soil type plays a vital role in the decomposition of a cover crop A clay-limestone soil will see plant debris decompose much more slowly at the end of winter, for example.

A predominantly clay soil, known as heavy, will require the cover crop to be destroyed a little earlier in order to facilitate its slower re-drying. Conversely, light soils require less forethought.

Table of calendar recommendations for optimum destruction (no-till) :

	CULTURE TO BE PLANTED

SOIL	WINTER	SPRING	CORN OR SUNFLOWER

Clay	3 weeks before sowing	Mid-November	From mid-November to mid-December

Clay-limestone	A few days before sowing (or just before)	From mid-November to mid-December or later depending on the seed set stage	From mid-November to the end of January

Sandy	A few days before sowing (or just before)	From mid-November to mid-December or later depending on the seed set stage	November to February

Mechanical canopy destruction: Actisol's speciality

Our history is built around mechanical treatments of agricultural soils as environmentally-friendly alternatives. This is why we have naturally designed equipment dedicated to the destruction of plant cover in a mechanical and non-chemical way.

At Actisol, we are convinced that a virtuous and reasoned intervention on agricultural surfaces is the solution for efficient and sustainable agriculture.

Are you a farmer who shares this vision? Do not hesitate to contact one of our dealers throughout France to test one of our equipment. Or contact our team directly.