Machinery breakdowns are unfortunately not always budgeted for. In order to avoid these costly inconveniences, farm owners should commit to proper planning, maintenance checks and equipment monitoring. And depending on repair costs, allocated downtime or any other external factor that could impact the production of goods, equipment failure can have a devastating effect on a business’ success.

There is no guarantee that when a machine breaks down repair costs will be low. Sometimes your repair is limited to replacing one part and other times it may be the whole unit. So, even though machinery breakdown insurance can provide relief in these odd occasions, try to avoid these situations altogether.

Here are tips to preventing the most common problems:

Ensure that you read the operator’s manual

It may sound like a reckless thing to do but many machine operators have not yet read the manual. Before using a unit, ensure that you have a total understanding of the equipment process. The manual will tell you how to set up the machine, what to do in case of failure, and what parts to add, check, change or adjust before starting it up. Should you find yourself in a situation where the machine is giving you problems, be sure to read the troubleshooting section in your manual before contacting a technician.

Regular maintenance checks

Similar to any other heavy-duty equipment, the maintenance of farm machinery is essential to having them perform at optimal performance level. Although this is the most important task, many farmers take shortcuts when it comes to these checks (especially when production is underway and they’re feeling overwhelmed with little staff). When things are running smoothly, it’s easy to brush services off but the minute something fails, farmers can expect to deal with a big delay in production.

Other maintenance checks can be done on-site, for example: checking oil and gearboxes, replacing equipment belts and checking to see if dirt is affecting the machinery performance.

Do not operate your machinery with poor electrical connections

This goes hand-in-hand with servicing your equipment. Take the time to clean your machine, and use compressed air instead of water to keep moisture away from the wires when operating. Often, when you push machines to the limit, you are only doing more damage to the lifespan of your unit. When you put too much strain on all the drives, breakdowns are more likely to show up, and more frequently.

Replace worn parts immediately

This is just another reason why routine maintenance checks are so important. If one machine part cuts out, farmers should take this as an opportunity to check and replace other parts to ensure that nothing else could have caused the initial breakdown. By replacing only the broken part, you are only temporarily fixing the problem. Additionally, these checks can identify small problems before becoming bigger ones.

Have your staff monitor equipment frequently

Along with maintenance checks, train your operators to monitor the equipment. This way all staff are on par with the condition of your unit, to help prevent unwanted breakdowns and subsequent downtime.

Continuous monitoring is when you make use of sensors to establish baselines and detect subtle changes in parts, which can then be used to predict impending failures. In turn, companies can identify the causes of increased stress on equipment, and adjust workloads accordingly.

Another concern is operating equipment in poor weather conditions. Try not to run machinery when it’s raining as it could cause some signals that may be alarming. Signals include those for engine temperature, hydraulic oil, shaft speeds or other parts that might not be turning at the correct speed.

Do not allow untrained staff to operate equipment

Inexperienced operators need to undergo in-depth training on procedures, basic troubleshooting, and best practices for safe equipment use. Whether or not a person will be operating a specific machine or not, if there is an emergency and shortage of staff, people need to be able to assist.

By ensuring that your staff is always up to scratch and knowledgeable on equipment, you’ll benefit from a longer lifespan from your most valuable assets.

One of the most consistent challenges that farmers face is weed management. They provide a competition for space, nutrients, water and light, and really just look horrible in-between beautiful crops.

Understanding the habits of weeds will prevent the costly effects on productivity, and the cost of the equipment and chemicals needed to control them. The more humans disturb reproductive structures, the greater their ability will be to occupy sites through seed dormancy and their fast spreading capabilities.

Here are a few proactive approaches to controlling some weed growing conditions.

Land planning

When preparing your land, it’s important to plan the layout of your crops so that you can move them around to avoid abundant seed production of weeds. Open ground between plants or crops is simply a welcoming area for weeds to invade. When planting your crops, be as diverse as you can, and choose easy-to-maintain native species and not invasive plants where possible.

Mulching material

Mulch is a specific type of material that you lay on top of the soil to reduce weeds, hold more water and improve the overall structure of the soil. When you apply this product, along with straw or compost, around the crops, it suppresses the weeds from growing and spreading. Covering your crops with plastic film mulches are effective too, but they are not sustainable. If this is the route you want to go, invest in biodegradable film and paper mulches as there is no need for further disposal.

Irrigation system

The ideal solution for watering your crops is to either install a drip irrigation or a scheduled irrigation system. If you want to make use of an irrigation system, the biggest advantage is that farmers can carefully monitor the plant and soil moisture, and discourage weeds. This helps to avoid excessive water wastage (caused by runoff and evaporation) as it only targets the plant’s roots.

Should weeds get the better of your land, there is a variety of different solutions to getting rid of them:

Mechanical: For a smaller area, investing in a good hand weeder is a smart idea. Although time-consuming for both bigger and smaller land, having a sufficient cutter will make life a lot easier for you and your staff. Different farm machinery reviews on cutters will help you choose something that is well-suited for your production and the elimination of such infestations. Make sure that when you do weed, follow the correct weeding procedures, according to type, to prevent anything from returning.

Biological weed control: This technique is done by making use of other living organisms, such as insects, diseases or livestock, for the management of certain weeds. Although this technique is effective, the only concern with biological weed control is that it is a long-term undertaking. Effects are neither immediate nor always adequate but certainly worth a try. If you are looking for a more natural alternative to weed control, then try using herbivores like sheep and goats, as well as geese to control grassy weeds.

Herbicides or other sprays: Organic or not, chemical substances should be at the bottom of your list of ways to get rid of weeds. These crop-protecting chemicals are helpful in getting rid weeds but are unsafe to humans or any animals that are exposed to them. Always wear the proper safety equipment when working with herbicides or other pesticides, and if you do spray your crops or land with fertilisers, herbicides or insecticides, be careful with plants, livestock and other animals as it could affect their health.

Jou veevoermetode sal jou plaas se winsgewendheid op die langtermyn beïnvloed, dus moet jy vroegtydig op die effektiefste opsie besluit. Twee van die hoofvoedingstelsels is ʼn Totale Gemengde Rantsoen (TGR) en weiding, maar daar is baie verskille tussen hulle. Hier volg ʼn oorsig van dié twee metodes en ʼn paar punte om oor na te dink.

Wat is ʼn Totale Gemengde Rantsoen (TGR)?

Die veevoermetode, Totale Gemengde Rantsoen, kombineer voer, graankorrels, proteïenvoere, minerale, vitamiene en voedingsbymiddels tot ʼn spesifieke voedingskonsentrasie, alles in ʼn enkele voedingsmengsel.

Voordele van ʼn TGR-voedselstelsel

• TGR bewerkstellig verbeterde voedingsdoeltreffendheid aangesien elke happie ʼn gebalanseerde verskeidenheid bestanddele bevat.
• Hierdie balans lei tot ʼn stabiele omgewing vir rumenmikrobes, en bied die regte hoeveelheid koolhidrate en stikstof vir vertering.
• Die verskillende voere veroorsaak verskillende afbreekpunte om nutriëntverbruik te verbeter.
• Voer word met konsentraat gevoer, eerder as afsonderlik, en verminder só die kanse op rumenverteringprobleme.
• Die groter verskeidenheid byprodukvoere maak kostebesparings vir rantsoen moontlik.
• Spysverterings- en metaboliese probleme neem af.
• Melkproduksie neem met 5% toe in vergelyking met normale rantsoene.
• Meer akkurate formulering en voeding (indien dit goed bestuur word).
• TGR is goed aangepas vir meganisasie met ʼn menger of stilstaande menger met vervoerbande of beweegbare voeders.
• Bedryfsbestanddele – wat dikwels goedkoper in grootmaat bestel kan word – kan in ʼn TGR-dieet gevoer word.
• Die smaak van minder smaaklike voere word weggesteek.

 Nadele van ʼn TGR-voedselstelsel

• Die nodige TGR-mengtoestelle vir die rantsoen sluit ook toerustings- en instandhoudingskostes in.

• Oorvermenging kan voermaal- en vergruisingsprobleme veroorsaak

• Ondervermenging kan lei tot ʼn minder effektiewe voer vir beeste.

• Dis noodsaaklike om akkuraat te weeg – m.b.v. spesifiek gekalibreerde skale.

• Enige dieetwanbalans kan lei tot swakker werksverrigting van die beeste.

• Sommige behuisings- en voedingsgeriewe is nie goed geskik vir die TGR-stelsel nie.

• Vir kleiner kuddes is dit dalk nie ekonomies om TGR-voeding te gebruik nie. 

Wat is weidingvoer?

Weidingsgevoerde vee kry ʼn groot deel van hul voedingsinname deur organies-bestuurde weiding en pakhuisgedroogde veevoere. Hulle kan ook gedurende die weidingseisoen in die wintermaande aanvullende organiese grane ontvang, wat o.m mielies, soja, hawer, gars en korog insluit. Die beeste ontvang ook soms minerale aanvullings.

Voordele van weiding

• Weidingsdiere voorsien mense van meer gesondheidsverbeterende, siektebestrydende stowwe as industriële, gekonsentreerde dierevoedingsbedrywighede.

• Gras is die goedkoopste beskikbare voer, en stelsels wat weiding insluit is dus nie so duur nie.

• Die laer koste veroorsaak gewoonlik ʼn hoër winsgewendheid in vergelyking met ʼn soortgelyke kuddegrootte in beperkte stelsels.

• Die beeste is gesonder met minder gevalle van gebreklikheid of mastitis.

• Werksverrigting en vrugbaarheid word verhoog.

• Die melksamestelling word verbeter.• Daar is minder omgewingseffekte.

Nadele van weiding

Die nadele van weiding het meestal met die instelling te doen:

• Erosie-moontlikhede.
• Hoër kostes.
• Omvattende arbeid.

ʼn Mens moet verskillende elemente soos kuddegrootte, ligging, weer en kostes bepaal voordat jy oor die beste voedingsmetode besluit. Eerder as om net een metode te kies, kan jy ook ʼn “gedeeltelike” TGR implementeer, wat meer voordelig vir die kudde kan wees.

Kontak Radium Engineering vir meer inligting oor voedings, weidings- en grondbewerkingstoerusting. Met jare se kundigheid, ’n passie vir die landboubedryf en ’n toewyding daaraan om vooraanstaande implemente te vervaardig, is Radium Engineering jou toevlug vir al jou boerdery- en landboutoerustingsbehoeftes.

BRONNE:

https://extension.psu.edu/total-mixed-rations-for-dairy-cows

http://brandyaddison.blogspot.com/

http://organicvalley.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/575/kw/what%20does%20pasture%20raised%20mean

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-nutritional-superiori_n_517707

https://www.agrisearch.org/news/243-total-confinement-vs-pasture-systems-what-does-the-science-say

Total Mixed Ration or Pasture feeding? Deciding on the best method of cattle feeding will have long-term effects on your farm’s profitability. It’s important to go with the most effective option for your farm early. Two of the most prominent feeding systems are the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and pasture, which have many differences. Here’s a brief outline of the two methods and some factors to consider.

What is a Total Mixed Ration (TMR)?

A Total Mixed Ration is a cattle feeding method that combines forages, grains, protein feeds, minerals, vitamins and feed additives. These ingredients are formulated to a specific nutrient concentration, all in a single feed mix.

Advantages of a TMR Feeding System

• • TMR allows for improved feeding efficiency because each mouthful contains balanced ingredients.

• • The balance results in a stable environment for rumen microbes, offering the right amount of carbohydrates and nitrogen needed for digestion.

• • There are different rates of breakdown because of the various feeds, allowing for better nutrient use.

• • Forage is fed with concentrate rather than separately, this to reduce the chance of rumen digestive problems.

• • There’s a greater variety of by-product feeds, which allows for ration cost savings.

• • A decrease in digestive and metabolic problems.

• • An increase of up to 5% in milk production compared to conventional rations.

• • Provides greater accuracy in the formulation and feeding when well managed.

• • TMR is well adapted to mechanisation with a mixer wagon or stationary mixer with conveyors or mobile feeders.

• • Commodity ingredients, which are often less expensive in bulk order can be fed in a TMR diet.

• Flavours of less palatable feeds are masked.

Disadvantages of a TMR Feeding System

• • The TMR mixing devices needed for the ration will include costs related to equipment and maintenance.

• • Over mixing could cause grinding and pulverizing the feed.

• • Under mixing can result in a less effective feed for cattle.

• • Accurate weighing – using particular calibrated scale is essential.

• • An imbalance in the diet may result in reduced performance by the cattle.

• • Some housing and feeding facilities are not well suited to the TMR system.

• It might not be economical for smaller herds to use TMR feeding.

What is pasture fed?

Pasture-raised cattle receive a large portion of their nutritional intake from organically-managed pasture and stored-dried forages. They may also receive supplemental organic grains, both during the grazing season into winter months, which can include corn, soy, oats, barley, and triticale, among others. The cattle might also receive mineral supplements.

Advantages of pasture  

• Pastured animals provide humans with more health-enhancing, disease-fighting materials than industrial-grade concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
• Grass is the cheapest feed available so systems incorporating pasture are less costly.
• Because of the lower cost, there is typically a higher profitability when compared with a similar herd size in confined systems.
• There is increased health for the cattle – fewer instances of lameness or mastitis.
• There is increased performance and fertility.
• There is improved milk composition.
• There are fewer environmental impacts.

Disadvantages of pasture

The downside of pasture is mostly related to the establishment:

• • There is a possibility of erosion.

• • There are high costs involved.

• It uses extensive labour.

It’s important to assess various elements such as herd size, location, weather and costs before deciding on the best feeding method. There is also the possibility of implementing a ‘partial’ TMR, which could prove more beneficial for the herd, rather than opting for just one method.

For more information on feeding, pasture and tillage equipment, contact Radium Engineering. With years of expertise, a passion for the agricultural industry and a commitment to manufacturing superior equipment, Radium Engineering is the answer to all your farming and agricultural and tillage equipment needs.

SOURCES:

https://extension.psu.edu//total-mixed-rations-for-dairy-cows

http://brandyaddison.blogspot.com

http://organicvalley.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/575/kw/what%20does%20pasture%20raised%20mean

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-nutritional-superiori_n_517707

https://www.agrisearch.org/news/243-total-confinement-vs-pasture-systems-what-does-the-science-say

10 Goeie Praktyke vir Grondvrugbaarheid

Goeie grondvrugbaarheid is jou sleutel tot beter plantegroei en dus beter oesopbrengste. Jou grond se vrugbaarheidsvlakke kan maklik agteruitgaan as jy nie vinnig die regte praktyke en ingrypingsmaatreëls aanwend nie. Maak híérdie praktyke deel van jou boerdery en voorkom swak grondvrugbaarheid en groot produksieverliese.

1. Grondtoetsing

Jy kan nie goeie grondvrugbaarheidspraktyke aanneem sonder om eers die kwaliteit van jou grond te bepaal nie. Dit is dus belangrik om eers die stikstof-, kalium- en fosforvlakke, sowel as die pH-vlak te toets om te bepaal wat jy op jou hande het. As jy jou grond se voedingsvlakke verstaan, kan jy die regte stappe neem en verbeterde opbrengste verseker. Gereelde grondtoetse is egter noodsaaklik om enige fundamentele grondveranderings, wat die gewasse kan beïnvloed, op te tel.

2. Groei peulgewasse

Graanpeulgewasse is ʼn bekende grondvrugbaarheidsbevorderaar, deur ʼn proses wat bekend staan as biologiese stikstofvaslegging. Of dit nou gegroei word as peulvrugte vir graan, mis, weidings- of boomkomponente, hierdie plante vorm die grondslag vir alle volhoubare boerderystelsels deur stikstofuitloging te voorkom.

3. Bedek gewasse

Deur oesgewasse met organiese materiaal te bedek, verbeter jy die grondstruktuur en bevorder sodoende gesonde en vrugbare grond. Basies belug die dekkingsgewas die grond terwyl die wortels groei en sterf, en hou vas aan water en voedingstowwe om te voorkom dat hulle uit die bogrond uitlek. Daarbenewens verskaf hulle voedsel en ʼn habitat vir belangrike grondmikro-organismes wat grondvrugbaarheid verder bevorder.

4. Organiese bemestingstowwe

Organiese bemestingstowwe word uit plant- en diere-oorskot gevorm, wat die belangrike komponente stikstof, fenole en lignien bevat. Dit is die beste kunsmisopsie as jou grondvrugbaarheid veel te wense oorlaat. Kunsmistoevoeging verhoog die grondvoedingstowwe en verseker ʼn gesonde opbrengs van voedsame gewasse. Misstowwe is egter ʼn tydelike metode en kan die omgewing skade aandoen as dit nie behoorlik gebruik word nie. Wend eerder ander grondvrugbaarheidsbevorderende tegnieke aan en vermy toekomstige gebruik.

5. Erdwurms

Elke boer weet dat die teenwoordigheid van erdwurms gesonde grond aandui. Hierdie makro-organismes speel ʼn sleutelrol in om grondvoedingstowwe te herwin en hul beskikbaarheid aan plante te verhoog. Daarbenewens voed hulle op dooie en verrottende materiaal, en verteer en skei dit uit as voedingsryke mis. Wurmkompostering (die groei van erdwurms in organiese afval), word al hoe meer algemeen aangesien hulle die komposproses versnel.

6. Dien kalk toe

As jou grond te suur is, is dit dalk tyd om kalk toe te dien om die grond te neutraliseer en só die optimale pH-omvang van 5.5 tot 6.5 te bereik. Enigiets buite hierdie veld kan plante ernstig beskadig a.g.v. nutriënttekorte en giftigheid.

7. Kompos

Kompos verbeter jou grond se vrugbaarheid aansienlik, en jy kan organiese kompos van ʼn winkel byvoeg, of jou eie onderhou. Kompos is vol organiese voedingstowwe en die samestelling van kompos wat behoorlik ryp is, verbeter die waterdreinering en belugting in omtrent elke tipe grond. Niks word vermors met kompos nie – blare, plantdele, mis en alle ander organiese materiaal sal die plante voed. Dit help ook om grondverdigting te voorkom, wat weer waterbeweging aanmoedig.

8. Voeg melk by kompos

Vir aanhouende grondvrugbaarheid, is dit ʼn goeie idee om jou eie komposhoop te skep.’n Handige wenk is om melk by die hoop te voeg. Melk (veral rou en onbehandeld) is ʼn natuurlike swamdoder en medium-sterkte insekdoder omdat insekte nie die suikers in melk kan verteer nie. Dit verbeter ook die grond se vermoë om lug en water te absorbeer, terwyl dit die voordelige mikrobebevolkings verhoog.

9. Voeg mis by

Veemis is ʼn fantastiese oplossing vir lae stikstofvlakke in jou grond. Wend mis egter sorgvuldig aan vir ingeval daar siektes in die mis is. Laat drie maande toe tussen mistoedienings en die oes van enige wortelgewasse of blaargroente, om besmetting te verhoed.

10. Gebruik afvalwater

Afvalwater bevat die meeste noodsaaklike elemente vir grond in die regte hoeveelhede. As jy afvalwater vir verbeterde grondvrugbaarheid gebruik, mors jy ook minder water, wat noodsaaklik is in die huidige klimaatkrisis.

Kontak Radium Engineering vir meer inligting oor landbou- en grondbewerkingstoerusting. Met jare se kundigheid, ’n passie vir die landboubedryf en ’n toewyding daaraan om vooraanstaande implemente te vervaardig, is Radium Engineering jou toevlug vir al jou boerdery- en landboutoerustingsbehoeftes.

/ENDS

BRONNE: https://www.iaea.org/topics/improving-soil-fertility

http://www.infonet-biovision.org/EnvironmentalHealth/How-improve-soil-fertility

http://waldenlabs.com/five-simple-ways-to-improve-soil-quality/

http://www.farmersweekly.co.za/conservation-agriculture/grass-soil-fertility/

http://www.farmersweekly.co.za/farm-basics/how-to-crop/organic-fertiliser-boosts-soil-fertility/

Why do farmers use fertilizers?

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/8-steps-to-make-better-garden-soil-zmaz07jjzsel

https://www.smilinggardener.com/organic-soil-management/improve-soil-fertility/

https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-innovative-ways-to-increase-soil-fertility-without-using-synthetic-chemicals

Hoe grondbewerking die grond beïnvloed (mielies, soja, koring, ander rygewasse)

Grondbewerking is deur die eeue heen deel van landbouontwikkeling, van sy vroeë oorsprong d.m.v. hout- of metaalstokke, tot ploeë wat deur diere gesleep word en ons huidige kragtige grondbewerkingstoerusting. Grondbewerking is basies die omdraai van grond om onkruide en plae te beheer, om die grond vir gewassaaityd voor te berei, maar die doeltreffendheid daarvan is omstrede. Die debat is nie net beperk tot óf grondbewerking gedoen moet word nie, maar tot watter mate dit moet plaasvind.

Verskillende tipes grondbewerking

1. Bewaringsbewerking beteken dat ten minste 30% van die grondoppervlak na gewasaanplanting deur oorblyfsels bedek is.
2. Geen-grondbewerking (deel van bewaringsbewerking) laat die grond ongesteurd van oes- tot aanplanttyd, en bewerking vind eers plaas tydens die aanplanting d.m.v. die kouters of skyfoopmakers op die saadboor.
3. Direkte boorstelsels (ook deel van bewaringsbewerking) is soortgelyk aan geen-grondbewerkingstelsels, behalwe dat sommige bewerkingsopsies in direkte boorwerk oorbly.
4. Verminderde bewerking is ʼn minder intensiewe bewerkingsstelsel met minder ritte oor ʼn veld as konvensionele bewerking. Daar is 15% tot 30% dekking van oppervlakoorblyfsels nadat daar geplant is.
5. Minimale-bewerking verminder hoofsaaklik die aantal grondbewerkings oor die veld om brandstof te bespaar.

Voordele van bewerking

Grondbewerking beïnvloed grond op ʼn aantal maniere en dus ook die algehele gewasproduksie. Oor die algemeen voel kundiges dat bewerking baie voordele het wat negatiewe gevolge kan oortref, solank dit nie te intensief in een spesifieke area is nie. Hier is ʼn paar van die voordele wat met grondbewerking verband hou.

1. Grondbewerking verander die grondstruktuur ten gunste van agronomiese prosesse soos grondsaadkontak, wortelgroei en waterfiltrering.
2. Grondbewerking kan uiters doeltreffend wees om onkruid- of plaaglewensiklusse te ontwrig, en gewasse d.m.v. hulle onderdrukking te laat floreer.
3. Die beweging, oriëntasie en grootte van oorblyfsels d.m.v. grondbewerkingstoerusting minimaliseer die negatiewe effekte van oesbedekkings en oorblyfsels en bevorder sodoende alle voordelige uitwerkings.
4. Grondbewerking verhoog die beligting van grond, wat die tempo van organiese materiaalontbinding verhoog, om gesonde gewasse te bevorder.
5. Grondbewerking voorkom die verdigting van rotse en wortelgewasse deur dié twee items te help skei.

Nadele van bewerking

1. Intensiewe grondbewerking kan die waarskynlikheid van gronderosie deur water- en winderosie as’t ware verhoog.
2. Die verhoogde gronderosie laat toe dat voedingstowwe in nabygeleë waterweë afloop en skadelike kweekhuisgasse in die atmosfeer vrygestel word.
3. Grondbewerking versnel dikwels die ontbinding van die grond se organiese materiaal wat op die korttermyn voordelig kan wees, maar op die langtermyn is dit skadelik vir die grondstruktuur. Hoe meer grond bewerk word, hoe meer koolstof word in die lug vrygestel en hoe minder koolstof is beskikbaar om organiese materiaal vir toekomstige gewasse op te bou.
4. Grondbewerking van landbougrond vereis uiters baie energie met stygende arbeidskostes.
5. Grondbewerkingstoerusting kos ook geld, beide wanneer nuwe items aangekoop word en vir hulle instandhouding oor jare. Dit word vererger wanneer boere in die verkeerde of foutiewe masjinerie belê.
6. Gewasoorblysels, wat nie ʼn kans kry om tydens grondbewerking op te bou nie, bied skuiling en kos vir die natuurlewe, soos wilde voëls en klein diere, wat dikwels verdwyn met voortdurende grondbewerking.

Slotsom

Grondbewerking bied voordele om gewasse te verbeter, mits die grond met effektiewe grondbewerkingstoerusting en nie te lank intensief bewerk word nie. Dit is die moeite werd om die voordele van grondbewerking vir verskillende gewassoorte te evalueer, asook hoe dikwels en hoeveel enige spesifieke stuk grond bewerk moet word.

Kontak Radium Engineering vir meer inligting oor landboutoerusting. Met jare se kundigheid, ’n passie vir die landboubedryf en ’n toewyding daaraan om vooraanstaande implemente te vervaardig, is Radium Engineering jou toevlug vir al jou boerdery- en landboutoerustingsbehoeftes.

BRONNE: http://www.fao.org/docrep/t1696e/t1696e08.htm

http://soilquality.org/practices/tillage.html#why

How tillage influences soil (corn, soya, wheat, other row crops)

From its early origins using sticks or metal jabs, through to animal-drawn ploughs and now powerful equipment, tillage has been instrumental in agricultural development through the ages. At its most basic, tillage is the turning of soil as a way to control weeds and pests, in preparation for seeding in crop farming, but its effectiveness has been long debated. The debate is not limited merely ‘to till or not to till’ but to what degree tilling should occur.

Different tillage types

1. Conservation tillage involves maintaining at least 30% of the soil surface covered by residues after crop planting.
2. No-till (part of conservation tillage) involves leaving the soil undisturbed from harvest to planting with tillage only happening during planting by coulters or disc openers on the seed drill.
3. Direct drilling systems (also part of conservation tillage) are similar to no-till systems except that some tillage options remain in direct drilling.
4. Reduced tillage is a less intensive tillage system with fewer trips across a field than conventional tillage. They maintain 15% to 30% coverage of surface residues after planting.
5. Minimum tillage essentially reduces tillage passes over the field to conserve fuel.

Advantages of tillage

Tillage has a number of influences on soil and, subsequently, on crop production overall. The general feeling seems to be that tillage has many associated benefits which can outweigh negatives, as long as it is not too intensive in one particular area. Here are a few of the advantages associated with tillage.

1. Tillage modifies the soil structure in favour of agronomic processes such as soil seed contact, root proliferation and water filtration.
2. Tillage can be extremely effective in the disruption of weed or pest life cycles and, through suppression of these, crops can flourish.
3. The movement, orientation and sizing of residue through tillage equipment minimises the negative effects of crop cover and residues, thereby promoting all beneficial effects.
4. Tillage increases the aeration of soil, which increases the rate of organic matter decomposition, promoting healthy crops.
5. The consolidation of rocks and root crops is prevented with tillage which encourages segregation of these items.

Disadvantages of tillage

1. Intensive soil tillage can actually increase the likelihood of soil erosion through water and wind erosion.
2. The increased soil erosion leads to nutrient runoff into nearby waterways and the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
3. Tillage is known to accelerate the decomposition of soil organic matter which might be beneficial in the short term, but is harmful to the soil structure in the long term. Effectively the more soil is tilled, the more carbon is released to the air and the less carbon is available to build organic matter for future crops.
4. Tillage of agricultural land is extremely high energy with ever-acceleration labour costs.
5. There are also costs related tillage equipment, both for purchase of new items, as well as those associated with maintenance over time. This is compounded when farmers invest in incorrect or faulty machinery.
6. Crop residues, which aren’t given a chance to build up during tillage, provide shelter and food for wildlife, such as game birds and small animals. These tend to disappear with ongoing tillage.

Conclusion

Tillage has many benefits linked to improved crops, provided the land is tilled using effective tillage equipment and not tilled intensively over too long a period. It is worth assessing the benefits of tillage for various crop types as well as the frequency and degree of tillage needed for any particular piece of land.

For more information on agricultural and tillage equipment, contact Radium Engineering. With years of expertise, a passion for the agricultural industry and a commitment to manufacturing superior equipment, Radium Engineering is the answer to all your farming and agricultural and tillage equipment needs.

SOURCES: http://www.fao.org/docrep/t1696e/t1696e08.htm

http://soilquality.org/practices/tillage.html#why

Desde sus orígenes, mediante el uso de palos y refuerzos de metal, pasando por los arados de tracción animal, hasta la poderosa maquinaria agrícola de hoy en día, la labranza ha sido clave en el desarrollo de la agricultura a lo largo de la historia.

En su forma más básica, la labranza es la transformación del suelo como forma de control de la maleza y de las plagas, en preparación a la siembra de los cultivos. Sin embargo, su efectividad se ha debatido largo y tendido. El debate no se reduce al mero ‘labrar o no labrar’, sino hasta qué punto se debería labrar.

Diferentes tipos de labranza

1. La labranza de conservación supone mantener al menos el 30% de la superficie del suelo cubierta por residuos después de la plantación del cultivo.
2. La no-labranza (parte de la labranza de conservación) supone no alterar el suelo desde la cosecha hasta la siembra, labrando solo durante la siembra mediante cuchillas de arado o discos abridores de sembradora.
3. Los sistemas de sembrado directo (parte también de la labranza de conservación) son similares a los sistemas de no-labranza, con la diferencia de que se mantienen algunas opciones de labranza en el sembrado directo.
4. La labranza reducida es un sistema de labranza menos intensivo, con menos viajes a través de un terreno, en comparación a la labranza convencional. Mantienen una cobertura del 15% al 30% de los residuos de superficie después de la siembra.
5. La labranza mínima reduce de forma esencial los pases de labranza sobre el campo para ahorrar combustible.

Ventajas de la labranza

La labranza tiene una serie de influencias en el suelo y, posteriormente, en la producción de cultivos en general. El sentir general es que la labranza cuenta con muchos beneficios asociados que superan lo negativo, siempre que no sea demasiado intensa en un área en particular. A continuación, le ofrecemos algunas de las ventajas asociadas a la labranza.

1. la labranza modifica la estructura del suelo para favorecer los procesos agronómicos, como el contacto de la semilla con el suelo, la proliferación de raíces y la filtración de agua.
2. La labranza puede ser muy efectiva para interrumpir los ciclos de vida de la maleza y las plagas. A través de la supervisión de las mismas, los cultivos pueden florecer.
3. El movimiento, la orientación y el dimensionamiento de los residuos a través de la labranza minimizan los efectos negativos de la cobertura de la cosecha y de los residuos, promoviendo así todos los efectos beneficiosos.
4. La labranza aumenta la aireación del suelo, lo que aumenta la tasa de descomposición de la materia orgánica, promoviendo cultivos sanos.
5. La consolidación de rocas y cultivos de raíces se evita con la labranza, lo que fomenta la segregación de estos elementos.

Desventajas de la labranza

1. La labranza intensiva del suelo puede aumentar la probabilidad de erosión del suelo a través de la erosión del agua y eólica.
2. El aumento de la erosión del suelo produce la escorrentía de los nutrientes en vías fluviales cercanas y a la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero a la atmósfera.
3. Se sabe que la labranza acelera la descomposición de la materia orgánica del suelo, lo que podría ser beneficioso a corto plazo, pero perjudicial para la estructura del suelo a largo plazo. Ciertamente, cuanto más suelo se labra, se libera más carbono al aire y, por ende, queda disponible menos carbono para construir materia orgánica para futuros cultivos.
4. La labranza de tierras agrícolas es una tarea que supone un gasto de energía extremadamente alto, con costos laborales de aceleración cada vez mayores.
5. También hay costes asociados a la maquinaria, tanto por la compra de nuevos dispositivos, como por el mantenimiento asociado a las mismas a lo largo del tiempo. Esto se agrava cuando los agricultores invierten en maquinaria incorrecta o defectuosa.
6. Los residuos en los cultivos, que no se dejan acumular durante la labranza, proporcionan refugio y alimento para la vida animal, como aves y otros pequeños animales silvestres. Con una labranza continuada, este problema tiende a desaparecer.

Conclusión

La labranza tiene muchos beneficios vinculados a la mejora de los cultivos, siempre y cuando la tierra se cultive con maquinaria eficaz y no se trabaje intensamente durante un período demasiado largo. Vale la pena evaluar los beneficios de la labranza para diversos tipos de cultivos, así como la frecuencia y el grado de labranza necesarios para cualquier parcela de tierra en particular.

Para más información sobre equipamiento agrícola y de labranza, contacte a Radium Engineering. Con años de experiencia profesional, una pasión sinigual por la industria agrícola y su compromiso de fabricación de equipo de gran calidad, Radium Engineering es la respuesta a sus necesidades agrícolas y a sus necesidades agrícolas y de labranza.

Since its inception in 1976, Radium Engineering has sought to be the best supplier of its products in the southern African agricultural market, in terms of appearance (construction, welding, paintwork and finish), design (cosmetics, ergonomics and appeal), function (effectiveness, ease of use, maintenance and longevity) and after-sales service.

We are a family-run business, and because of our family values Radium Engineering will remain the company that we are and continue to grow and evolve.

While our values and ways are based in heritage, we also know that families change because new generations are introduced and they bring with them exciting new ideas.

So we usher in a new era by being forward thinking with a vision that includes future family and future generations.

Our brand first and foremost reflects our agricultural roots and heritage but also points to modernity and the contemporary edge we have as a forward thinking company.