In our experience, the agronomic benefits of optimising the soil potential and the establishment of crop are thus:

• Increased micro-organism and earthworm activity - the soil structure retains its porosity allowing good root development due to the improved availability of water, air and nutritive elements.
• Improved stability of top soil structure - with the increase in organic top soil matter, the problems associated with capping, leaching and compacting are reduced.
• Soil moisture is better conserved - giving better germination for small grain crops in dry conditions.

Here are our tips for sucess with direct drilling:

• Adapt the crop rotation.
• Adjust the seed rate to soil and weather conditions.
• Respect the soil structure, avoid passes with heavier machinery and inappropriate tyres in inclement weather conditions.
• Sow into good soil, which has a good structure and appropriate drainage.
• Ensure a relatively level level surface, with clean soil.
• Closely monitor crops, whereby ploughing limits weed emergence in the short term, direct drilling will amplify the effects of poor weed control.