It is beneficial to minimize the pressure on the soil from machinery to reduce the to reduce compression. Regularly use deep tines or subsoil to loosen and deep compaction.
Vegetable bed systems are useful to prevent large-scale compaction. Reduced tillage is not appropriate in light and medium sediments but may be possible in heavy sediments.
Using a plough is preferable, especially in vegetable growing areas where
more than one crop is produced per year and litter needs to be incorporated quickly.
The seedbed should not be too fine, otherwise a crown can form. In addition, it requires deep subsoil or tillage to break plods and deep compaction caused by the pressure of machines on the soil. It is advisable to avoid rotary harrows as they destroy the structure of the soil.
Crops should be minimal.
Reduced tillage is often appropriate, particularly where free lime is present, with deeper loosening every 3 to 4 years and minimal drainage every 7 years to ensure good drainage.
Loam makes spring tillage more difficult and seedbeds should be reached in one pass if possible.
If free lime is heavier in loamy soil, a reduced yield is recommended. On the other hand, it is less suitable for sandy, loamy and loamy soils. Deep loosening is required, especially in lighter clay soils.
Avoid over-cultivation in spring as this can dry out the topsoil and make it susceptible to wind erosion.
Deep ploughing Shallow peat can cause silt or clay contained under the peat. This can help stabilize the peat and reduce acidity.