Cereals show-goers were treated to a drill-off at this year’s event, giving them chance to see how five different low soil-disturbance systems deal with the challenge of a cover crop.

Prospective converts to min-till or no-till systems were able to get in the field with a variety of machines to see how cover crop cutting discs stack up against front-mounted vegetation rollers.

With the promise of lower drilling costs, reduced nutrient loss from bare soils and improved soil health and structure, growers were keen to make the most of the opportunity to help them invest in the right kit.

See also: Cover crops can cover your costs and give benefits

The machines on show included Ryetech’s Ma/Ag SSP low disturbance disc drill with independent floating coulters, and Simtech Aitchison’s T-Sem 300A, which includes front trash cutting discs, inverted T-slot coulters, a rear springflex roller and following chain harrow.

Claydon Drills, Cousins of Emneth and Dale Drills also flexed their min-tilled muscles across the 8ha demonstration.

Four different seed mixes stood in the way of a perfect low-disturbance establishment, including Siletta Nova radish; Kings’ Vitality mix of radish, cereal, vetch and clover; Kings’ Power mix comprising 40% radish and 60% oats; and Kings’ Super 10 mixture of 10 different species.

Watch our video report for the showcase highlights.