Growers looking to increase soil organic matter have the option of a new tool for incorporating cover crops and organic fertilisers.

Kuhn’s EL Biomulch is designed as a shallow soil cultivator to break down plant residues and green manures, potentially avoiding the need to apply chemicals to kill off ground cover prior to drilling.

The 3m-wide implement can work at speeds of up to 10kph, suits a tractor of 160hp and works well in combination with a front-mounted shredder in tall, dense cover crops, the company says.

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The rotor unit carries 72 angled blades to mulch plant residue and roots in the top 5cm of soil.

Working depth is set on four wheels at the front of the machine and depth gauges help operators make sure it is working on the level.