German maker Vogelsang has been trialling a unit that combines strip tillage with simultaneous spreading of liquid manure.

It would typically be used before maize drilling and cultivates 25cm strips, says the company, while leaving 50cm between strips untilled. The liquid manure, meanwhile, is applied close to the root zone minimising nutrient losses.

The combined cultivation and liquid manure application saves cost and time, says the company. Only the untilled rows are driven on, improving drainage ansd soil compaction. The system also enables farmers to keep within the four-hour time slot stipulated by German slurry regulation and to keep the impact of unpleasant odours on surrounding residential areas to a minimum. It will be on show at next month’s Agritechnica event in Hanover.