Moore Tandem Uni-Drill DP400A, Instructions Manual

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Practical Recommendations
Practical Recommendations
HOW TO PREVENT COMPACTION
1. Generalise the use of low-pressure tyres on field equipment to restrict surface compaction.
Fitting wide tyres or twin wheels is not enough; pressure has to be adapted.
The target is 0.6 bar, in agreement with the tyre manufacturer. When in tow, UNIDRILL does not load the rear
wheels of the tractor and weights are not needed in the front!
2. Reducing axle load to reduce deep compaction.
The target load is 6 tonnes per axle; leave all heavier loads on the track. Light tractors are preferable; UNIDRILL is
perfect for moderate power, hence lighter tractors.
3. Working on dried-out soil.
Be patient and wait for the right moment to intervene. According to researchers, the soils resists better to
compaction as soon as its surface changes colour. After 4-5 years of conservation tillage, the soil drains water
faster and becomes more bearing, which reduces waiting.
4. Bring calcium and magnesium supplements to compensate medium acidification.
Aim to maintain pH between 6.5 and 7 to ensure good stability of the clay-humic complex.
5. Enrich the soil with organic matter to protect it from compaction and improve resistance.
Return straw and harvest residues, bring manure, grow forage, avoid plowing…
HOW TO BURY STRAW
1. Select the right variety.
Depending on variety the amount of straw produced varies, as does its resistance to impact. A disease-resistant
variety that does not necessarily need end-cycle fungus protection will also be more vulnerable to decomposition
agents.
2. Fit and adjust the combine.
Faster rolling and beating breaks down straw more. Well dried, straw is more brittle: harvest those plots first. Fit the
harvester with a small straw distributor. Shred the straw in 5-6 mm bits (sharpen the shredder blades, tension the
belts…) and distribute it evenly.
3. Shred straw and thatch behind the harvester.
In particular, when catch-crop is short, cutting high and straw poorly distributed, when planning to use a toothed
tool…
4. Thoroughly mix the straw in the soil and press.
Do not exceed 5-6cm in depth to facilitate decomposition and not to dilute residues. Pressing with a heavy roll
promotes soil/straw contact and decomposition agent action.
HOW TO FEND OFF SLUGS
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