Ridge cultivation: Experience the practical benefits for arable farming in the DLG Spotlight on Organic Farming
Ridged cultivation in arable farming – in both organic arable and conventional systems – is a key focus of the DLG Spotlight on Organic Farming at the DLG-Fedltage. Ridged cultivation offers new approaches to arable farming, as farmers can grow all crops – cereals, legumes, maize, etc. – using this method, in addition to traditional ridge crops. The system is characterised by a loose soil structure with a stable crumb structure, which promotes root penetration and improves soil water management.
The demonstration plots at the DLG Spotlight on Organic Farming showcase sugar beet, maize, lupins, catch crops and mixed crops grown using the ridge cultivation method. These plots demonstrate the practical benefits of ridge cultivation under real-world conditions and highlight its advantages for different crops and crop rotation systems. The topic of agroforestry is also covered: a demonstration plot is on display, providing all the information needed on the establishment and benefits of agroforestry systems in arable farming.
An overview of the benefits for arable farming
Ridged cultivation involves growing crops on raised earth ridges. This offers several agronomic advantages:
- The ridges warm up more quickly in spring, which promotes faster crop emergence and more uniform crop development. The loose soil structure improves aeration of the root zone and allows for deeper root penetration into the soil.
- Infiltration capacity increases due to the loose soil structure. Rainwater penetrates the soil more quickly. Ridges retain water better and have benefits for the soil water balance.
- The row structure provides optimal conditions for mechanical weed control and enables efficient use of hoes. For organic farming, this means efficient and effective weed control, whilst in conventional arable farming it helps to reduce the use of chemical plant protection products. Ridge cultivation thus offers significant added value in both organic farming and conventional arable farming with reduced plant protection.
- Ridged cultivation leads to reduced machinery requirements, as the various implements for primary tillage, sowing and weed control can be mounted on a single frame.
Technology and on-site exchange
In addition to the crop management tour, the DLG Spotlight on Organic Farming offers insights into the use of machinery. On display are a ridge cultivator for creating ridges and a hoeing frame for maintenance and weed control.
A consultation session on ridge cultivation takes place daily at 11.30 a.m. Experts from the fields of practical cultivation and technology discuss specific questions with visitors regarding crop management, technology and work efficiency.
The DLG Spotlight on Organic Farming provides a sound information base for farmers and advisors from both organic and conventional farming who are exploring how ridge cultivation contributes to improving soil health, yield security and weed management.