A renewed interest in coulter tillage ahead of seeding equipment is beginning to re-emerge across the landscape. Driven by the relentless pursuit to cut costs many growers are looking for proven ways to trim expenses to improve today’s bottom line. Tilling a narrow strip immediately ahead of placing seed in the soil offers many proven benefits resulting in an energized seedbed.

Coulter tillage with injection fertilizer placement and residue management

This can be accomplished just prior to or while seeding. The level of soil disturbance resulting from coulter tillage is impacted by several factors such as the style of coulter blade, ground speed, soil density, plus residue types. Light soil tillage by the coulter blades reduces soil compaction and improves seed to soil contact. Improved soil structure is attributed to coulter tillage as less organic matter is oxidized plus a more favorable habitat for earthworms is established. The capacity of the soil to hold moisture is improved aiding germination for uniform emergence, the key to improved yields.

Controlled tillage strips made by the coulters leave residue between the rows intact, greatly reducing run off and the chance of erosion. Also the long-term effect on weed control is often overlooked as the undisturbed residue shades out weed seed preventing emergence. The longer coulter tillage is practiced the better weed control is.

All coulter systems need to be managed properly for maximum return on investment. Each coulter requires compensating ballast from the implement it is attached to for coulter blade penetration. Careful consideration should be given to the amount of down force required for each coulter. As the amount of down force increases so does the amount of compensating ballast. In some cases when mismatched, it is possible for the seeding implement to lack the overall weight needed for proper coulter penetration; which is the major reasons some growers abandon coulter tillage.

“We used the Yetter 3-coulter system for the first time in the spring of 2004. The coulter system was attached to the front of a 7200 JD planter. After properly adjusting the coulters, we were able to plant into soybean stubble and also we were able to plant into corn residue without any broadcast tillage of the soil. The corn planted into bean residue was some of the more even stands that I have ever experienced, and even the corn on corn was able to recover from our early wet and cold conditions faster than other corn on corn in our area. We are looking forward to harvest to see the results of the 3-coulter system as compared to the conventional way of doing things.”

Mike Homandberg
Minnesota

When properly practiced coulter tillage can produce significant savings opportunities:

• Fewer trips across the field
• Improve root growth and plant development
• Eliminate seed trench sidewall smearing
• Controls runoff and erosion
• Improves water retention and holding capabilities
• Break surface compaction and promotes aeration
• Helps control weed pressure
• Encourages improved soil structure

Coulter tillage is one way to accomplish their goals for those seeking new and better ways to maximize profit opportunities, for their production agriculture operation.