Establishment methods of cover crops

Broadcasting, autocasting

Spreading the seed into a standing crop or using autocast system which is a special equipment (small seed drill box) attached to a combine header and which is spreading seeds on the soil while harvesting.

Pros:

• Fast and cheap establishment method,

• no disturbance of soil and soil organisms,

• straw acts as a mulch and suppresses weeds

• costs approx. 2-3 €/ha

Cons:

• uneven germination,

• low seed to soil contact,

• big amount of straw affects germination,

• seed rate should be increased,

• limited choice of seeds (small seeds that require less moisture and don't need dark conditions to germinate),

• requires rolling or light cultivation after drilling.

Small seed drill on a harrow or rolls

Same pros and cons as broadcasting, but costs are a bit higher due to being an extra task: 8 €/ha

Conventional drill with discs, tynes (cultidrill)

Pros:

• good seed to soil contact,

• even germination,

• straw doesn't affect germination,

• no limitations on seed choice

• costs approx. 18 €/ha

Cons:

• time consuming,

• soil preparation before drilling is time consuming and expensive,

• high soil disturbance,

• loss of soil moisture,

• expensive establishment method

Direct drill

Pros:

• low soil disturbance,

• preserving soil structure,

• soil moisture level is not affected,

• low disturbance of soil organisms,

• even drilling depth and germination,

• no limitations on seed choice

• costs approx. 12 €/ha

Cons:

• good seed to soil contact can be difficult to achieve,

• big amount of straw can affect drilling quality,

• might need straw raking before drilling