Direct seeding techniques

From our experience at Econatur, we have observed that no-till techniques favour biodiversity and strengthen agricultural systems against climate change. By avoiding ploughing, it reduces the release of carbon from the soil and promotes greater nutrient uptake by plants. This technique is not only beneficial for the environment, but also optimises the farmer’s resources, promoting more robust and sustainable production in the long term

What is no-tillage

rnAt Econatur, we understand that direct sowing is a revolutionary agricultural technique that consists of planting seeds without previously tilling the soil. This method preserves the organic layer and minimises soil disturbance, which is essential to protect soil biodiversity and reduce erosion. No-till improves water retention and soil structure, providing a healthier environment for crop growth. From our perspective, no-till is not only an agricultural technique, but a philosophy of holistic environmental care. By avoiding ploughing, this practice significantly reduces CO2 emissions and helps to sequester carbon in the soil. This translates into tangible benefits for both the environment and farmers, who see improved operational efficiency and reduced production costs. This technique strengthens our commitments to sustainability and innovation in agriculture

Benefits of no-till

We recognise the numerous benefits of no-till, an agricultural technique that promotes sustainability and efficiency. This methodology preserves soil structure, maintaining organic matter and essential nutrients. By avoiding ploughing, we reduce erosion and improve the soil’s ability to retain water, which is crucial in times of climate uncertainty. No-till also minimises fuel consumption, resulting in a significant decrease in our carbon footprint. We have found that no-till facilitates a healthier and more productive crop cycle. By leaving previous crop residues intact, it encourages biological activity in the soil, which helps to combat pests and diseases naturally. In addition, this practice allows for faster planting at optimal times, significantly increasing the efficiency of farming operations. Adopting no-tillage not only benefits the environment, but also optimises resources and costs for farmers

Conventional no-tillage

Conventional no-tillage is an essential part of our sustainable farming practices. This method involves depositing seed directly into the soil without prior tillage, using specialised machinery that minimises soil disturbance. By preserving the soil’s natural structure, we prevent erosion and maintain essential nutrients, resulting in a healthier environment for the growth of crops such as co, soybeans and wheat. By adopting conventional no-tillage, we at Econatur have managed to not only optimise the use of resources but also significantly improve the efficiency of our farming operations. This method reduces fuel consumption and operating costs by eliminating the need for ploughing. In addition, by maintaining organic cover on the surface, we contribute to greater water retention in the soil, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our agriculture

No-till with cover crop

We adopt no-till with cover crops as a progressive approach to sustainable agriculture. This method involves sowing directly into existing vegetation cover, such as leftovers from previous harvests, which protects the soil from erosion and conserves moisture. By maintaining this cover, we reduce the need for mechanical interventions, thus preserving soil biodiversity and fostering a more balanced and healthy ecosystem for crop growth. From our approach at Econatur, we have observed that direct seeding with vegetative cover also contributes to a reduced reliance on herbicides. The cover crop effectively competes with weeds, reducing their growth and the need for chemicals. This method is not only beneficial for the environment, but also optimises costs by reducing herbicide and fertiliser expenditure, while ensuring an improvement in the quality and sustainability of our crops

No-till with minimum tillage

Direct seeding with minimum tillage is a pillar of our strategy for environmentally friendly agriculture. This method consists of minimal soil disturbance, using techniques that only remove a small layer to deposit the seeds. This helps preserve soil structure, reduce erosion and maintain moisture, resulting in a healthier environment for crop development and greater water use efficiency. As part of our mission at Econatur, the implementation of no-till with minimum tillage also allows us to reduce the use of heavy machinery, which in tu reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This approach not only benefits environmental sustainability, but also optimises operating costs and improves the long-term viability of farming practices. By adopting this technique, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation and efficiency in mode agriculture

No-till with cover crop

We implement no-till with cover crop to optimise the sustainability of our farming methods. This approach involves sowing directly into a bed of cover crops, such as legumes or cereals, which enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen and improving soil structure. This method not only nourishes the soil, but also helps control weeds and protect against erosion, creating a more resilient and productive farming system. Direct seeding with cover crops is central to our strategy at Econatur to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and herbicides. By using plants that naturally enrich the soil, we can decrease our dependence on external inputs, resulting in a more ecologically and economically viable agriculture. This technique not only improves soil health, but also increases biodiversity in our fields, strengthening the ecosystem and the health of future crops

Frequently Asked Questions about no-tillage techniques

No-till is an innovative agricultural technique that offers multiple benefits, from reducing erosion to increasing water use efficiency. Here we answer some of the most common questions to help you better understand this practice

what exactly is no-tillage?

No-till is a planting method where seeds are sown directly into the soil without tilling. This helps maintain soil structure and health, reducing erosion and conserving moisture

what are the main benefits of no-tillage?

The benefits of no-tillage include reduced environmental impact from less soil disturbance, reduced fuel and machinery use, as well as improved water and nutrient retention in the soil, which can lead to higher crop productivity

is no-till suitable for all types of crops?

No. No-till can be used for a wide variety of crops, especially cereals such as wheat and maize, and legumes such as soybeans. However, it may not be suitable for all crop types or soil conditions, and it is essential to assess the specific conditions of each field.