Adapting Tillage Techniques for Challenging Coastal Conditions
Farming in Harlech, Wales, Alun Jones has battled the elements to establish maize on free-running, bottomless sand. To improve efficiency and farm more sustainably, he chose the Kverneland Kultistrip striptiller to tackle soil erosion and cut input costs.
Why Conventional Tillage Wasn't Sustainable
“We had been ploughing to create a seedbed,” explains Alun, pictured, of Gwynedd, Wales. “It was expensive because of abrasion and metal wear, and moving all the soil exposed the surface to severe erosion from coastal winds.”
Alun realized that a strip tillage machine could leave most of the ground untouched, relying on the previous crop’s root structure—or in extreme cases, weeds—as an anchor to hold soils in place.
Transitioning to Strip Tillage with Better Equipment
“We tried a strip tillage machine in 2023, which proved the principle, though the machine we used simply lacked enough adjustment,” he says. “We needed greater versatility.”
The preferred solution was an eight-row Kverneland Kultistrip striptiller with rubber press wheels, acquired for the 2024 season from Mona Tractors, a local Kverneland Dealer. This Kverneland tillage machine offered enhanced depth control, fertilizer placement, and working width options ideal for Alun's operation.
Enhancing Soil Moisture and Reducing Erosion
“If we ploughed and power harrowed, the ground would dry so quickly that our sandy soils would blow away before our contractor could get the seed in the ground,” he says. “We had to cover the fields with compost at 30 tonnes/acre to limit erosion. With the Kverneland striptiller, we no longer need to do that, so we can focus on applying digestate to encourage yield.”
As a result, his 85-acre maize crop was successfully established while limiting wind-blown soil losses.
Maximizing Soil Performance on Coastal Terrain
Alun accepts that the farm sits on an unforgiving coastline, but acknowledges that with the right equipment and thought processes, his soils have become much more manageable for his grass and maize crops needed to feed his 130-cow herd, plus followers, beef and sheep.
“The Kverneland Kultistrip is definitely the right tool for the job,” he says. “We use it to remove deep compaction while creating a precise seedbed in a narrow strip, which safeguards more of our sandy soils.
Alun's benefits of the Kverneland Kultistrip Striptiller
- Reduced full-field disturbance and minimized soil erosion
- Improved soil moisture conservation and water absorption and storage
- Precise working depth and nutrient management through optimized row units
- Enhanced crop emergence and deep root formation
- Adaptable working widths (e.g., 3.0m, 4.5m, 6.0m) to suit different farm sizes
- Effective integration with cover crops and digestate-based systems
- Robust and reliable tillage tool performance in demanding conditions
The Kverneland Striptiller tillage tool delivers reliable performance for farmers who require precision, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact in strip tillage systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main advantage of the Kverneland Kultistrip striptiller?
A: It enables precise strip tillage, reducing full-surface cultivation and improving soil health, moisture retention, and crop establishment.
Q: Is the Kultistrip striptiller suitable for sandy or light soils?
A: Yes. It's particularly effective on light, free-draining soils, offering protection against erosion and improving soil structure.
Q: Can the Kultistrip striptiller handle fertilizer placement?
A: Absolutely. Its integrated design supports accurate fertilizer placement for improved nutrient uptake and yield optimization.
Q: What sizes are available for the Kultistrip?
A: The Kverneland Kultistrip striptiller is available in various configurations with working widths of 3.0m, 4.5m, and 6.0m.
Q: Is this tillage machine compatible with tractors of different sizes?
A: Yes, it can be used with a wide range of tractor tillers, making it versatile for medium to large operations.
Q: Where can I buy a Kverneland Kultistrip striptiller?
A: Use the dealer locator to find your nearest supplier.
