Reduced cultivations and direct drilling: the present position and the research needs of these techniques

Abstract

Reduced cultivations and direct drilling are two groups of techniques that allow larger areas of crops to be planted in difficult seasons. Investigations are still needed on weed control, straw disposal and stubble management, slug control, drill design, and efficient use of fertilizers. Soil tilth often improves markedly when fields are direct-drilled for several years consecutively.