Minimum tillage without ploughing or with surface ploughing is good for the soil because of less soil compaction, structure damage, remaining nutrients balance and soil life, beter water retention capacity and less chance at a plough sole (compact layer just below the ploughing depth). The more tillage takes place, the more emissions are emitted through the disruption of soil organic carbon (organic matter) and through the oxygen which speed up microbial activity. The positive effects come with time, and it takes time to find a cultivation strategy that suits the farm. Another critical point is weeds, ploughing eliminates weeds. This could result in the usage of more herbicide, but another solution would be to make a false seedbed before actual sowing, this may require an extra work process which costs time and fuel. Minimum tillage can be done at depths till +-30 cm, depending on the circumstantial needs. This practise does not necessarily increase crop yields.

No-till has a great impact on soil health. Over time it creates less soil erosion, less soil compaction especially in combination with cover crops. The need to only once pass a field saves fuel and time, which, in the end, saves money. There is an increase in carbon capture possible of 5-10%. The effects of no-till reach further to a better soil life and more biodiversity.

One challenge with minimum tillage is that it may result in slower soil loosening compared to conventional tillage. However, this can be compensated for by growing cover crops with deep or fibrous root systems, which naturally improve soil structure, create air pockets, and enhance biological activity.

Harvest crops cannot easily be planted using this method, due to the need for loose soil during planting and harvesting, high weed pressure and seed shape (potatoes). Higher weed pressure could also rise the herbicide usage, though weeds can also be suppressed by crop residue or cover crops.

• The Horizon No-till sowing machine is specially made for sowing in crop residues. Horizon DSX: No-till disc drill from Horizon.

With the right working width and a powerful tractor, seeding and cultivating can be done in a single pass. This one-pass system reduces the number of tractors runs needed, which lowers fuel use and helps reduce CO₂ emissions. It’s an efficient method that supports both productivity and environmental goals.

Planting and tilling can be combined in a single pass, thanks to an integrated cultivator. This setup prepares the soil and plants potatoes in one operation, reducing the need for multiple tractors and limiting soil compaction. An optional in-furrow fertilizing system applies nutrients directly to the root zone, improving efficiency and reducing input costs. By combining tasks, the machine saves fuel, time, and labour, making it a smart solution for efficient planting. This method is appliable for lots of crops including potatoes.

• Baselier: Combi Cultivator Tillage machine that can be put in front of the tractor, so the seeder can be put in the back.
• Dewulf: Certa 40 Integral, Mounted 4-row cup planter with integrated cultivator.
• Dewulf: Miedema Structural 4000, Mounted or trailed 4-row belt planter: Smart-Float.