LD Top-Soiler

Here in the heart of Wiltshire just on the edge of Salisbury plain, we are a mixed farm covering around 1450 acres with arable and suckler herd enterprises. This is split up typically with 700 acres of arable growing WW, WB, WOSR, SB, SO, and S.Beans and 750 acres of grass providing grazing and silage for 300 suckler cows and followers.

All straw is removed and all FYM put back on the arable ground. Historically we have always plough­pressed or Weaving Subdisced followed by a 3m Kuhn LC3000 power harrow combi drill.

Looking to save money and speed up the operation with less soil inversion, the new Sabre Tine Drill and LD Top-Soiler seemed to tick the box. The Sabre is very simple to use and most importantly very versatile. The Sabre allows us to drill in and on any type of cultivated soil or direct, in the right conditions, this versatility is a must on our varying soil types. With its large hopper capacity and 5.4m width to match our 27m tramlines and at 12 kph, our higher work rates have allowed us to make considerable savings.

Due to the farm traffic from the straw removal and FYM applications we opted for the 4m LD Top-Soiler which lifted and loosened the soil leaving it a weatherproof state ideal for the Sabre Tine Drill to follow after a chit. The LD is simple but very effective, its low disturbance legs do a great job under the surface but leave it relatively undisturbed on the top.

The key when using it is getting the right speed, we find 6.5-8kph ideal, the LD depth will obviously vary between soil types and conditions but typically use it between 7 and 9 inches, relieving compaction in the seed and early rooting zone. Both implements are pulled by a Case Puma 200CVX which handles them both comfortably.

This system has reduced our establishment costs by two thirds without any noticeable yield loss, and with the added benefit of being able to travel with following applications due to firmer soil conditions. Whether you’re farming conventionally or keen to move towards a more regenerative approach this combination ticks the box.