Consolidation Roller Case Study

“With no new chemistry in the armoury for blackgrass control we must look towards cultural control techniques. Failure to realise this will almost inevitably lead to resistant blackgrass problems which can be a real threat to yields and ultimately crop viability. The three main cultural control techniques are rotational choice, delayed drilling, and the use of stale seed beds in conjunction with total herbicides. My main reason for purchasing a Tillso Rake & Roll was to improve the consistency of blackgrass kills in a stale seed bed situation. The Rake & Roll spreads trash, and gives the blackgrass seeds excellent seed to soil contact which encourages a quick and even establishment of blackgrass plants. Perfect for control with pesticides such as Glyphosate. In an ideal season it is possible to get two or three flushes of blackgrass and ultimately kills through a repeated use strategy. I am also convinced that the physical action of the tines break up and destroys slug egg clusters and ultimately reduces slug populations. The roll part of the Rake & Roll not only plays a major part in encouraging blackgrass chits through consolidation of the soil in a stale seed bed situation, but it is also a very effective alternative to a Cambridge Rolls as part of a post drilling operation. The flexible nature of the rubber allows the machine to go further in damper conditions. The fast forward speed capabilities of the machine allows for a high output. “