Many no-till producers cultivate only as needed but appreciate having the option for additional cultivation. Ridge-till systems require mechanical cultivation. Banding pesticides limits chemical costs and helps environmental quality, but makes timely, effective cultivation more critical. No-till Equipment Uniform, adequate, but shallow penetration is desired as in any cultivation. Conventional cultivators usually handle chopped soybean stubble.
Residue clearance is essential.
To avoid plugging, many units use heavy frames with a single wide sweep between rows. Sweep width varies from 16 to 24 inches, depending on row width. The large, heavy frame handles increased stress from large single sweeps and aids in soil penetration. Internal concrete or water adds weight to some frames. Cultivation depth is usually adjusted by either a gauge wheel or depth bank on a leading straight coulter used to cut residue ahead of the sweep.