Magnum Roller, Aeration and Rolling of Winter Wheat
Following the exceptionally wet winter experienced across North East England, with prolonged periods of above-average rainfall, harrowing and rolling operations were carried out in April 2024 as a necessary remedial measure to support crop recovery and development.
The crop was established on 16th–17th October 2023, with fields drilled using both plough-based and non-inversion cultivation systems. The chosen variety was selected for its rapid establishment characteristics, and the crop was drilled at a seed rate of 450 seeds/m².
As a result of the prolonged wet conditions, soil structure had become severely slumped and capped. To support crop recovery, 320 kg/ha of nitrogen with sulphur had already been applied.
The first field was harrowed and rolled twice on 21st April 2024. Ground conditions were hard and heavily capped, and the objective of the operation was to encourage tillering through aggressive tine action to scarify and open the soil surface, improving air movement and nutrient uptake. Rolling afterwards re-consolidated the soil and promoted tillering through the “sheep’s foot” effect.
The second field consisted of lighter, more fertile soils and is historically prone to poppy, speedwell, and cleaver infestations within cereal crops. The field is also susceptible to manganese deficiency. Rolling was therefore considered beneficial in improving nutrient uptake and enhancing stem strength.
The third field, originally established following ploughing, had suffered similarly from the adverse weather conditions. A decision was therefore taken to aerate the soil to alleviate compaction and improve soil structure.
The machine used was a Genesis Aerator tine aerator, adapted within our grassland machinery range alongside the Güttler GreenMaster system. The aeration work was carried out at an angle across the growing crop, with the intention of rolling afterwards using a Güttler Master 6.40 roller to re-consolidate the surface.
An area of approximately 3 hectares has been left as a trial section within the centre of the field to assess the results and monitor crop response going forward. The remainder of the field will be rolled in full.