Adapting to the Land:
One Farmer is Transforming Cultivation with Low Disturbance Techniques
Farming nearly 1,000 acres of diverse terrain is no small feat. For Philip Jackson, the challenge lies not just in the scale, but in the complexity of the land itself. With a mix of soil types—from sharp gravel soil to keuper marl that turns rock-hard in dry conditions —working the land efficiently has always required careful planning and the right tools.
Philip grows a variety of crops throughout the year on his farm near Newark, including wheat, barley, maize, potatoes, and parsnips. This mixed cropping system demands flexibility and precision in cultivation methods. Recently, Philip sought to improve his subsoiling approach, moving away from the McConnel Shakerator with standard legs, which tended to produce large clods of soil that complicated seedbed preparation.
Looking for a more refined solution, Philip turned to a low disturbance cultivation system. By switching to the Tillso subsoiler parts with specially designed wings, he found a significant improvement—not only in soil structure but also in weed control. The new setup disturbs less soil, reducing the amount of buried weed seed brought to the surface. As a result, blackgrass levels have noticeably decreased.
“We were looking to try and get low disturbance into the cultivation system and got in touch with Spaldings… the conversion was relatively easy, and we’ve seen impressive results already”
The transition was straightforward, and the new system now covers around 200 acres per setup, depending on soil conditions and weather. With Spaldings located nearby, next-day delivery of parts has made maintenance and adjustments quick and convenient.
One of the standout successes this year has been the spring barley crop. Drilled in the spring using the Tillso subsoiler parts to aerate the soil, followed by a Claydon drill, the crop has thrived—even in the face of prolonged dry weather. While neighbouring farms have struggled with moisture retention due to overworked soils, Philip’s fields have held onto moisture remarkably well. Despite the lack of significant rainfall since March, his spring barley is looking strong.
Philip’s experience highlights the benefits of adapting cultivation practices to suit the land. By embracing low disturbance techniques and investing in the right replacement parts, he’s not only improving crop performance but also building resilience into his farming system.
To follow in the footsteps of Philip, you can convert your subsoiler with the following Tillso Sabre Ultralite replacement parts:
Call your local Spaldings rep or telesales on 01522 507600
