The suitability of soils for sequential direct drilling of combine-harvested crops in Britain: a provisional classification

Abstract

A classification based on experimental results is proposed for the suitability of land in Britain for repeated direct drilling of cereals. Chalk and limestone soils and other well-drained loams are classified as equally suited for direct drilling of spring and winter crops; with good management most clay soils are suited for winter crops and may benefit from timeliness of sowing. But direct drilling in spring on some soils can lead to lower yields than those from conventional cultivations.