CTF is the best way to minimise compaction and protect investments in soil amelioration, such as deep ripping, which can be expensive. A big advantage is that less energy is required for seedbed preparation.
tractors around the 200 to 300 horsepower mark are well suited for CTF,” according to Dr Rainbow. An important effect of the introduc- tion of CTF was that farmers were able to
‘Timeliness improved’
Farmer David Greig from Tottenham in New South Wales says that it was a challenge to change his mindset to CTF. An early hurdle was teaching staff and contractors to stay on the tramlines. “People often didn’t under- stand what I was trying to achieve”, David says. The Grieg’s started with CTF in 2008. All that was necessary on their farm with winter cropping and sheep was a new tractor. Wheat and canola are grown as cash crops and oats and lupins are grown for grazing and fodder. David believes CTF is providing savings in fuel with firm tracks providing bet- ter roll. He is now able to get on to his land much more quickly to spray and with less mess, particularly in wet conditions. Timeli- ness has improved. David says his soils have
reduce the size of their tractors. Thanks to tractive efficiencies the pull of the tillage equipment through the soil became easier because it wasn’t as compact. There was a
saving of 25% to 30% in terms of engine horsepower required to do the same job. Growers were actually able to purchase small- er and more efficient tractors. And just reduc- ing overlap provided producers with savings of between 8% to 12%. The positive effect of using CTF on yield production vary with the season and with particular circumstances, Dr Rainbow points out. “It’s anywhere between 5% and 15%. It all depends on the soil type and the seasons. But it certainly pays divi- dends, which explains the high rates of adoption. People adopt things that pay.”
David Greig: “Water infiltration has been improved, resulting in more even crops.”
become softer. Water infiltration has been im- proved, resulting in more even crops. “I have noticed more consistency across all soil and crop types. I am now more confident predict- ing crop yields based on available stored moisture and able to try new crop varieties.”
Robotics and autonomy Autonomy will be the next big step for farm- ers in broadacre regions of Australia, Dr Rain- bow emphasises. “After the high adoption rates of no-till, CTF systems and autosteer, the next step will be to automate the farming process.” There are few regulatory barriers for autonomy on-farm and the Australian gov- ernment is committed to reducing red-tape and regulation. Large-scale tractor autonomy seems to be a key priority.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 20 November 2020 65
PHOTO: DAVID GREIG
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