For those managing vineyards, orchards or other perennial crops, soil cultivation between the rows presents a challenge, both for weed control and for optimal soil preparation.
Thanks to Sicma’s inter-row tool-carrier systems, it is possible to significantly improve work efficiency, reducing both time and effort.
Among the implements most commonly used for inter-row soil cultivation, discs are highly valued for their exceptional weeding capacity.
A disc is a mechanical implement that works the soil between the rows by eliminating weeds, turning the soil over and burying organic residues. Their use not only reduces reliance on chemical herbicides but also enhances soil structure, resulting in increased crop yields.
The rounded adjustable disc comprises hemispherical caps, 350 mm in diameter, available with a smooth or toothed profile.
Compared to the smooth version, the toothed profile penetrates the soil more easily, facilitating the cutting and mixing of crop residues and minimizing smoothing on the bottom of the worked area.
The disc’s tilt is adjustable both in the direction of travel and vertically, making soil penetration and mixing easier to achieve optimal performance.
In vineyards, these discs dig the soil around the vine trunks, moving the earth toward the row, thereby creating a furrow that disrupts weed growth and, thanks to the loosening action on the soil surface, promotes the flow and absorption of water deep into the soil.
The rounded adjustable disc is available in both idle and motorised versions, each offering distinct advantages for different soil types and agronomic conditions.
Using the idle disc allows you to work medium-light as well as tough soils, slicing weeds horizontally, inverting and mixing the soil with minimal compaction.
However, it leaves a fairly wide band of untilled soil around each plant that may require manual or spot treatment.
While idle discs can slide over obstacles, limiting structural damage, certain precautions must be observed:
The motorised disc performs the same function more aggressively and is particularly valuable in tough, heavily infested soils. Its advantages include:
Since discs operate at a depth of approximately 15 cm, be mindful of buried drip irrigation lines. Stones, surface roots and other obstacles can also impede performance.
The furrow star disc, also known as a rollhacke, can be configured as a double or triple unit and is adjustable both vertically and horizontally.
It features a central hub bolted to a rotating flange whose ends carry specially shaped hooks that dig into and turn over the soil as the implement advances.
Thanks to this unique construction, the disc tills the soil without damaging roots, preserving plant health while simultaneously hilling soil toward the centre of the row.
Ideal for already worked soils, this disc removes young weeds, promoting a moister and more resilient seedbed.
It is often used in combination with rotary finger weeders for enhanced effectiveness.
Sicma discs stand out for their reliability and versatility, delivering precise tillage while saving time and resources.
The different disc types discussed can be fitted to various Sicma machines, such as inter-row frames, where they can also be combined with other tools like blades, harrows or finger weeders.
With the rounded adjustable disc and the furrow star disc, Sicma positions itself as a dependable partner for farmers and viticulturists seeking tailor-made solutions to optimise inter-row soil management.
Discover which model best suits your needs.
