Mastering the Use of Air Drills in Modern Agriculture

Jun 26, 2025
By Farms.com

Discover the best practices for using air drills in farming.

Planting is complete, so you may have used an air drill to prepare the soil. In the world of modern agriculture, air drills have become indispensable tools for farmers aiming to achieve precise seed placement and optimal crop emergence.

These sophisticated machines ensure that seeds are sown at consistent depths, promoting uniform germination and robust crop stands. This article delves into the best practices for utilizing air drills, emphasizing their benefits, setup, and maintenance.

Types of Air Drills Air drills come in various configurations, each tailored to specific farming needs. The primary types include:

Hoe Drills: Utilize hoe openers to create furrows.
Disc Drills: Employ disc openers for minimal soil disturbance.
No-Till Drills: Designed for no-till farming, preserving soil structure.

Best Practices for Best Results
Calibration: Proper calibration is crucial. Adjust the seeding rate and depth according to the crop requirements to ensure optimal growth and uniform emergence.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential. Inspect the air drill for wear and tear, and replace any worn parts to prevent breakdowns during the planting season.

Soil Conditions: Adjust the settings based on soil conditions to ensure effective seed placement and minimize soil disturbance.

Pros and Cons
Advantages:

Enhanced seed placement.
Uniform germination.
Suitable for challenging soil conditions.

Disadvantages:

Requires regular maintenance.
Higher initial investment.

Alternatives:

Air Seeders: Air seeders use pressurized air to distribute seeds evenly across the soil surface, making them ideal for no-till farming and large acreage.
Planters: Planters offer precise depth control and uniform seed placement, making them suitable for crops that require meticulous planting.

Effectively using air drills can significantly enhance planting efficiency and soil health. Regular maintenance, proper calibration, and adjusting settings based on soil conditions are key to maximizing the benefits of these machines. By following these best practices, farmers can ensure a successful planting season and maintain the long-term health of their fields.

Photo Credit: John Deere

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

For a few years now, agriculture that focuses solely on maximum yields has been regarded with increasing skepticism. It is becoming more and more clear just how dependent we are on healthy soils.

Brandenburg is the federal state with the worst soil quality in Germany. The already thin, fertile humus layer has been shrinking for decades. Researchers and farmers who are keen to experiment are combating these developments and looking for solutions. Priority is being given to building up the humus layer, which consists of microorganisms and fungi, as well as springtails, small worms and centipedes.

For Lena and Philipp Adler, two young vegetable farmers, the tiny soil creatures are invaluable helpers. On their three-hectare organic farm, they rely on simple, mechanical weed control, fallow areas where the soil can recover, and diversity. Conventional farmer Mark Dümichen also does everything he can to protect soil life on his land. For years, he has not tilled the soil after the harvest and sows directly into the field. His yields have stabilized since he began to work this way.

Isabella Krause from Regionalwert AG Berlin-Brandenburg is convinced after the experiences of the last hot summers that new crops will thrive on Brandenburg's fields in the long term. She has founded a network of farmers who are promoting the cultivation of chickpeas with support from the scientific community.