ZERO-MIX vs ACTIVE-MIX: How to choose legs

BEDNAR works with two distinct concepts. ACTIVE-MIX legs are designed for intensive loosening and active mixing of the soil profile. ZERO-MIX leg, on the other hand, is designed for deep penetration of compacted layers with minimal displacement of subsoil into the topsoil and a reduced mixing effect. Both solutions aim for the same goal, but do not produce the same result.

The TERRALAND subsoiler offers maximum versatility thanks to the easy interchange of working bodies. With the TERRALAND TN, TN_PROFI, TO and TERRALAND DO implements, the farm can thus respond to the growing season, soil conditions and specific agronomic issues without having to change the entire machine. ACTIVE-MIX legs are standard equipment for deep loosening and breaking up layers of compaction. An alternative is the ZERO-MIX leg with a negative angle for subsoiling without active soil mixing.

ACTIVE-MIX is the choice for growers who want to intensively loosen the topsoil, better break up compacted clods and evenly incorporate plant residues into the upper layer of the soil profile. The geometry of the legs promotes the movement of soil from the lower layers towards the surface, reduces lateral pressure within the profile and, with the help of the cutting edge and side wings, enhances the crumbling and mixing effect. In practice, this means a more significant impact on the entire treated horizon.

Another advantage of ACTIVE-MIX is its wide range of applications. One option is deep tillage, typically at depths of 18 to 35 cm. Another option is subsoiling at depths of 40 to 65 cm. For farms wishing to replace ploughing with a deep loosening, improve the incorporation of crop residues and simultaneously open up layers of compaction, the subsoiler is a suitable solution.

Another advantage is the effect on water infiltration. The use of ACTIVE-MIX legs significantly promotes water infiltration into the lower layers of the topsoil and subsoil. This effect was documented using the blue infiltration method, carried out by the Centre for Precision Agriculture at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague.

However, this is precisely where the main disadvantage becomes apparent. The more aggressively the leg works, the higher the risk of bringing skeletal material, dead matter or less favourable soil from deeper layers up into the topsoil. The operator must take particular care on stony soils, heavy clay soils, where intensive tillage can also lead to the displacement of soil with a lower pH. In other words, ACTIVE-MIX is a highly effective tool, but it must be deployed where intensive mixing really makes sense.

ZERO-MIX takes a different approach. The design of the leading edge, the angle of the tine and the leg geometry significantly limit the carrying of soil from the subsoil into the topsoil profile. Furthermore, the angled position of the point helps to eliminate compaction at the bottom of the working path, even when working in the lower layers. The result is a reduced mixing effect, more horizontal soil cracking and a more sensitive impact on the profile.

This brings several clear advantages. ZERO-MIX leaves more plant residues on the surface, reduces soil overdrying and promotes faster profile reconsolidation and the establishment of capillarity. That is why is recommended for less intensive tillage and also for areas at risk of water stress. If the aim is to remove compaction in the subsoil, but at the same time you do not want to turn over the entire profile and open the way to moisture loss, ZERO-MIX makes great agronomic sense.

Another strength of the ZERO-MIX is deep loosening. It is typically used at depths of 18 to 35 cm, then 20 to 45 cm, and with a configuration featuring a reduced number of legs or only a rear row, up to 65 cm. It is precisely in this configuration that very deep penetration can be achieved without the need to increase tractor power, whilst the legs still minimise surface loosening and the incorporation of crop residues.

The disadvantage of ZERO-MIX is the mirror opposite of that of ACTIVE-MIX. If you need to mix the topsoil intensively, incorporate large amounts of crop residues, or significantly replicate the effect of ploughing in the upper soil layer, its effect will be milder. Although working to the depth of the topsoil does result in some soil being brought to the surface, the mixing effect remains significantly lower compared to ACTIVE-MIX. This is an advantage for moisture conservation, but a limitation where you want significant homogenisation of the topsoil layer.

ACTIVE-MIX makes the most sense when you need to intensively work the entire soil profile in a single pass, evenly incorporate crop residues, replicate part of the ploughing effect and simultaneously open up layers of compaction. In practice, this applies mainly to fields with a higher amount of organic matter on the surface, headland tracks, wheel tracks or handling areas following sugar beet harvest or the storage of organic fertilisers.

ZERO-MIX is preferable where the priority is to protect the topsoil, limit overdrying, minimise mixing and achieve deeper soil cracking. It is particularly well suited to farms that wish to break up the subsoil but do not want to bring infertile dead soil, stones or acidic subsoil up into the topsoil. It also works well where the focus is on moisture balance and leaving crop residues on the surface.

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