Russian Agricultural Division to switch to no-till farming
RAD is introducing zero cultivation methods to restore yields, optimize costs and increase sustainability factor


BARNAUL, RUSSIA, June 05, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Russian Agricultural Division (www.radcorp.ru), PAVA land-owning subsidiary, is carrying out a preparative campaign for introduction of no-till farming methods, urged by the prospect of maximizing efficiency. The company, presently consolidating over 160,000 ha of land, continues to bolster its expansion by leading-edge agronomic techniques aimed at recovering the fertility of soils.
RAD has already completed the appropriate upgrade of machinery fleet with cultivators from "Lemken" for leveling the fields, sprayers for herbicide treatment, and seeders complying with the innovative technology. Harvesting equipment for the new crop has been fitted with choppers, intended for creating a moisture-retaining mulch layer - stubble remains will preserve the soil from overexposure to heat and erosion.
"The gradual transition from minimum to zero cultivation will center on lands where low moisture level pushes down yields, such as forested and steppe areas", says A. Kalashnikov, RAD CEO. "In particular, initial efforts will take place in Romanovsky District of the Altay Territory, where the farming unit Selkhozholding Ltd. is located. In the longer run, we will spread out this practice to all regions of RAD's arable operations".
This progressive method of cultivation is viewed as an important conservation measure since it minimizes impact on soil and restores the humus layer.
"No-till farming is an essential component of sustainable agriculture", Mr Kalashnikov continues. "Besides, it is the tool for improving yields and quality of grain crops, which RAD will partly distribute on the international market. Economically, this is an efficiency booster reducing fuel expenditure and optimizing use of machinery and labour. For today's tightly competitive agrisector this innovation is a big step forward".

About PAVA OJSC

OJSC PAVA is known as one of the three leading operators on the Russian grain processing market. Its principal activities are manufacturing and distribution of such products as flour of different grades, cereals, confectionery and animal feed.

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Yulia Chebotareva
PAVA OJSC
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