The role of mouldboard ploughing in soil preparation and weed management

Mouldboard ploughing is a traditional soil inversion technique used for weed control, particularly effective against species like blackgrass, rat's-tail fescue, and barren brome. While still accessible to many farmers, it is increasingly replaced by minimum tillage in erosion-prone areas. The method can cause soil erosion, compaction, and moisture loss, especially with repeated use, and may increase the soil seed bank if seeds are buried at dormancy-promoting depths. It remains useful in strategic applications—before or after less competitive crops—and when combined with other sustainable practices. However, it is incompatible with cover crop systems that rely on undisturbed soil. When used selectively, it supports weed management while minimizing long-term soil degradation.