Across the Western Cape, farmers are gearing up for another season marked by unpredictable weather patterns, stressed soils, and pressure to keep yields profitable. But there’s a silent barrier beneath our feet that’s costing farmers more than any drought ever could: soil compaction.
Renowned statesman Daniel Webster once wrote, “Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labour of man.”
And he was right—because every crop, every root, and every yield begins with tillage and the condition of the soil.
The Hidden Cost of Compaction
Soil compaction isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a yield killer. Penetrometer readings taken across South African fields show that while the upper ±100 mm of topsoil may seem loose, compaction skyrockets to above 3,200 kPa between 100–350 mm.
Root systems simply cannot penetrate soil above 1,800 kPa, meaning crops are forced to grow sideways like fibrous grasses rather than develop the deep taproot structures needed for resilience and water uptake.
This shallow rooting is especially devastating in South Africa’s low-rainfall conditions (±464 mm annually). With roots trapped near the surface, crops lose access to water reservoirs, nutrient-rich layers, and the stability needed for healthy growth.
The result? Stunted crops, uneven stands, nutrient deficiencies, and lower yields—long before drought or fertilizer shortages even come into play.
Rovic’s Engineers Step In
Understanding the severity of compaction, Rovic’s engineering team posed a crucial question:
How do we help farmers break these layers more effectively—without increasing costs or requiring bigger tractors? Their goal was clear:
– Loosen the entire soil profile
– Penetrate deeper compaction layers
– Avoid disturbing topsoil
– Keep operating costs low
– Improve implement life
– Deliver a smooth, consistent seedbed
This led to the development of the Super 19 Hammerhead Share, a breakthrough in tillage engineering.
A Groundbreaking Share Design
Field comparisons between standard reversible shares and the new Hammerhead design produced remarkable results:
– Fuel efficiency increased from 146m3/l
– Soil loosened increased by 46%
In practical terms, the Hammerhead share doesn’t just run more efficiently—it delivers more soil movement at a far lower operating cost.
Even when priced at a premium, the numbers speak for themselves:
– Break-even yield increase needed: ±125 kg/ha
– Expected yield increase: ±500 kg/ha
– Additional income per hectare: ±R1,500
For farmers under financial pressure, these gains aren’t just helpful—they’re game-changing.
Strengthened Tines for Longer Life and Lower Costs
Rovic also redesigned the tine and share structure itself. By increasing the share thickness from 20 mm to 30 mm, adding more tungsten welding, and hardening the cast, the new system delivers up to 4× the lifespan at a lower overall cost than repeated standard replacements. The result is a stronger, more durable tine with less downtime and fewer bolt replacements.
Hydraulic Breakaway: The Smart Tine Advantage
Traditional leaf-spring tines suffer from metal fatigue due to constant vibration—leading to bending, cracking, and eventual failure. Rovic’s hydraulic breakaway system eliminates this weakness while delivering:
– Maintenance-free operation
– Higher, adjustable breakaway force
– Consistent working angle
– Up to 30% fuel savings
– Up to 20% less share wear
– Superior depth control
– Higher implement resale value
In other words: more efficiency, more consistency, and fewer surprises in the field.
A Better Way to Break the Barrier
Compacted soils limit yields and drive up costs. Rovic’s tillage solutions break these layers efficiently, helping farmers save fuel and grow stronger crops without changing equipment. When roots move freely, higher yields follow. Breaking the soil barrier is the first step to breaking yield barriers.
For more information visit https://www.rovic.com/
Cape Town: 021 907 1700 | Johannesburg 011 369 6240