Roller Crimper - Video

At our Winter Cover and Beyond Field Day on August 21st at the Bird Farm, Mark Fulford demonstrated his roller crimper. Fulford brought an 8-foot roller crimper and demonstrated it by knocking down a cover crop of oats and hairy vetch. The resulting mulch from the rolled cover crop, which would normally be direct seeded or transplanted into, provides protection from soil erosion, weed suppression and nutrient cycling. It also preserves soil moisture and organic matter and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Using this method eliminates additional field passes, which reduces soil compaction and saves on fuel costs, equipment wear and time.

This video is from Michigan State University Cover Crop Specialist Dale Mutch and demonstrates the use of a roller crimper to flatten a cover crop. Their roller crimper is front mounted and allows for a planter or implement to be attached to the back of the tractor. The roller crimper Mark demonstrated for us was mounted on a three-point hitch. Both roller crimpers utilize the "chevron" style design.

This video is a good introduction to the use of a roller cimper and is definetely worth the time spent watching it.