Arable farming - ploughing, sowing, fertilizing, harvesting in FS 25
Farming is the foundation of every successful farm in Farming Simulator 25 (FS25). Every field work - from plowing to harvesting - influences how much yield is harvested in the end. This guide explains the complete process, the optimal sequence and the best strategies for maximum yields.
Contents
- basics of soil cultivation
- plowing & cultivating
- sowing & sowing machines
- fertilization & care
- harvesting & post-harvest processing 6 Optimized work processes
- comparison table: methods & yield bonuses
1. basics of soil cultivation
Fields in FS25 must be cultivated to achieve the right yield. FS25 simulates:
- Soil compaction
- Lime requirement
- Stone formation
- weeds
- Moisture
- Mandatory plowing for certain fruits
The better the condition of the field, the higher the yield.
2. plowing & cultivating
When do you need to plow?
- After maize
- After potatoes
- After sugar beet
- After sunflowers
Without plowing, yield reductions of up to 15 % occur.
Plowing
- Deep cultivation
- Removes stubble residue
- Slowest but most thorough method
- Yield bonus: +15 %
Cultivating
- Faster
- Superficial cultivation
- Not a mandatory replacement for plowing
- Ideal after lighter crops
Tip: Use direct seeding machines to save cultivators.
3. sowing & seed drills
Types of seed drills
- Normal sowing machines (cereals, rape, grass)
- Planters (corn, potatoes, beets)
- Direct sowing machines (sowing without first cultivating)
Seed must be suitable for the machine:
| crop | machine |
|---|---|
| wheat, barley | seed drill |
| maize | planter |
| sugar beet | planter |
| Potatoes | Potato planter |
| Grass | Seeder |
Sequence for perfect sowing:
- cultivate the soil
- liming (if necessary)
- sowing
- rolling for +2.5 % bonus
- fertilize
4. fertilization & care
Fertilize (very important!)
You can fertilize fields twice → maximum yield.
Methods:
- Mineral fertilizer
- liquid manure
- manure
- fermentation residues
- Solid fertilizer
- Lime (if required)
Weed control
- Mechanical (harrow)
- Plant protection (sprayer)
Rolling
- After sowing → optimum sowing position
- Bonus: +2,5 %
Remove stones
FS25 simulates stones in the soil:
- Small stones → Roller
- Large stones → Stone lifter
5. harvesting & post-processing
Harvest time
Depending on crop & season (if activated).
Cereals are harvested with combine harvesters, corn & sunflowers with special headers.
Straw & by-products
- Straw baling
- Chopping for field fertilization
- Silage from grass/corn
Post-harvest processing
Follow up after the harvest:
- remove stones
- plowing/cultivating
- liming
- reseeding
6. optimized work processes (professional strategies)
Strategy 1: Fast cycle (beginners)
- Cultivating → Sowing → Fertilizing 1/2 → Fertilizing 2/2 → Harvesting
Strategy 2: Maximum yield (pro)
- Ploughing → Liming → Sowing → Rolling → Fertilizing 1/2 → Weeding → Fertilizing 2/2 → Harvesting → Stones out
Strategy 3: Minimum effort (direct sowing)
- Sowing (direct sowing) → Rolling → Fertilizing 1/2 → Fertilizing 2/2 → Harvesting
7. comparison table: methods & yield bonuses
| Method | Bonus / Effect | Effort | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plowing | +15 % yield | High | Mandatory after maize/beet/potatoes |
| Cultivating | No bonus | Medium | Good after lighter crops |
| No-till | Saves cultivating | Low | Ideal for fast cycle |
| Rolling | +2.5 % yield | Low | Always after sowing |
| Fertilization (2×) | +50 % total bonus | Medium | Indispensable! |
| Remove weeds | +20 % | Medium | Important in midgame |
| Liming | Necessary soil care | Medium | As required |
Conclusion
With the right combination of tillage, sowing, care and fertilization, maximum yields can be achieved in FS25. Arable farming is complex, but easy to master with clear processes - especially with no-till strategies and consistent fertilization.
