An apparatus for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds is described comprising a frame (8)； a first row of deep loosening tines (4) carried by the frame and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame (8)； and a second row of drill coulters (5) carried by the frame (8) and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame, &mdash；wherein a deep loosening tine (4) of the first row is aligned with at least one pair of drill counters (5) of the second row, in such a manner that each coulter (5) of the pair is laterally offset either side of the deep loosening tine (4). A method for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds using such an apparatus is also described.
