When to plow the land. Plowing the land: step by step instructions. Correct plowing in autumn and spring

Foreword

Less and less often, you can see a summer resident with a shovel in his hands, scattering clods of earth with weeds around him. This is harmful to the garden and the person himself. How to replace manual labor with mechanical labor?

Ensuring a high level of productivity largely depends on the quality of the work carried out on plowing the land. In the old days, this procedure was extremely time consuming and took more than one week. Now the work of business executives has been greatly simplified, since with the help of a walk-behind tractor or a motor-cultivator, a plot of a vast area can be plowed in literally a few hours. Working with this technique has its own rules and characteristics.

Plowing a large area with a motor-cultivator

Many novice farmers are wondering what is the difference between? According to knowledgeable people, there are no fundamental differences between these two agricultural devices. However, some features can be highlighted. The cultivator is a mechanism for cultivating the land for subsequent crops, improving the soil structure and ensuring the optimal level of mixing the soil with the fertilizers applied to it. Motoblocks, in addition to soil cultivation, can perform a number of additional work on mowing grass, planting, hilling a vegetable garden, harvesting or cleaning the site from dried foliage.

Thus, the walk-behind tractor is characterized by wider functionality in comparison with a motor-cultivator, and it also has more power, which is important when mastering virgin lands, for example. But the weight of the cultivator is much less than that of the walk-behind tractor, and it is much easier to work with this type of equipment and requires less physical effort. This device is also much cheaper. Therefore, if we are talking about carrying out exclusively arable work on a plot of a relatively small area, then many business executives, choosing between two types of equipment, prefer a motorized cultivator.

The method of mechanical tillage in comparison with the traditional manual one has a number of indisputable advantages. First of all, when plowing with a walk-behind tractor or a cultivator, much less physical and time costs are required, this increases the level of productivity of agricultural workers dozens of times. Also, thanks to this technique, it becomes possible to carry out a number of additional work in parallel with plowing. For example, you can simultaneously loosen the soil, as well as apply the necessary fertilizers to the soil. In addition, tillage with a walk-behind tractor or a motor-cultivator provides a more uniform and deep plowing of the land, improves its condition and structural quality.

The soil is saturated with a sufficient amount of oxygen and reaches an optimal degree of moisture. In addition, soil cultivation takes place, which slows down the growth and development of weeds. According to statistics, with mechanical plowing, the yield indicators on the cultivated area almost double. You can also plow the land with a tractor. However, this is not available to everyone due to the high cost of this type of equipment. In addition, arable work on a tractor can only be carried out on large and open land plots, near which there are no trees, bushes or buildings.

Plowing the land with a tractor

Despite all the advantages of walk-behind tractors and motor-cultivators, certain disadvantages are inherent in these mechanisms. For example, mechanical tillage is contraindicated in areas filled with weeds with a deep root system. This is due to the fact that during arable work using walk-behind tractors, the surface soil layer falls off to the side, and this contributes to the reproduction of weeds.

In addition, the soil plowed by a walk-behind tractor needs additional processing - harrowing. This problem is especially relevant when working on hard soils. Also, with regular mechanical processing of the land, damage to the fertile soil layer can be observed. The situation can be improved by parallel application of mineral and organic fertilizers to the soil.

In order to get the most favorable results when carrying out arable work using a walk-behind tractor, it is recommended to observe. First of all, it is necessary to correctly adjust the mechanism by adjusting the width and depth of plowing. These indicators largely depend on the area of ​​the cultivated area and the quality characteristics of the soil. However, according to knowledgeable people, there are adjustments that are considered optimal in most cases.

Arable work using a walk-behind tractor

The width of the plowed furrow should be no more than 50-60 cm. As for the plowing depth, its ideal values ​​are 10-15 cm.

When working hard soils, the furrow depth can be increased to 20–25 cm. To do this, it is necessary to achieve such a position of the device so that the plow rests on the ground with its entire base. Otherwise, it will either go deep into the soil, or, on the contrary, be pushed out of it. To attach the plow itself to the mechanism, it must be raised about 15 cm above ground level. Usually, special stands are used for these purposes. It should be emphasized that the quality of subsequent plowing work largely depends on the correct setting of the walk-behind tractor or motor-cultivator before operating it!

First of all, the site must be properly prepared, clearing it of weeds, stones and all kinds of debris. After that, pull the so-called orientation cord along the first row of the platform. This manipulation is necessary in order to make the arable row as even as possible. Then prepare the machine. To check how correct the adjustments have been made, it is recommended to plow a test plot of a minimum area. Moving to the main area, place the walk-behind tractor or cultivator at the beginning of the furrow.

Cultivator cultivating a trial plot of a minimum area

When starting plowing work, slightly deepen the machine into the soil, slightly pressing it downwards. Next, follow the walk-behind tractor along the orientation cord, holding the handles of the walk-behind tractor. Make sure that the machine runs in a straight line and do not allow it to sink excessively into the soil. When the furrow reaches the end, make a U-turn and continue plowing in the opposite direction. For the most uniform soil cultivation, it is necessary to ensure that the speed of movement of the mechanism is low, and the speed of rotation of its cutters, on the contrary, is high enough.

When carrying out arable work, you can move both in a circle and in a zigzag manner. We can say that everything depends on your personal preferences, only experienced specialists advise taking into account the shape of the area to be treated. If the site is rectangular, then circular plowing is ideal. Owners of a square plot are advised to give preference to a zigzag digging. When cultivating a vegetable garden, it is best to create beds along the perimeter of the site and place them parallel to each other. This will facilitate the process of plowing and subsequent planting work.

In addition, many business executives are faced with such a problem as excessively hard soil, which cannot be processed even with the help of special equipment, this is often characteristic of virgin lands. What can be done in this case? Knowledgeable people advise adhering to a system of phased tillage. Also, the earth becomes softer and more pliable when it is wet. Therefore, carry out arable work either after heavy rainfall, or after making preliminary intensive watering. In addition, you can try to develop a virgin soil layer using a walk-behind milling cutter. To do this, walk along the same strip several times in a row, gradually deepening the apparatus into the soil.

When the work is finished, take care to clear the mechanism of earth, grass and other debris. Then rinse it with water and dry thoroughly. This is necessary to ensure the longest and most reliable operation of the walk-behind tractor or motor-cultivator!

A modern gardener or summer resident simply cannot do without plowing the land. The soil needs proper care, and for this she thanks a generous harvest.

Plowing the land with a tractor

The use of modern mechanized means allows you to carry out soil cultivation much faster and easier. Forks and shovels have been replaced by efficient, modern technology.

Plowing the land with a tractor is much faster, and in the midst of spring work, as a rule, every day counts, since the soil dries out quickly after the snow melts. During this period, it is very important not to miss the processing time. Early cultivation of the soil with a tractor can lead to rather unfavorable consequences - after drying, the soil will be hard and stony. Delaying the processing time will lead to evaporation and blowing out of moisture, which will negatively affect the germination of crops, since there will be a lack of moisture.

Why plow the land?

Plowing the land with a tractor is loosening in order to improve its fertility. Autumn plowing before winter is performed to saturate the soil with oxygen, ensure freezing of weeds, and also destroy the underground passages of rodents. Previously, the peasants called it winter plowing, since the land was cultivated when the first frosts came, that is, when it was freezing, so to speak. On the surface, together with clods of earth, the larvae of various pests appear, which die from the cold, and the underground passages of rodents are destroyed. In addition, loose soil absorbs moisture much better, and this will have a positive effect on fertility next season. And in order for the result to be even better, it is recommended to apply fertilizers during plowing.

In summer or spring, the land is plowed with a milling cutter with a tractor to loosen the soil before planting. The depth of arable work usually depends on the crops that will be planted in the area. Root crops require deeper plowing, but for cereal plants it is not needed.

Correct plowing of the land with a tractor will help not only to loosen the soil, but also prevent erosion processes, salinization.

Benefits of mechanized land cultivation

The advantages of tillage with a tractor include:

  • the possibility of processing large areas of land in a short time;
  • a high degree of soil saturation with oxygen;
  • deep processing, allowing you to turn the soil layer;
  • significant increase in the productivity of the work performed;
  • reducing the labor intensity of plowing and human efforts;
  • the emergence of the possibility of combining the performance of several operations, for example, plowing the land with the introduction of fertilizers into it.

Flaws

Despite the many obvious advantages of using technology, it is advisable to use the tractor not in all areas, since after mechanized plowing, harrowing is necessary. In addition, the use of technology in areas infested with weeds leads to even greater clogging, because plowing is carried out in a moldboard method and weed seeds are spread throughout the area. That is why, before using a tractor on your site, it is necessary to take into account all the above factors.

Tractor plowing services

The cost of plowing the soil depends on the geometry and area of ​​the site, as well as the type of equipment used, be it a walk-behind tractor or a tractor. By the way, the choice of equipment for performing arable work requires a certain experience - the use of too heavy agricultural equipment will only, so to speak, clog the ground, but too light may not cope with the task at hand.

The plow tractor is endowed with great power, so it can be used on large land plots. It is especially advantageous to plow the land with a tractor (the price per one hundred square meters averages 1,500 rubles) if it is on a virgin land plot, that is, soil that has not been dug for many years.

Types of land cultivation

The main cultivation of the soil includes various types of plowing (plow with a blade, plowless plow, flat cutters), cultivation, harrowing.

Plowing with a tractor provides loosening with simultaneous laying of plant residues and peat, humus). For this, different plows are used, differing in the shape of the blade. Loosening, turning of the arable layer of the earth, crumbling largely depends on the shape of the plow.

When using a moldboardless plow, the soil is plowed to a depth of 30 cm without wrapping the layer. Experts recommend such deep plowing every 3 or 4 years, especially in the driest areas. This will help prevent moisture loss.

To enrich the soil with organic fertilizers in between, it is cultivated with the help of which relieves the earth of weeds, loosens the top layer of the soil, and increases productivity.

There are advantages in cultural plowing with a skimmer plow. It makes it possible to carry out separate cultivation of the upper and lower soil layers, as a result of which almost all weeds are destroyed, since all plant residues, seeds and roots are embedded deep into the plowing.

Foreword

Today, there are many ways to plow a large field or a small area, for which different types of plows are used, and it is useful to know the features of the application of each method.

Why plow the land?

For sowing a field with cereals or seeds of various vegetable crops, or for planting potatoes, it is necessary to prepare the so-called "seedbed", that is, a layer of well-loosened soil. But, according to the requirements of modern agronomy, it is not enough just to crush the fertile soil, it is necessary to mix several layers of it to a depth sufficient for sowing. Moreover, so that a solid plow sole does not form below the loose subsurface horizon, which will prevent the absorption of rainwater.

It is for moving and turning over various layers of soil, as well as breaking up large clods, that various types of plows are used, providing for various methods of plowing. The choice of this or that method of cultivating the land depends on what weeds, diseases or pests can overcome the arable land (according to the situation, the option of seam turnover is chosen), what depth of loosening is necessary. In particular, some methods serve to protect the soil from wind erosion, snow retention, and accumulation of melt water.

Types of plows used

In large farms, as well as in the armament of enterprises engaged in agricultural activities, there are many different attachments, and among other things, as a rule, several types of plows. They differ primarily in design: plowshares, rotary, disc, as well as combined and chisel (which do not have dumps and are designed for plowing without turnover of soil layers).

As for the rest, plowshares have been the most widely used since ancient times, and are based on plowshares, in rotary working body is a rotating drum with blades or blades. The name of the disc plow speaks for itself, as well as the combined rotary share plow. Each of the above agricultural implements for reversible plowing of the land is of different models, which are divided into semi-mounted, mounted and trailed according to the type of connection.

According to the purpose, the plows are divided into a larger number of types: cultural plowshare, semi-screw and screw (simple and with offset), cut-out, plows with a soil deepener and for rhombic plowing... All of the above equipment is based on a ploughshare, the shape of which depends on the required method of wrapping the arable soil layer, as well as often additional devices for various types of plowing.

So, for example, a conventional cultivated share plow body is a classic type, in the design of which there is only a tine, a blade and a lower share. The semi-screw is supplemented with a field board located behind the working surface of the share, as well as an extension blade at the rear of the blade. The screw plow is equipped with a circular knife, this tool is located in front of the ploughshare body and is designed for preliminary cutting of the soil.

The screw-type one with an offset angle is supplemented with a device specified in the name of the plow located in the upper part of the blade, a chisel on the front edge of the share and a vertical shark fin-type knife installed above it. The plow for rhombic plowing of the soil has a vertical share in the front part of the blade. Also, a plowing tool is often supplemented with a soil deepener on a separate stand, in the lower part of which a cone-shaped loosening share is attached horizontally on the bracket.

The cut-out plow is equipped with two plowshares, lower and upper, between them a shield is installed, as an extension of the blade, the leading edge of which serves to cut the soil. The ploughshare knives themselves have several shapes. The most common is the trapezoidal type; the chisel type, notched and ploughshare equipped with a retractable chisel are also widely used.

Plowing methods of land allotment

Perhaps the simplest and most common method of soil cultivation with a plow is plowing virgin lands with a full rotation of the cut soil layer, for which a screw share tool is used. This type of field preparation for sowing is used in order to completely eliminate weeds in the area, which, after overturning the layer, ends up at the bottom of the furrow under the soil layer.

The roots facing upward can no longer pump moisture from the soil and provide the stem with the substances necessary for growth, as a result of which the weed dies, eventually turning into humus. This method is only possible if the formation width is 2 times the thickness. The technology is very similar in technology to the method of plowing with a seam uplift, for its implementation the same screw tool is needed, but the result will be only if the seam width is less than the thickness. This type of soil turnover is performed to obtain the largest land area open to the sun and wind.

However, with a high level of sodding of the soil, part of the vegetation cover remains almost on the surface, between the ridges formed from the inverted layers. And the voids left at the bottom violate the mode of movement of moisture and air in the ground. To avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the considered plowing method, the share tool is equipped with a scraper, which cuts off the three-edged part of the seam and throws it into the furrow.

Cultural plowing of the land is carried out with a plow with the appropriate name, the surface of the dump of which has a pronounced cylindrical bend, and a skimmer must be installed in front. This method of soil cultivation is used in old arable fields, where the overturned horizon is not divided into layers, but is crumbled into small fractions. The skimmer cuts a small prism in the ground, which, together with the layer, is turned over by the plow blade and falls to the bottom of the furrow, after which the crumbled layer falls asleep on top of it. Thus, the sod is completely isolated in the soil and gradually forms a layer of humus.

In a similar way, two-level plowing is carried out, for which it is necessary that the width of the skimmer be equal to the gripping zone of the main plow. Then the auxiliary tool will cut off a small layer of soil, and the following share will overturn the lower horizon. As a result, the sod will also end up in the depths of the soil, increasing the fertile layer, and the layer cut off by the plow, scattering into clods, forms a flat, loose surface on top. This method is very convenient in areas designated for planting beets or cotton.

Very often, spring plowing of hard soil is carried out in several passes, and in this case, the tractor has to be driven along a strip of already loosened soil. To increase the efficiency of furrow formation, special plows with two plowshares, horizontal and vertical, are used. Such a tool forms layers, which in their cross section resemble a diamond, and provides a wide furrow, sufficient for the passage of the right rear tractor wheel. Actually, this is how the method of soil cultivation is called - rhombic plowing.

Particular attention should be paid to the fertile horizon on which is very thin.

The following types of plowing are used, in order to avoid depletion of the soil and to increase the thickness of the cultivated layer: a plow with a cut-out body, as well as an ordinary share, but with a soil deepener. The first method allows you to loosen the podzolic layer without lifting it from the depth of the furrow, but only partially mixing it with the sod, which gradually increases the thickness of the fertile horizon. The use of a soil deepener generally excludes mixing of layers and is performed to loosen podzolic soil, in which, after processing, soil-forming processes begin, leading to its cultivation.

Land cultivation without wrapping the topsoil

Today, more and more opponents of the full turnover of the fertile soil layer appear, since plowing is always a violation of natural processes in the soil. In particular, microorganisms that contribute to soil formation without human participation die in large quantities. In order to avoid the invasion of the cultivated soil horizon into the biosphere, more and more often, when cultivating agricultural plots, they switch to agriculture without plowing.

This method of cultivation of fields provides only loosening to the required depth without the formation and wrapping of soil layers. In traditional plowing, plowshares with dumps are used, which turn out rather large layers of soil, up to full or partial turnover, and at the same time close the sod to the bottom of the furrow. Further, harrowing is necessary to crush the earth, which, due to precipitation, significantly settles and compresses. Land cultivation, carried out without plowing, on the contrary, makes the soil looser, which provides better access to moisture without disturbing the soil ecosystem.

The tool that is suitable for this kind of work is the chisel plow with plowshares without dumps. After it, the passage is carried out without fail with disc cultivators. It should be taken into account that plowing-free plowing is not applicable everywhere, in particular, it is not advisable to use the cultivation of fields with stubble plows on lands subject to wind erosion due to the destruction of stubble.

Another option for cultivating the soil without turning the layers is with the help of flat cutters. Such a tool carries out deep loosening, which gives a positive result, both on and in the steppe regions with high wind erosion of the soil, where it is very important to keep the stubble intact. Pliers only slightly touch the top layer of the earth, thus preserving plant residues, which protect the soil from weathering, and also retain moisture in it. Thanks to this approach, the soil resistance to erosion increases over time, and the fertile layer becomes thicker.

And, finally, it is worth mentioning the no-till method or, otherwise, No-Till, that is, the soil is not only not plowed, but also not loosened at all. More precisely, a one-time pre-treatment with cultivators is carried out to level the surface of the site. The field is then covered with mulch, for example straw chopped to a certain size or chopped corn stalks. A thick layer of such a cover prevents the growth of weeds, which do not receive sunlight and die.

Planting crops in such a field is carried out using special seeders, which immerse the grain to a certain depth. The disadvantage of this method is the need for a large amount of herbicides.

First, you need to figure out how many times a year you need to plow the land and what are the benefits of each plowing? The main plowing of the land should be carried out in the fall.

This procedure is called winter plowing - it should be started during the first frost, i.e. when the ground starts to chill. The main advantage of such treatment is the death of the larvae of all kinds of pests that have climbed into the soil for wintering. Also, during the fall, the land intensively absorbs moisture, which has a very good effect on its fertility in the next season.

If the main plowing of the land is carried out in the spring, then this can lead to the appearance of harmful organisms and fungi on the surface of the earth, which threatens the contamination of cultivated crops with all kinds of diseases. The beneficial bacteria, which the top layer of the earth is rich in, on the contrary, may end up in the depths and die. Autumn plowing retains beneficial bacteria in such a way that they are fully restored with the arrival of spring, which is so necessary for the crops grown.

In the spring, it is better to harrow the soil. This should be done immediately, as soon as the topmost layer of the earth dries out a little. Thus, you can save all the necessary moisture that has accumulated in the soil during the winter.

It should also be remembered that it is necessary to plow the land in the fall with the use of organic fertilizers. Burnt straw or manure can be used as organic matter. A prerequisite for the use of such fertilizer is that straw or manure must "burn out" at least within a year. Fresh manure can, when added to the soil, can significantly damage and destroy all nutrients and organisms that are necessary for proper and good growth of crops.

It is best to turn to professionals for plowing the land, who will do all the necessary work very efficiently and exactly at the time when it is needed. Possessing all the necessary equipment and knowledge, they will plow in accordance with all the rules, without spoiling the top fertile layer of the soil. It will also be profitable economically, since you can always find the best way to cultivate the land with minimal costs.

Why is plowing the land necessary?

The main problem of the soil, especially in humid climates, is salinity. Salt in the soil accumulates due to excessive moisture - when the top layer has time to dry out, and the bottom layer of the soil is constantly wet. Since water contains a certain amount of salt, it accumulates in the soil if the soil is not plowed in time and the soil is not allowed to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen, which is also necessary for the normal development of beneficial bacteria.

It is also very important to plow the land correctly - this will help to avoid the emergence and development of soil erosion. Soil erosion can occur due to excessive moisture, which can lead to the leaching of all essential minerals and microorganisms from it. Frequent use of heavy agricultural machinery can also negatively affect the condition of the soil. Heavy machinery contributes to excessive soil compaction, which in most cases leads to the death of beneficial microorganisms and a subsequent decrease in yield.

If the cultivated soil is too clayey, then peat can be added during plowing. Peat loosens the soil well, makes it darker, which will allow the soil to warm up better in spring.

It should be remembered that the autumn plowing of the land must be carried out to a greater depth than in the spring. If you plan to grow root crops in your field, this will be a prerequisite for their good development. For the cultivation of cereal plants, deep plowing may either not be necessary at all, or it can be carried out once every several years - to renew the surface of the fertile soil layer.

For correct and high-quality plowing of the land, you need to have the necessary knowledge so that, instead of benefit, you do not harm the land. The use of specialized equipment is also necessary. Farming equipment that is too heavy can damage the soil, while equipment that is too light will most likely fail.

By contacting our company, you can no longer worry about conducting high-quality and correct. We will do all the necessary complex of works that will allow you to effectively grow certain agricultural crops on your land. Also, our specialists will do all the work exactly at the time when it is really necessary and useful for the land.

Plowing the land is not an easy thing to do. Entrust the work to people who know and are able to do a lot in this area.

Plowing the land in a dream yourself on a tractor or plow, seeing it plowed and sown is one of the successful signs. Especially if you dreamed about fertile soil. Dream Interpretations say that the dreamer is in an active search for business partners, marriage. The larger the plowed field, the more chances of success there will be. Detailed answers to what arable land is dreaming of can be found in famous interpreters.

A psychologist known for his predictions, he considers why he dreams of plowing the land in two ways. His dream book claims that the soil plowed up by a plow or on a tractor means despair from the piled mountain of work. At the same time, he urges not to lose hope of gaining a well-deserved reward and profit for their work.

Interpretations of a dream about a plowed field from a famous psychologist:

  • to follow the plow yourself - to a large amount of work, difficulties;
  • working on a tractor - there is a reason to start your own business;
  • to see plowmen - to the implementation of creative projects;
  • sowing arable land in person - to a generous reward, achieving goals.

Feel free to start your own business

If you happened to plow the land, see the arable land on which birds walk, plant plants in a dream - know that there will be no better omen for the implementation of your own project. Dream Interpretations recommend starting to embody even the most daring ideas. Long-standing expectations will come true if you dreamed that all the sowing work fell on you.

Unexpected joy, great profit, a fruitful year - exactly what you dream of plowing and harrowing virgin soil. The forecasters are unanimous here: they urge to cast aside doubts and get close to large projects.

Take care of your personal life urgently

A cornfield plowed in a dream symbolizes fertility. If a girl dreamed about her, it’s time to think about the birth of a child. Women's dream books talk about the readiness of young people to get married and start procreation. Plowing the land, walking on it barefoot - to an established intimate life.

The famous psychologist Freud draws a clear parallel between the plowed area and the genitals. He explains in detail why he dreams of digging, plowing, planting. According to his forecasts, changes in intimate life will not be long in coming. And most importantly - they will all be only in a positive direction.

When to watch out

To plow the earth and fall under it in a dream is bad. A dream means the onset of a disease. If you dreamed that you were stuck, or you just can't get out of the plowing area, be attentive to your well-being, rest more often and be in the fresh air.

Dream books predict conflicts with children for those who saw barren virgin lands in a dream and could not plow the land for a long time.