What Is a Plow?
A plow is an implement designed for digging up soil, commonly referred to as a plow. It is typically attached to a tractor for operation.
When using a plow, allows for the deep and extensive turning of soil. It consists of a disc called the colter, followed by a share known as the bottom, which drags the soil. The bottom can be adjusted in number (from 1 to 7) to match the scale of the field or paddy. While it efficiently turns over large areas, reaching a depth of 40cm, subsequent leveling is often required.
Plows have been employed as agricultural tools since ancient times, initially drawn by oxen, later replaced by horses, and eventually evolving into steam engines in industrialized nations. Today, tractors with built-in engines are commonly used.
Uses of Plow
Plows are utilized for cultivating soil during seeding and planting in large fields and paddies. Due to their ability to dig deep, they bring nutrient-rich soil to the surface, burying upper-layer leaves and roots, resulting in fertile soil. This helps improve soil fertility, increase compost content, and promote the growth of healthy crops.
Moreover, plows can be used in areas with compacted soil or rocks. The act of turning the soil with a plow not only eradicates pest eggs and larvae but also contributes to the creation of well-draining soil.
In recent years, in regions experiencing significant soil erosion, the use of plows has been limited. Additionally, outside agriculture, plows find applications in laying underwater cables, exploring seabed oil, and installing pipelines in lakebeds.
Characteristics of Plow
Advantages
1. Reversal Effect
Plowing with a plow enables deeper cultivation compared to rotary cultivators. This facilitates the exchange of upper and lower soil layers, creating favorable conditions for crop growth.
Incorporating compost and organic matter enhances microbial activity, contributing to increased soil fertility. Furthermore, the ability to bury weed seeds, surface pathogens, and pests deep in the soil helps suppress weed growth, diseases, and pest damage.
2. Crushing Effect
Deep plowing with a plow allows for the breakdown of field tillage. This helps create pathways for water and air, improving drainage. It also encourages crops’ roots to grow deeper, enhancing nutrient absorption and robust crop development.
Disadvantages
1. Formation of Plow Pan
Despite the advantages mentioned above, in large fields using heavy machinery, plow pans, or soil compaction due to machine pressure, may occur.
Additionally, when the plowed soil is overturned, the once-firm soil now at the top may become compacted, reducing soil porosity and negatively impacting drainage.
2. Soil Degradation
Unnecessary plowing has the potential to degrade the soil. Returning upper-layer soil to the lower layers necessitates rebuilding the soil structure and may result in the displacement of previously well-prepared soil enriched with compost.
Types of Plows
Plows are classified into three types based on the difference in the inversion mechanism:
1. Moldboard Plow (Bottom Plow)
Commonly referred to as a plow, it comes in variations such as one-way plows, reversible plows, hillside plows, and furrow plows based on operational methods. They are further classified for specific purposes, such as paddy field plows and deep plowing plows.
2. Disk Plow
Disk plows involve rotating disks for soil inversion. The rotating disks allow for overcoming obstacles like stones in the soil, preventing machine damage.
3. Chisel Plow
Chisel plows utilize chisel-tipped tines to scratch and till the soil. Known for their high working speed, they are suitable for efficient rough tillage.
How to Choose a Plow
Choosing the right plow depends on the application and tractor horsepower. For deep cultivation and effective incorporation of compost or organic matter, a moldboard plow is suitable. Disk plows are effective for dry soil inversion and burying tree stumps, while chisel plows are efficient for rapid rough tillage.
How to Use a Plow
Plows are generally operated by moving back and forth across the field. The way the soil responds varies based on soil quality and working speed, necessitating adjustments in speed, depth, and other factors as needed. Setting a target plowing depth beforehand and making adjustments accordingly is recommended.