Moldboard Plow and Tillage Implements

Moldboard Plow

• A type of plow used for inverting soil, which helps to bury crop residues and control weeds, improve soil structure, and increase aeration.
• The moldboard is the curved metal plate that's used to turn the soil.
• It's usually attached to a plow frame, which is then mounted to a tractor using a three-point hitch.
• The share is the sharp cutting blade that cuts through the soil.
• The landside is the vertical metal plate which prevents the plow from being dragged sideways.

Tillage Implement

• A type of agricultural implement used for breaking up the soil, turning it over, and preparing it for planting.
• There are many different types of tillage implements, such as:
  • Moldboard plow: Inverts the soil like described above.
  • Disc plow: Uses discs to cut and turn the soil.
  • Chisel plow: Provides deep tillage, breaking up compacted layers without inversion.
  • Rotary tiller (rotary hoe): Rotates to chop and mix soil for fine tilth.

Field Operations

• Primary tillage: Initiates the soil preparation process, such as plowing to break up the soil for preparation.
• Secondary tillage: Further refines the soil after primary tillage using implements like disc harrows or rotary hoes.
• Residue processing: Deals with crop residues, which may need to be broken down before seeding new crops.
• Subsoiling: Deep tillage specifically to break up hardpans below the planting depth.

Tractor Features

• Three-point hitch: A system used to connect implements to tractors.
• Drawbar hp: The horsepower measured at the tractor's drawbar, representing actual pulling power.
• Engine power: The horsepower measured at the engine's crankshaft, representing total engine capability.
• Continuous brake power: The maximum horsepower that the tractor can provide continuously at the crankshaft before reaching peak operating temperature.

Soil Parameters

• Soil abrasion: The friction caused by tilling tools against the soil.
• Soil adhesion: The tendency of soil to stick to tilling tools, increasing resistance.
• Mechanical impedance: The force that soil exerts against moving objects, like plant roots or tillage tools.

Sprayer

• Power sprayer: A type of sprayer used to apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
• Wheel-mounted power sprayer: A type of power sprayer that is mounted on wheels.
• Frame-mounted power sprayer: A type of power sprayer that is mounted on a frame that can be attached to a tractor.