How To Plow A Field - Wukihow

How to Plow a Field Explore this Article methods 1 Preparing to Plow 2 Plowing by Hand 3 Plowing with a Machine Tiller 4 Plowing with an Animal Plow 5 Plowing with a Tractor + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary X

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Plowing (sometimes spelled "ploughing") is the process of turning over and loosening the top layer of soil. This makes it easier for seedling crops to take root and has the added benefit of removing crop residue and weeds. There are many different ways to plow. Depending on the equipment you have and the size of your field, you may need to use anything from a tractor-pulled plowing rig to a simple spade and rake.

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   2 Check your equipment. This is important if using a tractor or other mechanized plowing machine. Make sure all parts are in good working order following winter storage. Top off any fluids or lubricants and make sure the tires have adequate pressure.
   • If plowing by hand or using animal plowing, make sure the blades are straight and that whoever/whatever is pulling the plow is healthy and strong.
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   2 Rake the ground. Once you've tilled your plot into rows, go back over your work with a rake. Use the rake to break up large soil clods, loosening the soil so that it can accept seeds. You'll want this loose, broken-up soil to extend about two inches deep.
   • For most crops, aim to break the soil into clumps smaller than the size of a dime.
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   2 Pick an appropriate tilling depth and speed. Almost all mechanical tillers allow you to adjust these settings with controls on the unit. As a general rule, harder, compacted soils require slower, shallower plowing. Tilling too deep or too fast in this soil can overwork the motor. For established beds, you can use deeper, faster tilling.
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   4 If you can, switch out plow blades to get good furrows. There are a few different ways to get straight, properly-spaced furrows when you're working with an animal plow. Here is one versatile method that uses a type of plow called a "turning plow" as well as a different variety called a Georgia stock plow:
   • First, use the turning plow to make two furrows with about 12 inches of unplowed space in between.
   • Next, plow about 4 inches inside the balk (the unplowed space). Do the same on the other side so you are left with about 4 inches of unplowed space in the middle.
   • When your whole field is tilled this way, switch to a Georgia stock plow with a 20-inch sweep. Plow right through the middle of the balk. You will be left with neat, orderly trenches you can drop your seeds into.

This is the fastest, least labor-intensive option, though the equipment is expensive. This method is best for larger fields that can't be plowed with the methods above. See also: How to Plow With Two Row Cultivators

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   3 Plow in even rows. Position your tractor with the plowing rig hitched behind it in the corner of your field. Start plowing your field in rows, using the hydraulic controls to lower the plows into the dirt. When you reach the end of a row, raise the plows out of the ground as you turn, then lower them again for the next row.
   • When using a tractor, you want to space out your furrows carefully because these will be the low, wet spots in the field. After you plow each row, there will be a rut at the one side of where you just plowed. When you turn around, your inside tractor's tire should go into this rut. The next swipe should plow the dirt from the next row over into that rut, covering it up.
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