Blog
Cultivation at significant depths, loosening soil without inversion
Plow Sole - Definition
Subsoiling Explained
Tools for Deep Loosening
Assessing Soil Compaction: Methods
Benefits of Subsoiling
Impact on Crop Quality
Indicators for Necessary Subsoiling
Field Subsoiling Guidelines
Variants of Work Items
Optimal Working Depth
Key Considerations when Loosening
Subsoiler versus Plow
Choosing the Right Subsoiler. Advantages of Deep Loosening
Depreciation of Work Items Types
Plow sole - what is it?
An example of an excessively compacted soil layer is the plow sole, regarded as a soil disease, typically found at a depth of 25-30 cm with a thickness of up to 15 cm. Plow sole does not develop within a single year but results from repeated tillage errors. Interestingly, it appears not only in plowed cultivation but also in no-plough cultivation. Research indicates that even two years after subsoiling, the soil exhibits improved physical and water properties. The use of subsoiling in conditions of excessive soil compaction in the subsoil layer enables the elimination of plow tillage and adherence to conservation tillage principles using mulching.
What is Subsoiling?
Subsoiling is an agro-ameliorative cultivation procedure performed with a subsoiler to regulate the air-water relations of the soil in the layer utilized by plant roots. It can be applied to various soil types but is most commonly used where water movement and root system development are restricted within the soil profile, such as in medium or heavy soils with highly compacted and impermeable deeper layers, and in the presence of a plow sole. Light soils with excessively compact subsoil layers undergo subsoiling less frequently. This often underestimated procedure is necessary on soils where water remains for extended periods in spring and after heavy rainfall during the growing season.
The issue of excessive soil compaction
The use of tractors and agricultural machinery causes soil compaction, altering its physical properties, water and humus balance, and crop growth dynamics. Soil with an improper structure exhibits lower water and air permeability, and its biological and chemical activity declines, hindering plant root development compared to soil with a good structure. This issue especially affects crops like sugar beets and vegetables, which require frequent agrotechnical treatments. Consequently, a compact layer of subsoil, known as a plow sole, often forms at a depth of 30-40 cm. Annual plowing at the same depth exacerbates this unfavorable condition, as the plow chisel, plow skid, and tractor wheels further compact the soil, particularly in the furrow.
Reducing the number of passes
It is advisable to minimize the number of field passes by utilizing multifunctional tillage machines with numerous plow elements in a single pass, such as the U 436 cultivator for no-plow soil cultivation and various other Rolmako devices that reduce field passes. Additionally, effort should be made to decrease the slippage of drive wheels by using wide tires, twin wheels, and lowering tire pressure. For example, twin wheels on heavy soils facilitate timely work completion even with higher soil moisture. The compaction of the topsoil is affected by this, with significant soil hardening occurring during the harvesting of crops like sugar beets and carrots, which is typically done in late autumn when soil moisture content is high.
A simple-to-build agricultural machine with high efficiency
Subsoiling is an effective method for removing compactions in the soil and restoring it to its initial state desired by the agricultural producer. The most favorable period is the time before pre-sowing or post-harvest work. It is recommended to perform subsoiling at intervals of approximately three to four years. The subsoiler is a straightforward agricultural machine with a working unit in the form of tines with chisels at the end. The plow elements reach deep into the soil, moving even those parts that were not affected by plowing. The depth to which the chisels penetrate is up to 40-60 cm, which will loosen even the most compacted soil.
Rolmako subsoiling tools:
- Subsoiler U 602
- Subsoiler U 608
- Subsoiler U 614
- Subsoiler U 619
- Light chisel plough U 624
- Multi-purpose subsoiler U 638
- Subsoiler with the coupler U 632.
Subsoiler - An Underestimated Agricultural Machine
Soil compaction occurs progressively during field work and is exacerbated by the heavy structure of the soil, which loses its permeable and aerating properties. As a result, water clusters form, causing unfavorable processes. How can this be prevented? The simplest and most effective method is deep loosening. Subsoiling, performed with subsoilers, involves dragging tines immersed at a depth of 40-60 cm into the soil. This results in the crumbling of hard layers of earth around the chisel trace without turning it over. This breaks the impermeable layers, facilitates air access, improves the absorption and drainage of excess gravity rainwater, and enhances the operation of the drainage system.
Advantages of Deep Loosening
Deep soil penetration enhances water-air relations, crucial for all crops. The benefits of the treatment include improved water seepage from deeper layers, increased soil permeability during heavy rainfall or spring thaws, and thorough aeration. Subsoiling offers long-term benefits, lasting multiple years depending on soil type and agrotechnics. Breaking the hard layer of earth improves water absorption from rainfall, retention in the soil, and facilitates plant survival during droughts.
Why is subsoiling worthwhile?
The use of simplified cultivation techniques can disrupt the natural soil structure. Excessive compaction hinders proper water and air flow in both directions. Therefore, to achieve high yields, consider soil loosening. Deep soil loosening can halve water absorption capacity. Rapid water flow is crucial both on flat areas—to reduce flooding, which promotes root diseases—and on slopes, as it prevents the erosion of the topsoil layer.
Impact on crop quality?
Subsoiling is classified as an agro-amelioration treatment. Maintaining appropriate water management is the primary goal of this process. A plow sole is typically associated with a subsoiler. Its negative impact on the proper development of root systems is particularly evident when harvesting root crops, whose tap roots cannot penetrate the hard substrate and become deformed. This results in lower yields. Deep-rooted plants (sugar beets, alfalfa, potatoes, vegetables) respond most to subsoiling.
When is subsoiling necessary?
The factor determining the use of a subsoiler is ponding water in spring or during rainfall, coupled with the inability to work at an appropriate depth with standard machines. Soil compaction caused by tractors and agricultural machines can reach up to 60 cm. This alters the physical properties of the soil, water, and humus balance, thereby worsening the nutritional conditions of plants. Additionally, it hinders the growth and development of roots, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest when the soil is dry. High humidity periods cause the soil to clump more. This procedure is justified only during drought due to improved soil retention. Loosening the soil is also beneficial when recultivating fallow land, pastures, monoculture crops, or plantings for shrubs and trees. Subsoiling post-harvest reduces fuel usage during winter plowing, as plowing can be shallowed to approximately 20 cm without reducing crop yield.
What are the rules for field subsoiling?
A subsoiler is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of the plow sole. Various sources suggest different frequencies for field deepening, commonly every 3-4 years. Recommendations indicate that in no-tillage cultivation, subsoiling may be performed less frequently than in plowed cultivation. However, it is advisable to subsoil each field once every 4 years, regardless of whether it is plowed. Generally, it is beneficial to loosen the soil to 10-15 cm below the maximum cultivation depth, whether by plowing or deeper tillage. If plowing follows subsoiling, it can be shallower by several centimeters, depending on the plowing depth in years without subsoiling. With minimal crop residues, plowing can be done to a depth of 20 cm.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
The issue of excessive soil compaction
The use of tractors and agricultural machinery causes soil compaction, altering its physical properties, water and humus balance, and crop growth dynamics. Soil with an improper structure exhibits lower water and air permeability, and its biological and chemical activity declines, hindering plant root development compared to soil with a good structure. This issue especially affects crops like sugar beets and vegetables, which require frequent agrotechnical treatments. Consequently, a compact layer of subsoil, known as a plow sole, often forms at a depth of 30-40 cm. Annual plowing at the same depth exacerbates this unfavorable condition, as the plow chisel, plow skid, and tractor wheels further compact the soil, particularly in the furrow.
Reducing the number of passes
It is advisable to minimize the number of field passes by utilizing multifunctional tillage machines with numerous plow elements in a single pass, such as the U 436 cultivator for no-plow soil cultivation and various other Rolmako devices that reduce field passes. Additionally, effort should be made to decrease the slippage of drive wheels by using wide tires, twin wheels, and lowering tire pressure. For example, twin wheels on heavy soils facilitate timely work completion even with higher soil moisture. The compaction of the topsoil is affected by this, with significant soil hardening occurring during the harvesting of crops like sugar beets and carrots, which is typically done in late autumn when soil moisture content is high.
A simple-to-build agricultural machine with high efficiency
Subsoiling is an effective method for removing compactions in the soil and restoring it to its initial state desired by the agricultural producer. The most favorable period is the time before pre-sowing or post-harvest work. It is recommended to perform subsoiling at intervals of approximately three to four years. The subsoiler is a straightforward agricultural machine with a working unit in the form of tines with chisels at the end. The plow elements reach deep into the soil, moving even those parts that were not affected by plowing. The depth to which the chisels penetrate is up to 40-60 cm, which will loosen even the most compacted soil.
Rolmako subsoiling tools:
- Subsoiler U 602
- Subsoiler U 608
- Subsoiler U 614
- Subsoiler U 619
- Light chisel plough U 624
- Multi-purpose subsoiler U 638
- Subsoiler with the coupler U 632.
Subsoiler - An Underestimated Agricultural Machine
Soil compaction occurs progressively during field work and is exacerbated by the heavy structure of the soil, which loses its permeable and aerating properties. As a result, water clusters form, causing unfavorable processes. How can this be prevented? The simplest and most effective method is deep loosening. Subsoiling, performed with subsoilers, involves dragging tines immersed at a depth of 40-60 cm into the soil. This results in the crumbling of hard layers of earth around the chisel trace without turning it over. This breaks the impermeable layers, facilitates air access, improves the absorption and drainage of excess gravity rainwater, and enhances the operation of the drainage system.
Advantages of Deep Loosening
Deep soil penetration enhances water-air relations, crucial for all crops. The benefits of the treatment include improved water seepage from deeper layers, increased soil permeability during heavy rainfall or spring thaws, and thorough aeration. Subsoiling offers long-term benefits, lasting multiple years depending on soil type and agrotechnics. Breaking the hard layer of earth improves water absorption from rainfall, retention in the soil, and facilitates plant survival during droughts.
Why is subsoiling worthwhile?
The use of simplified cultivation techniques can disrupt the natural soil structure. Excessive compaction hinders proper water and air flow in both directions. Therefore, to achieve high yields, consider soil loosening. Deep soil loosening can halve water absorption capacity. Rapid water flow is crucial both on flat areas—to reduce flooding, which promotes root diseases—and on slopes, as it prevents the erosion of the topsoil layer.
Impact on crop quality?
Subsoiling is classified as an agro-amelioration treatment. Maintaining appropriate water management is the primary goal of this process. A plow sole is typically associated with a subsoiler. Its negative impact on the proper development of root systems is particularly evident when harvesting root crops, whose tap roots cannot penetrate the hard substrate and become deformed. This results in lower yields. Deep-rooted plants (sugar beets, alfalfa, potatoes, vegetables) respond most to subsoiling.
When is subsoiling necessary?
The factor determining the use of a subsoiler is ponding water in spring or during rainfall, coupled with the inability to work at an appropriate depth with standard machines. Soil compaction caused by tractors and agricultural machines can reach up to 60 cm. This alters the physical properties of the soil, water, and humus balance, thereby worsening the nutritional conditions of plants. Additionally, it hinders the growth and development of roots, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest when the soil is dry. High humidity periods cause the soil to clump more. This procedure is justified only during drought due to improved soil retention. Loosening the soil is also beneficial when recultivating fallow land, pastures, monoculture crops, or plantings for shrubs and trees. Subsoiling post-harvest reduces fuel usage during winter plowing, as plowing can be shallowed to approximately 20 cm without reducing crop yield.
What are the rules for field subsoiling?
A subsoiler is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of the plow sole. Various sources suggest different frequencies for field deepening, commonly every 3-4 years. Recommendations indicate that in no-tillage cultivation, subsoiling may be performed less frequently than in plowed cultivation. However, it is advisable to subsoil each field once every 4 years, regardless of whether it is plowed. Generally, it is beneficial to loosen the soil to 10-15 cm below the maximum cultivation depth, whether by plowing or deeper tillage. If plowing follows subsoiling, it can be shallower by several centimeters, depending on the plowing depth in years without subsoiling. With minimal crop residues, plowing can be done to a depth of 20 cm.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
A simple-to-build agricultural machine with high efficiency
Subsoiling is an effective method for removing compactions in the soil and restoring it to its initial state desired by the agricultural producer. The most favorable period is the time before pre-sowing or post-harvest work. It is recommended to perform subsoiling at intervals of approximately three to four years. The subsoiler is a straightforward agricultural machine with a working unit in the form of tines with chisels at the end. The plow elements reach deep into the soil, moving even those parts that were not affected by plowing. The depth to which the chisels penetrate is up to 40-60 cm, which will loosen even the most compacted soil.
Rolmako subsoiling tools:
- Subsoiler U 602
- Subsoiler U 608
- Subsoiler U 614
- Subsoiler U 619
- Light chisel plough U 624
- Multi-purpose subsoiler U 638
- Subsoiler with the coupler U 632.
Subsoiler - An Underestimated Agricultural Machine
Soil compaction occurs progressively during field work and is exacerbated by the heavy structure of the soil, which loses its permeable and aerating properties. As a result, water clusters form, causing unfavorable processes. How can this be prevented? The simplest and most effective method is deep loosening. Subsoiling, performed with subsoilers, involves dragging tines immersed at a depth of 40-60 cm into the soil. This results in the crumbling of hard layers of earth around the chisel trace without turning it over. This breaks the impermeable layers, facilitates air access, improves the absorption and drainage of excess gravity rainwater, and enhances the operation of the drainage system.
Advantages of Deep Loosening
Deep soil penetration enhances water-air relations, crucial for all crops. The benefits of the treatment include improved water seepage from deeper layers, increased soil permeability during heavy rainfall or spring thaws, and thorough aeration. Subsoiling offers long-term benefits, lasting multiple years depending on soil type and agrotechnics. Breaking the hard layer of earth improves water absorption from rainfall, retention in the soil, and facilitates plant survival during droughts.
Why is subsoiling worthwhile?
The use of simplified cultivation techniques can disrupt the natural soil structure. Excessive compaction hinders proper water and air flow in both directions. Therefore, to achieve high yields, consider soil loosening. Deep soil loosening can halve water absorption capacity. Rapid water flow is crucial both on flat areas—to reduce flooding, which promotes root diseases—and on slopes, as it prevents the erosion of the topsoil layer.
Impact on crop quality?
Subsoiling is classified as an agro-amelioration treatment. Maintaining appropriate water management is the primary goal of this process. A plow sole is typically associated with a subsoiler. Its negative impact on the proper development of root systems is particularly evident when harvesting root crops, whose tap roots cannot penetrate the hard substrate and become deformed. This results in lower yields. Deep-rooted plants (sugar beets, alfalfa, potatoes, vegetables) respond most to subsoiling.
When is subsoiling necessary?
The factor determining the use of a subsoiler is ponding water in spring or during rainfall, coupled with the inability to work at an appropriate depth with standard machines. Soil compaction caused by tractors and agricultural machines can reach up to 60 cm. This alters the physical properties of the soil, water, and humus balance, thereby worsening the nutritional conditions of plants. Additionally, it hinders the growth and development of roots, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest when the soil is dry. High humidity periods cause the soil to clump more. This procedure is justified only during drought due to improved soil retention. Loosening the soil is also beneficial when recultivating fallow land, pastures, monoculture crops, or plantings for shrubs and trees. Subsoiling post-harvest reduces fuel usage during winter plowing, as plowing can be shallowed to approximately 20 cm without reducing crop yield.
What are the rules for field subsoiling?
A subsoiler is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of the plow sole. Various sources suggest different frequencies for field deepening, commonly every 3-4 years. Recommendations indicate that in no-tillage cultivation, subsoiling may be performed less frequently than in plowed cultivation. However, it is advisable to subsoil each field once every 4 years, regardless of whether it is plowed. Generally, it is beneficial to loosen the soil to 10-15 cm below the maximum cultivation depth, whether by plowing or deeper tillage. If plowing follows subsoiling, it can be shallower by several centimeters, depending on the plowing depth in years without subsoiling. With minimal crop residues, plowing can be done to a depth of 20 cm.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Impact on crop quality?
Subsoiling is classified as an agro-amelioration treatment. Maintaining appropriate water management is the primary goal of this process. A plow sole is typically associated with a subsoiler. Its negative impact on the proper development of root systems is particularly evident when harvesting root crops, whose tap roots cannot penetrate the hard substrate and become deformed. This results in lower yields. Deep-rooted plants (sugar beets, alfalfa, potatoes, vegetables) respond most to subsoiling.
When is subsoiling necessary?
The factor determining the use of a subsoiler is ponding water in spring or during rainfall, coupled with the inability to work at an appropriate depth with standard machines. Soil compaction caused by tractors and agricultural machines can reach up to 60 cm. This alters the physical properties of the soil, water, and humus balance, thereby worsening the nutritional conditions of plants. Additionally, it hinders the growth and development of roots, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest when the soil is dry. High humidity periods cause the soil to clump more. This procedure is justified only during drought due to improved soil retention. Loosening the soil is also beneficial when recultivating fallow land, pastures, monoculture crops, or plantings for shrubs and trees. Subsoiling post-harvest reduces fuel usage during winter plowing, as plowing can be shallowed to approximately 20 cm without reducing crop yield.
What are the rules for field subsoiling?
A subsoiler is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of the plow sole. Various sources suggest different frequencies for field deepening, commonly every 3-4 years. Recommendations indicate that in no-tillage cultivation, subsoiling may be performed less frequently than in plowed cultivation. However, it is advisable to subsoil each field once every 4 years, regardless of whether it is plowed. Generally, it is beneficial to loosen the soil to 10-15 cm below the maximum cultivation depth, whether by plowing or deeper tillage. If plowing follows subsoiling, it can be shallower by several centimeters, depending on the plowing depth in years without subsoiling. With minimal crop residues, plowing can be done to a depth of 20 cm.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest
Subsoiling is best performed post-harvest when the soil is dry. High humidity periods cause the soil to clump more. This procedure is justified only during drought due to improved soil retention. Loosening the soil is also beneficial when recultivating fallow land, pastures, monoculture crops, or plantings for shrubs and trees. Subsoiling post-harvest reduces fuel usage during winter plowing, as plowing can be shallowed to approximately 20 cm without reducing crop yield.
What are the rules for field subsoiling?
A subsoiler is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of the plow sole. Various sources suggest different frequencies for field deepening, commonly every 3-4 years. Recommendations indicate that in no-tillage cultivation, subsoiling may be performed less frequently than in plowed cultivation. However, it is advisable to subsoil each field once every 4 years, regardless of whether it is plowed. Generally, it is beneficial to loosen the soil to 10-15 cm below the maximum cultivation depth, whether by plowing or deeper tillage. If plowing follows subsoiling, it can be shallower by several centimeters, depending on the plowing depth in years without subsoiling. With minimal crop residues, plowing can be done to a depth of 20 cm.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Assessment of soil compactness, how to check?
Subsoiling is an energy-intensive procedure, so its execution and depth should be adjusted based on specific needs. It is commonly recommended to loosen soil every 4 years, but it is more effective to first determine whether and at what depth compact layers exist. Penetrographs with probes equipped with replaceable cones are used to measure soil compactness, but a rough check can be performed without specialized equipment. By pressing a sharpened rod into the ground, excessive resistance indicates the depth and thickness of the compacted layer. Additionally, the subsoil condition can be assessed by examining the bottom of a furrow during plowing or by creating an open pit to expose individual soil profile layers. This procedure can be conducted during the plant vegetation period to ascertain the depth at which the root system will develop.
Is it necessary to subsoil the entire field?
Ponding water does not necessarily indicate soil compaction only in specific areas. In undulating fields, water that does not absorb well into compacted soil flows from higher to lower areas. Loosening should be performed 10-15 cm below the compacted layer. At this depth, coulters undercut the soil, causing it to lift and crack, which reduces working resistance and wear on operating elements. Deep loosening of excessively compacted subsoil can be limited to areas that require it, such as tramlines and headlands most exposed to compaction. When using a chisel plow as a substitute for plowing, the cultivation depth should be adapted to the soil condition and crop requirements. If the subsoil is not excessively compacted, no-plowing may be limited to the arable layer.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
What should you pay special attention to when loosening?
- During the first deepening, set to a working depth approximately 15 cm deeper than previously plowed
- The next subsoiling is performed to a depth of 5-10 cm below the arable layer
- Such loosening allows for shallowing the pre-winter plowing to 15-20 cm or even excluding it completely without reducing yields
- The next dredging operation in the same field after 4–5 years should be carried out approximately 5 cm deeper than the previous one
- Subsequent subsoiling operations should be performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous one
- The front axle of the tractor should be loaded by installing weights
- The path of the subsoiler to the desired depth is approximately 5–6 m and depends on the compactness and moisture of the soil
- Effective subsoiling cannot be carried out in a field that is constantly wet or has a shallow drainage system
- For technical reasons, subsoiling should be performed at right angles to the drainage pipelines on drained land
- The entire process should be carried out at a subsoiling speed of 6 to 8 kilometers per hour
- The optimal time for subsoiling is before pre-sowing or post-harvest work
- Subsoiling is recommended especially during periods of drought.
Subsoiler instead of a plow?
The chisel plow ensures savings by replacing multiple tools. It breaks up and aerates the soil and deeply loosens the subsoil to improve its structure. This promotes better water infiltration and storage, especially during heavy rains. The chisel plow can eliminate traditional plowing and reduce excessive soil drying. Using a spiked roller set with the plow can prepare the field directly for sowing.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Benefits of Deep Loosening:
- Elimination of excessively compacted subsurface layer
- Enhanced seepage and drainage of the topsoil layer
- Increased development of the plant root system
- Improved water movement in the soil
- Prevention of water ponds.
An energy-intensive but effective procedure that increases yield
Farmers intending to invest in subsoiling should equip their farm with both the machine and a tractor with sufficiently high power required for each working element. The required power will vary depending on the subsoiler model, tine variant used, and the depth of operation. The significant working resistance in the soil means that not every tractor can handle the subsoiler's work. This is also why the subsoiler is not very popular. However, considering the real increase in yields and the low frequency of treatments (once every few years), it is economically justified to introduce subsoiling into agrotechnical activities.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Various variants of working elements - methods of loosening?
Rolmako subsoilers primarily vary in the type of tines and their arrangement on the frame. The effectiveness of soil loosening depends on the shape of the tine, particularly its shaft. The U 602 subsoiler coulter, mounted on a straight shaft, is designed so that the tine penetrates well and the shaft can more easily pass through the loosened soil layer without causing mixing. The zone of soil loosened by the subsoiler tine depends on the width of the coulter. Loosening the soil with a working element featuring a side-curved shaft, known as the Michel system used in Rolmako U 608, U 614, and U 619 subsoilers, involves a narrow coulter with the soil being lifted primarily by the sideways curved lower part of the shaft, thereby increasing the soil loosening zone. Such tines do not typically pull out stones, but they generate greater side forces from the pressure of the lifted earth, which is why in subsoilers with such components, the right and left tines are positioned opposite.
Tines arranged on one or two beams.
In a classic subsoiler, the tines are arranged in a single row - Rolmako U 602, U 608, U 632 subsoilers. The last two subsoilers are standardly equipped with a coupling for the seeder, enhancing their cultivation capabilities, while for the universal U 602 subsoiler, this equipment is available as an optional feature.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Subsoilers with a standard coupling to a tillage machine have an open structure. The machine frame allows the shaft drive to be transferred to the accompanying active machine, facilitated by the integral three-point suspension system of the subsoiler. The symmetrically arranged tines allow for better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one crossbeam, ensuring the soil is moved simultaneously across the entire width of the crop. The special V-shaped frame of the U 614 subsoiler enables operation with lower power requirements. tines from the sections closer to the tractor perform initial soil loosening for subsequent working tools, reducing the force required by each subsequent section. Subsoilers with tines arranged on two beams are gaining popularity - Rolmako U 619, U 624, and U 638 subsoilers. The two-row design permits more intense work, achieving a superior effect in breaking up excessively compacted lower soil layers.
Straight tine with 100 mm or 300 mm chisel
The default working component of the U 602 subsoiler, a tine with a 100mm chisel, can be upgraded to a 300mm wide model. This tine section includes two replaceable covers and is constructed from hardened boron steel. The chisel and side cutters form a single working element. The beam features handles for installing drainage balls. The tines angle of attack ensures easy and efficient ground penetration. Hardened bushings in the tine holders and beams prevent hole damage. The working element is protected against overload by an M20 screw, with the hydraulic protection option featuring a gas accumulator for smooth operation. The U 602 subsoiler’s symmetrically arranged tines, unlike V-shaped machines, offer better soil loosening by positioning the tines on one transverse beam. Soil is uniformly moved across the crop's entire width. The topsoil remains unmixed, with plant remains left on the surface as before using the subsoiler. This method protects the cultivation area from erosion and adverse weather conditions.
Michel-type deflected tine
Rolmako provides a comprehensive range of subsoiling machines with diverse working element variants. The subsoilers, identified as U 608 (small version), U 614, and U 619, are equipped with MICHEL tines. This new series features optimized tine geometry that loosens soil without adverse effects, enhancing soil structure. The curved tines design ensures smooth, gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The curved shape enhances soil penetration and breaks down hard layers, improving moisture retention. Soil is slightly lifted and then settles back, offering improved loosening compared to straight tines. This design ensures uniform soil cutting across the entire working width. The double-sided chisel extends the working element's service life. Made from high-quality boron steel with a hardness of 50 HRC, these tines offer efficient soil loosening with low power requirements. The variety of Rolmako subsoilers with MICHEL tines represents the most complete market offering.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
ATLAS tine
The tines of the U 638 and U 632 subsoilers are renowned for their superior wear resistance, achieved through the use of premium materials. The standard equipment of the Atlas tine includes a chisel, a skid, and a beam cover, while a wing cutter is available as an optional feature. All Atlas tines components exposed to wear are finished with cemented carbide elements, with additional wear parts welded to enhance durability and reduce maintenance time.
Atlas working elements with sintered carbide in standard equipment offer:
- Higher operational efficiency
- Reduced downtime for part replacements
- Fewer mounting screws required
- Fewer additional machine trips
- 5-10 times longer usage time.
A tine with a ripper chisel
The tine of the U 624 chisel plow features a special design for smooth and gradual soil penetration. With minimal resistance, it effectively loosens the soil, ensuring adequate water and air access for crops. The double-sided chisel extends the service life of the working element. Side undercutters widen the groove, enhancing water seepage. Additionally, the tine is equipped with a central "shark fin"-shaped cutter for easier soil penetration in the upper layer, reducing root resistance while providing protection. Optional cemented carbide working elements ensure up to three times longer service life, particularly on highly abrasive surfaces like sandy soil.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
What type of cushioning for the working element?
A simple protection solution in the form of a shear bolt can be replaced depending on the model by a Non-stop spring or hydraulic protection.
Spring Protection
Mechanical protection using a double spring is an overload safeguard for the subsoilers tine. If the tine encounters a stone, it deflects along with the tine holder, compressing the spring. After passing the obstacle, the plowing elements automatically return to the working position. Each element independently reacts to obstacles, and the spring minimizes the forces generated during a collision, ensuring a quick return of the component to the precise working position. Spring protection of the tines in the stubble cultivator is included in the standard equipment list.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Hydraulic overload protection
The hydraulic overload system of the subsoiler ensures precise operation, ease of use, and high efficiency. In the version with hydraulic protection, each subsoiler tine is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders are connected by hydraulic hoses to a hydraulic accumulator that maintains a certain tine force to avoid obstacles. When the subsoiler encounters a stone, hydraulic oil flows into the tank, causing the cylinder to close and return to the working position after passing the obstacle. Hydraulic overload protection allows for the adjustment of the tine release force by increasing or decreasing the pressure. The large-capacity hydraulic accumulator absorbs all impacts on the machine.
Subsoilers with additional tillage tools
Rolmako subsoilers are increasingly ordered with additional soil cultivation tools behind the tines. Commonly, these include various types of rollers, such as the Twin Disc disc roller, which not only cultivates the soil but also determines the depth of the tines. Crushing the soil behind the subsoiler prevents lumping, thereby reducing water evaporation from deeper layers and easing subsequent dressing operations. A more extensive unit includes a combination of a subsoiler with a compact disc harrow, allowing for depth adjustment of the tines relative to the discs. Such combinations are available in the Rolmako U 602, U 608, and U 632 models. This integration allows the unit to perform comprehensive no-plough cultivation.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Chisel Plow – A Modern Subsoiler
A widely adopted solution today is the subsoiler that functions as a chisel plow. The maximum working depth is either 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the tine used. The chisel plow features tines that are strongly bent forward, and, in addition to narrow coulters, additional side shares are mounted on the tine to intensively loosen the upper soil layer. Front covers with a cutting knife limit the throwing of soil onto the surface. The tines are arranged in two rows, and the standard tilling tool is a tandem spiky roller, which crushes and mixes the soil layer.
Summary
Subsoiling can be utilized in both plowing and no-plow farming systems as an additional intervention procedure, particularly where the soil is excessively compacted at a depth greater than that reached by plowing or shallow treatments of simplified no-plow cultivation. This treatment does not need to cover the entire surface of the field; it can be restricted to areas requiring intervention, such as excessively dense driving paths and headlands. Subsoiling can also serve as the primary method of loosening the soil across the entire field surface. An aggregate based on a subsoiler, such as a chisel plow or a subsoiler combined with a disc harrow, can perform deep, no-plow cultivation, replacing traditional plowing, with the depth of cultivation adjustable based on the soil density in various areas.
Related articles
Recommended articles
