Types of Secondary Tillage Implements- A Practical Overview

Secondary tillage implements are essential tools for preparing soil after primary tillage. These implements help to break up clumps, remove weeds, and create a fine seedbed for optimal crop growth. When compared to primary tillage secondary tillage implements provide much smoother and finer operations in the farm field.

Secondary tillage refers to the process of preparing the soil after primary tillage, which is usually done to break up large soil clods and incorporate organic matter. It involves the use of specific implements designed to refine the soil surface, create a suitable seedbed, and control weeds. Implements commonly used in secondary tillage include harrows, cultivators, disc harrows, and power tillers.

These tools help break up compacted soil, level the surface, remove weeds, and promote better seed-to-soil contact for improved germination. Usually, secondary tillage implements perform light operations, consuming less power when compared to primary tillage. It is a crucial step in the overall soil preparation process for successful farming. Below we have provided a list of different secondary tillage implements used in agriculture.

Benefits of Secondary Tillage

The following are different benefits of secondary tillage operation:-

Secondary tillage helps create a finely textured and well-prepared seedbed, promoting optimal seed-to-soil contact. This improves seed germination and overall crop establishment.

Secondary tillage improves soil aeration by breaking up compacted layers, allowing better movement of oxygen. Additionally, it also aids in enhancing soil drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogging and associated problems.

Implements used in secondary tillage facilitate the incorporation of organic matter, such as crop residues or green manure, into the soil. This helps improve soil fertility, organic content, and nutrient availability for plant uptake.

Secondary tillage enhances soil structure, creating a more favorable environment for root growth, nutrient absorption, and water movement. Improved soil structure also contributes to better soil tilth and reduced erosion risks.

Also Read:- Types of Disc Harrows- Choose the Right Implement For Your Farm

Different Types of Secondary Tillage Implements

The following are different types of secondary tillage implements used for different agriculture operations:-

Cultivators- Cultivators are implements used in secondary tillage to loosen and aerate the soil. They typically consist of multiple rigid or spring-loaded tines or shanks that comb the soil too deeply. Additionally, they uproot weeds and provide finer operations in the field. Cultivators are effective at shallow soil cultivation and weed control, preparing the seedbed for planting.

Harrows- Harrows are tools designed to break up soil clods, level the surface, and remove weeds. They consist of a series of metal discs, tines, or teeth attached to a frame. Harrow performs a very precise operation cutting the soil to a shallow depth. Harrows can be adjusted angles to suit specific soil conditions. They are commonly used after primary tillage to refine the soil surface, improve soil tilth, and prepare it for seeding or planting.

They are categorized into different types:-

Chain harrow
Peg toothed harrow
Disc harrow
Spring type harrow

Levelers- Levelers, also known as land levelers are implements used for smoothing and leveling the soil surface. They consist of a flat, wide blade or scraper that is dragged over the soil to fill in low areas and remove high spots, resulting in a more even terrain. Levelers are useful for achieving uniform seedbeds, and facilitating proper water drainage. Moreover, through this secondary tillage implement one can obtain increased rainwater conservation even on dry land and minimize soil erosion.

The following are different types of Land levelers:-

Buck Scraper
Wooden float
Leveling Board

Also Read:- Choosing the Right Cultivator: A Close Examination of Different Types and Their Applications

Rollers- Rollers are heavy cylindrical or drum-shaped implements that are rolled over the soil surface. They help compress loose soil, break up clumps, and create a firm seedbed. Rollers can be solid or filled with water or sand for added weight. They are commonly used to improve seed-to-soil contact, promote germination, and provide a smooth surface for field operations.

Rollers are classified as:-

Iron roller
Wooden roller
Stone roller

Land Shaping- Land shaping implements, such as land graders or land levelers, are used to reshape and contour the land for better water management and land suitability. They are typically large equipment that grades, cuts, and moves soil to create slopes, ditches, and terraces. Land shaping implements are employed in land development, precision agriculture, and soil conservation practices to enhance irrigation efficiency, prevent erosion, and optimize field layout.

They are categorized into:-