mounted offset disc harrow

grabcad

Heavy duty disc harrows of 265 to 1000 lbs per disc primarily break up virgin land and chop residue, incorporating it into topsoil. Lighter secondary disc harrows further integrate leftover residue, eliminate clumps, and loosen packed soil. Notched blades on disc harrows chop remaining stover from previous crops. Incorporating residue into topsoil accelerates dead plant material decay. Applying fertilizer to residue-covered soil ties up nitrogen, hindering seed germination. Disc harrowing before plowing eases land management and prevents clogging during plowing. Discs are also optimal for incorporating agricultural lime or gypsum, achieving a 50/50 mix with the soil to reduce acid saturation and promote root development. However, lime immobility challenges sustainable zero-till farming when combined with chemical fertilizers.