1. Moldboard Plow: This is a traditional plow that turns over the soil, creating a furrow. It consists of a curved moldboard that lifts and rolls the soil, inverting it as it moves forward. Moldboard plows are suitable for various soil types and are commonly used for primary tillage operations.
2. Chisel Plow: Chisel plows are designed for deep tillage without completely turning over the soil. They have narrow blades or shanks that break up the soil and loosen compacted layers without significantly disturbing the surface. Chisel plows are often used for subsoiling and deep tillage operations.
3. Disk Plow: Disk plows utilize a series of rotating disks instead of moldboards to cut through the soil. These disks are mounted on a horizontal shaft and rotate as the plow moves forward. Disk plows are suitable for various soil types, including hard or compacted soils, and they create a finer tilth compared to moldboard plows.
4. Rotary Plow: Rotary plows, also known as rotary tillers or power tillers, have rotating blades that mix and break up the soil. They do not invert the soil like moldboard plows but create a finer tilth and are useful for preparing seedbeds and incorporating amendments.
5. Subsoiler: A subsoiler is a specialized plow designed for deep tillage operations. It has narrow shanks that penetrate deep into the soil, breaking up compacted layers and promoting root development. Subsoilers are commonly used in areas with hardpan or compacted subsoils.
6. Reversible Plow: Reversible plows feature two sets of moldboards that can be reversed, allowing the plow to work in both directions without the need to turn the tractor around. This increases efficiency and reduces the number of passes required during plowing.
The choice of tractor plow depends on factors such as soil type, tillage depth, crop rotation, and the specific requirements of the farming operation. Different plows may be better suited for different conditions and purposes.
