Subsoiler. Implement used for deep ploughing (scarification) of agricultural land, below the topsoil, without turning the soil, especially to achieve its decompaction and facilitate aeration, water infiltration and root penetration. It is also known as a heavy scarifier or subsoiling plough .
Decompaction of soils
The continued use of tractors, means of transport and other heavy equipment, as well as inappropriate irrigation technologies, contribute to soil compaction. This phenomenon results in poor infiltration of rainwater and irrigation water, poor drainage, problems with plant root development, poor aeration of fertile layers, etc., all of which cause significant losses in agricultural yields.
To solve this, subsoilers are used, which break up the soil below the arable layers, without turning the soil. The subsoiler is not a ploughing implement, since the separation between the organs is large and what it actually produces are grooves in the soil, breaking up the areas immediately around the area where the paws and chisels pass.
Technical characteristics
There are subsoiler models for all types of tractors, from those intended for small tractors to those that are added to high-powered equipment. For example, a subsoiler for a 40-65 hp tractor can have three working parts, achieving a working width of 1.1 m, while those added to 110-160 hp tractors can have up to 11 working parts and an effective width of 3.3 m. The common spacing between the parts is in the range of 600 mm to 1000 mm, the working speed is 2.0-3.0 km/h and the working depth is up to 45 cm. Some subsoilers are fitted with rollers fitted with horizontal blades at the rear to simultaneously perform the work of crushing and breaking up the remains of crops or bushes in the ground.
Hitch system . This is the mechanism or parts that connect the subsoiler to the power source for its operation. These implements are usually lifted by the tractor, coupled to the three-point hitch system.
Wheels . Most models have two wheels to maintain stability on the ground and ensure a uniform working depth.
Chassis or frame . It consists of a metal structure that supports the elements and work organs, built of solid square section steel bars to which the work organs are fixed. The frame can be made up of a single bar, but it is more common to have two bars, so that there are front and rear arms and legs, which contributes more to energy savings due to the interaction between them.
Arms or legs . These are the parts that hold the cutting attachments: chisels or grates. The legs are rigid because deep work cannot be done with a flexible member. The legs are mounted on the frame supported by hooks secured with screws, and can be moved to vary the number of working members and the distance between them.
Chisels or grates . They are placed at the ends of the legs and are the elements that come into direct contact with the ground and fracture it. They are pointed and made of a wear-resistant material or with a surface treatment.