Harrow (tool)

Harrow Action:
– Disk harrow used first to slice up clods
– Followed by spring-tooth harrow
– Both pulled by one tractor
– Results in smooth field with powdery dirt
– Harrowing breaks up clods and provides suitable soil structure

Types:
– Common types include disc, chain, tine, spike, and spring tine harrows
– Chain harrows for levelling tilth or covering seed
– Disc harrows for heavy work like breaking up sod
– Power harrows are tractor-driven cultivators
– Various harrows can be combined for tilling processes

Power Harrow:
– Rotary power harrow has multiple sets of vertical tines
– Tills soil horizontally without turning over layers
– Prevents dormant weed seeds from surfacing
– Avoids hardpan formation from horizontal slicing
– Useful for preparing seedbed without disturbing soil layers

Historical Reference:
– Harrows used in Europe in antiquity and Middle Ages
– Oldest known illustration in 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry
– Arabic reference to harrows in Nabatean Agriculture
– Harrows depicted on 16th-century German coat-of-arms
– Harrows have historical roots in Babylonian sources

See Also:
– Agriculture and Agronomy portal
– List of agricultural machinery
– Roller (agricultural tool)
– Harrower (surname)
– References to further explore harrow history and usage