Subsoiler

– **Functionality:**
– Subsoiler used for deep tillage
– Loosens and breaks up soil at depths below other tools
– Can break up and loosen soil to depths of 30-60cm (12-24in)
– Improves growth in crops with soil compaction issues
– Angled wings lift and shatter hardpan caused by compaction

– **Design and Components:**
– Consists of heavy vertical shanks mounted on a frame
– Shanks with replaceable points or feet
– Operated at depths of 45-75cm (18-30in) or more
– Shanks should be inclined at an angle greater than 25-30 degrees
– Shanks spaced 76-100cm (30-39in) apart

– **Manufacturers’ Claims:**
– Roots penetrate deeper for moisture and nutrients in hot, dry seasons
– Water passes more easily through shattered areas in wet conditions
– Various brochures suggest improved crop performance
– Claims about benefits in different weather conditions
– Brochures mention deeper-reaching blades for better performance

– **Types and Variations:**
– Common subsoilers have 3, 5, or 7 shanks
– Implements can be up to 15 feet (4.6m) wide
– Mole ploughs used for creating tile drainage
– Some models towed behind tractors, others mounted to hitch
– Pipe-and-cable-laying plough variant used for buried cables or pipes

– **References and Further Information:**
– Additional citations needed for verification
– Purdue University’s Department of Agriculture information
– Links to related sources for more information
– Details on sizes and storage of agricultural equipment
– Archived resources on agricultural subsoilers