Loosened Soil Relative to Sweeps for Energy Reduction on Chisel Plows

The invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for tilling soil with reduced energy consumption. Conservation farming systems, including no-till and reduced-till methods and apparatus, are well known soil conservation farming expedients and are rapidly increasing in popularity. One of the common tools of no-till or reduced-till farming is the sweep blade. The apparatus includes one or more sweeps, which are effective for subtilling the soil as it is moved. One or more tillers are provided ahead of the sweeps, sufficiently near the path of travel of the outermost ends or tips of the sweep blades, to loosen the soil directly in the path of the ends of the blades. Selected tillers that may be used include coulters, rippers, knives, chisel plow shanks, and cultivator shovels. By positioning the tillers relative to the sweep tips in this manner, energy consumption may be significantly reduced in comparison to subtilling devices, which have coulters or other tillers positioned ahead of the center of the sweeps. Sweeps have also been used to incorporate fertilizers and pesticides into the soil.

Reference:

Please refer to USPN 6,527,059, which issued on March 4, 2003.

Inventors:

Eddie C. Burt National Soils Dynamics Laboratory Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 887-4515 / Fax: (334) 887-8597	Clarence E. Johnson Agricultural Engineering Department Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 844-4180
John E. Morrison Grassland, Soil and Water Research Temple, TX 76502 (254) 770-6507