The drag harrow is an important tool commonly used to prepare farmland, eliminate weeds, and loosen soil. For beginners, understanding how to properly use a drag harrow, how many times a year to harrow, and how often to harrow is key to improving farm productivity. This article will provide beginners with an easy-to-follow guide to help you better manage your land with a drag harrow.
How to Use a Harrow for Beginners?
Choosing the right type of drag harrow
There are several types of drag harrows, the most common of which include chain harrows, spike harrows, and old-fashioned harrows. For beginners, it is important to choose the right drag harrow for your farm's needs.
For example, Spike tooth harrows cut through clods and grass to break up the material into fine pieces. The spike tooth harrows usually come with a three-point hitch attachment. Chain drag harrows are mainly used for pasture maintenance, dethatching, and seedbed preparation. They can also be used as a three-point hitch attachment. The older style drag harrow works like a chain drag or spike harrow. The big difference is the adjustable teeth. They can dig or scrape as deep or as little as you want. Choosing the right tool will greatly simplify your work, and the Landtop shop has a wide selection of drag harrows to choose from!
Adjusting the height of the drag harrow
Adjust the height of the rake tines to control the depth of raking into the soil. If your goal is surface loosening or dealing with weeds, the tine harrow should be selected for shallow raking; whereas, if you need deeper tillage, increase the depth of the tines. Mount the drag harrow securely and maintain an even raking depth as you work.
Operating the Tractor Correctly
The drag harrow needs to be used in conjunction with the tractor. When operating the tractor, it is important to keep the speed of the tractor moderate and not too fast. Typically, it is recommended to harrow at a speed of 2-4 mph. When traveling, pay attention to your route and cover a certain area at a time before slightly overlapping the previous track. This will ensure that all areas are raked.
How Many Seasons of Harrow?
On most farms, drag harrows are usually used during the following seasons.
Spring (before planting)
Spring harrowing helps loosen the soil and remove weeds in preparation for planting. By harrowing in the spring, it makes the soil looser and promotes even seed growth.
Summer (early crop growth)
Harrowing in the summer is mainly used to suppress the growth of weeds. Proper harrowing, especially during the early stages of crop germination, can help control weeds. It reduces weeds from competing for nutrients from the crop.
Autumn (post-harvest)
Harrowing after harvest helps to turn residual crops, straw, etc. into the soil. This improves soil fertility and also prepares the soil for cultivation in the coming year.
Therefore, drag harrowing operations are commonly carried out in the spring, summer and autumn seasons of the year.
How Often Should You Harrow a Field?
The frequency of harrowing depends on the specific conditions of the farm and the type of crop.
Harrowing in spring
You can rake 1-2 times before planting. Ensure that the soil is loose and ready for sowing.
Harrowing in summer
Harrowing is done in summer according to the growth of weeds, usually 1-2 times is enough. If weeds are growing too fast, harrow more frequently.
Harrowing in autumn
Harrow 1 time after harvest to turn the residue into the soil.
In summary, harrow each plot at least 3-4 times per year. The exact number of times can be flexibly adjusted according to soil conditions and crop needs.
Benefits of a Drag Harrow
Regular use of a drag harrow improves soil structure. Harrowing helps break up clumps on the soil surface, which facilitates crop root growth.
In addition, harrowing destroys weed growth and reduces the use of herbicides.
Harrowing also helps to turn crop residues into the soil, increasing organic matter content and improving soil fertility.
Using a drag harrow is not complicated for beginners. All that is needed is to choose the right harrow, operate the tractor correctly, and arrange the frequency of harrowing according to the season and farm needs. Generally, the drag harrow will be used in spring, summer, and autumn. Harrowing 3-4 times a year is the most common practice.
