Fall is finally upon us, which means that in addition to haunted corn mazes, fall foliage, and carving pumpkins, it’s time to start thinking about fall tillage! There are many aspects to consider when preparing to till the soil on your farm, from farm tools and equipment needed, to methods of tilling. This week’s Richmond Brothers Equipment blog post provides you with a guide to fall tillage, which will help you better understand and prepare for fall tillage on your farm!
Richmond Brothers Equipment is a premier farm equipment dealer in Bay Port that offers farm tools and equipment, including tillage tools, for all of your needs. Our team of experts can help you determine which farm tools and equipment would best suit your farm. Read our blog post for a comprehensive guide to fall tillage and reach out to us in Bay Port today!
What Is Tillage?
Tillage is known as the practice of using mechanical tools and equipment to manipulate soil for the purpose of preparing land to grow crops for the upcoming growing season. It’s one of the primary methods used for moving soil around in order to break it up. Tillage is normally classified into two categories: primary or secondary tillage. Primary tillage is the first tillage that occurs after the last harvest, while secondary tillage is any tillage practices that take place after the primary tillage is completed.
Primary tillage is conducted while the soil is wet enough to allow plowing, yet strong enough to provide appropriate levels of traction. Secondary tillage is conducted to clean up the soil and ensure it’s in the ideal condition needed for crop growth in the spring.
Why Is Tillage Necessary?
Tillage provides two main benefits for farmers: blackening and loosening the soil in the fall so it dries more quickly in the spring, and helping to manage corn residue from the past season’s crops.
Tillage is needed to loosen the soil to make it easier for roots of each vegetable to spread out throughout the soil, allowing you to get ahead on spring plating. It helps to aerate the soil, chop and kill weeds, and mix in organic materials and fertilizers.
When Should You Till?
One of the most common questions we get asked here at Richmond Brothers Equipment is whether to till during the fall or spring. The answer depends on the type of farming you do, as well as where you live, which affects soil type, condition, and temperature. However, we believe that fall tillage provides extraordinary benefits, as the soil is typically in better condition and is less likely to compact. Contact our experts in Bay Port with your specific needs if you’re unsure which type works best for you!
There are two things you must consider when deciding to till in the fall. The first is the condition of the soil. This includes both soil moisture and temperature, as these components can either make or break the till. The soil should be dry enough to fracture and process without causing excess compaction. The second thing to consider is management, which includes factors such as soil management, crop rotation, equipment availability and efficiency, etc.
How Do You Till?
Tilling is the process of turning over the first six to ten inches of soil before planting new crops. It’s done with mechanical machinery and tilling tools, such as a ripper point. There are various methods used to till, and the decision can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our experts at Richmond Brothers Equipment can help determine which is right for you!
How to Help Ensure a Successful Till
Tilling can be a stressful process, as there are many components that go into it and lots of decisions to make. While Richmond Brothers Equipment believes that you should ultimately decide which methods, tillage tools, and farming equipment are right for you, there are a few steps you can take to help ensure you have a successful till this fall.
Firstly, you should always work to minimize compaction. As stated earlier, the temperature and condition of the soil are critical factors for each till. Using products, including the Ripper Points and Shank Savers found at Richmond Brothers Equipment, can help to minimize compaction of your farm’s soil. Our Ripper Points were designed to attach to your tillage equipment, working the soil from the ground up.
You should also distribute residue and seeds evenly. If you’re tilling through old plants, ensure that they are spread out across the ground and are not clumped in a particular area, as this makes it more difficult for future crops to grow. You should also ensure that any new seeds you plant are evenly distributed across the soil so that each has an equal chance to excel in the coming spring.
Another important aspect to consider is seed-to-soil contact. In order to promote proper emergence of each crop, you should ensure that you are getting complete seed-to-soil contact during your till for the best chance for germination.
While there are many important parts that must work together to yield a tilling success, using the right equipment is crucial to ensure your tillage goes smoothly. Richmond Brothers Equipment in Bay Port can help you find all the equipment you need this season! We recommend doing your research and determining which method of tilling, as well as which types of equipment, is right for you.
Find Superior Tillage Tools at Richmond Brothers
Richmond Brothers Equipment specializes in farm tools and equipment, including ultimate tillage tools, that are designed to offer superior performance. After years of research, development, and testing, we have developed a range of cutting-edge farming tools and equipment, including our Ripper Points and Shank Savers.
Made with high-quality, durable materials, these farm tools are designed to outlast our competitors 6:1. Our Ripper Points boast an aerodynamic design, giving plants sufficient access to all necessary nutrients. Our Shank Savers were developed using the same superior, durable materials used to create our Ripper Points. These tools are wider than the shank and were designed to cover the shank, working to prevent wear on the sides. They also work to prevent trash and debris from being drug through the soil by the shank.
If you’re searching for high-quality, durable tilling tools this fall, Richmond Brothers Equipment is here to help you. With more than decades of experience in farming and agriculture, our team of experts can help you lower your cost per acre with every point. Visit our website or stop by our family-owned shop in Bay Port to get everything you need for a successful till this season!