Lesson-12. Secondary tillage: objectives, implements, types, constructional features, working principles & operation

Secondary Tillage:

 Tillage operations following primary tillage which are performed to create proper soil tilth for seeding and planting are secondary tillage. These are lighter and finer operations, performed on the soil after primary tillage operations. Secondary tillage consists of conditioning the soil to meet different tillage objectives . The implements used for secondary tillage operations are called secondary tillage implements. Secondary tillage operations do not cause much soil inversion and shifting of soil from one place to other. These operations consume less power per unit area compared to primary tillage operations. Secondary tillage is stirring of soil comparatively at shallow depth.

Main objectives:-

(i) To improve seedbed by better pulverization of soil

(ii) To destroy weeds

(iii) To cut the crop residue and mix vegetative matter in top soil

(iv) To break clods making the soil tilth better for better germination of seeds

(v) To aerate the soil. The soil should not be compacted because it will affect germination.

Machines used:-

Secondary tillage implements may be tractor drawn or bullock drawn implements. They include different types of harrow, cultivator, leveller, clod crusher and similar implements.

Last modified: Thursday, 20 March 2014, 5:14 AM