Ploughing is an important process in pre-planting agriculture. This is a method of soil preparation designed to create a surface suitable for planting. Disc Ploughs and Mouldboard Ploughs are the two most common machines used for intensive farming worldwide. Both have the potential to deliver superior results, but under different conditions.
So, which one is more beneficial than the other? Which one should you choose for your field? Let's find out with a comprehensive differentiation between Disc Ploughs and plough.
A Comprehensive Differentiation Between Disc Plough and MB plough
What is a Disc Plough?
Disc Plough is one of the most useful farm tools used by farmers for primary tillage and land preparation. It has a unique design and mechanism of action. The plough consists of a series of disc-shaped metal cutters attached to a horizontal shaft. This blade arrangement improves performance by creating a rigid angle with the soil.
Using this angle, the blade can penetrate deep into the soil and turn over significantly. The working principle of a Disc Plough is cutting and turning. Sharp blades cut tough soil into tiny clods and turn them through the recesses. Therefore, it provides better results in stony and stubborn areas.
Disc Plough structural details
Frame: The frame is the main structural support of the Disc Plough, providing stability to the entire machine. It is made of cast iron and can be mounted to the tractor.
Optical Disc: The optical disc is the key functional component. These are concave cast iron blades attached to a horizontal shaft. The number of discs can vary according to requirements, ranging between 2-12 discs.
Horizontal axis: The axis provides the axis of rotation for the disc. It plays a key role in creating the angle needed to cut through the soil.
Bearings: Bearings are components used to smooth the motion of the blades. It prevents the build-up of dirt and debris.
Advantages of Disc Plough
It has the ability to penetrate deep into the soil, which is great for rocky and rough areas.
It offers adjustable cutting depth. It enables farmers to customize their farming activities.
Its sturdy construction allows for a variety of applications on flat and uneven surfaces.
It minimizes soil erosion and promotes sustainable management.
Disc Ploughs help aerate the soil while minimizing clogging.
What is Mouldboard Plough?
Moldboard plough is one of the traditional machines used for soil preparation. Unlike Disc Ploughs, MB plough use a single moldboard to cut and turn the soil. This plough is made of steel and has a sharp edge that can pierce the soil. Mouldboard Ploughs have a reciprocating action that effectively mixes the soil.
The working principle involves horizontal cutting of the upper level. A metal blade penetrates the soil horizontally, hydraulic pressure generated by the tractor pulls it out, and the process repeats. The result of this action is soil breakdown and overturning.
Structural Components Of Mouldboard Plough
Moldboard: The main cutting component of a plough, usually made of metal and curved and shaped like a moldboard. It cuts the soil horizontally to lift and turn it.
Coulters: Coulters are the blades that cut into the soil in front of the moldboard. It helps create a furrow for the moldboard to work in.
Cross Beam: The cross member is the main structural element of the plough. It provides support and stability. It joins the moldboard and shares the plough's hitch or frame.
Handle or Hitch: These are the points that attach the plough to the tractor. They provide a means of pulling the plough through the soil.
Landside: The landside is the vertical plate on the side of the plough that helps guide the plough through the soil and provides stability.
Depth Wheel: Some Mouldboard Ploughs are equipped with a depth wheel that can be adjusted to control how deeply the plough works in the soil.
Benefits of Mouldboard Plough
MB plough are beneficial in swampy areas. It improves the drainage quality of the soil.
It helps in the complete inversion of the soil. Thus, providing an even distribution of humus and organic matter on the surface soil.
Strict inversion techniques also aid in weed control.
Takeaway
In conclusion, both Disc Ploughs and Mouldboard Ploughs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the choice of plough depends on your requirements and soil type.
However, you need to thoroughly analyze the advantages and mechanics of a plough before purchasing one. If you have any questions about choosing the right plough for your field, please feel free to contact us.
