TERRALAND TN: deep loosening as an alternative to ploughing

Ploughing has its place in tillage: it turns the topsoil, incorporates organic matter, weeds and some pests. However, with repeated ploughing at the same depth, and particularly under unsuitable soil conditions, a layer of consolidation – the plough pan – can form at the bottom of the furrow. This restricts water infiltration, air movement and the flow of nutrients, and makes it difficult for roots to penetrate into deeper layers.

This is precisely where deep loosening makes sense. The TERRALAND TN does not turn the soil like a plough, but mechanically breaks up the soil profile that has been subjected to compaction and, depending on the working tool used, either mixes it thoroughly or simply lifts and loosens it. The maximum working depth for the TN_D model is 65 cm, whilst the TN_M variants operate to a depth of 55 cm.

1. Disruption of the plough pan and layers of consolidation

Whilst a plough typically operates within the topsoil horizon, a subsoiler can specifically target compaction located at greater depths. Breaking up the impermeable layer creates conditions for better rainwater infiltration, aeration of the soil profile and deeper root system development. The aim is therefore not always to work as deeply as possible, but to set the depth according to the actual location of the layer of compaction.

2. Higher productivity and less time per hectare

Under suitable conditions, deep loosening can replace basic ploughing whilst simultaneously reducing the requirements for subsequent preparation. The main advantage of the TERRALAND TN over a plough is the ability to work deeper, faster and with lower tractor power requirements. The benefits are particularly evident during short agrotechnical windows, when a large area needs to be tilled within a limited time.

3. Crop residues remain in the active part of the soil profile

Ploughing turns over the topsoil and deposits some of the crop residues at the bottom of the furrow. The TERRALAND TN, with its ACTIVE-MIX leg ploughs, intensively loosens the soil and mixes it with crop residues without the conventional turning of the soil profile. This is suitable where the aim is to combine deeper penetration with an intensive mixing effect and to handle a larger quantity of organic matter in a single pass.

4. Deep loosening and profile fertiliser placement in a single pass

A key feature of the TERRALAND TN is the combination of deep tillage with the incorporation of fertiliser into the soil profile. Fertiliser can be targeted at deeper layers, where it can enhance the availability of nutrients to the roots. From a work organisation perspective, this also offers the opportunity to combine two operations into a single pass and minimise further movement of machinery across the field.

One of the most important features of the TERRALAND TN is the ability to adapt the nature of the work to the specific problem on the field. The same frame can be fitted with two different ploughshare designs – ACTIVE-MIX and ZERO-MIX.

This versatility is also important from an economic perspective. A farm does not need to purchase two separate machines for two different agronomic objectives; the nature of the work can be adjusted by changing the working tools according to the soil, crop, amount of crop residue and current moisture content.

Maximum working depth alone is no longer sufficient today. Modern subsoilers from competing manufacturers also offer deep loosening, hydraulic safety features or various working tools. The TERRALAND TN’s key strength therefore lies primarily in the combination of working depth, versatility and the ability to adapt a single machine to different technologies throughout the year.

• ACTIVE-MIX and ZERO-MIX in a single machine concept. The operator can choose between intensive mixing and deep loosening with minimal soil mixing.
• Mechanical or hydraulic safety system. Depending on soil conditions, you can choose a simple mechanical safety system with a shear bolt or a hydraulic auto-reset system.
• Adjustable tandem tine packer. The centre-to-centre distance between the two rows can be adjusted according to conditions. In wet soil or where there is a large amount of crop residue, the rear packer can be moved back to improve ground clearance.
• A wider range of tillage options. In addition to the tandem tine harrow, a cutpack packer, side deflectors, additional side rollers and support wheels are also available, depending on the model and configuration.
• Profile fertiliser placement as part of the technology. The TERRALAND TN can be combined with BEDNAR hoppers and, during deep loosening, simultaneously apply fertiliser into the soil profile.
• LONG LIFE working parts. The carbide design is intended to ensure a longer service life and maintain the pattern of the working parts, which helps to maintain the quality of work and minimise downtime when replacing wear parts.

The TERRALAND TN is particularly suitable where shallow or medium-depth tillage alone is insufficient and it is necessary to specifically address compaction in the deeper parts of the soil profile. Typical examples include fields with plough pans, poor water infiltration or restricted root development. It is equally suitable for techniques where intensive incorporation of crop residues is required without conventional ploughing.

Correct diagnosis is crucial. Deep loosening is not an operation that must automatically be carried out every year to the maximum depth. It is most effective when the working depth actually penetrates the layer of compaction and soil moisture allows the soil to be effectively loosened, rather than merely displaced.

JOY OF FARMING
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BEDNAR FMT s.r.o.