Soil-Master Combines Disk, Chisel Plow Innovation In Soil Management

Soil-Master Combines Disk, Chisel Plow Innovation In Soil Management TILLAGE EUIPMENT Disks (18) 1-3-18 One trip in the spring or fall with Landoll's new Soil-Master saves time, money and, most important, valuable topsoil. Combining the best features of disking and chisel plowing, the primary "one trip" tillage tool - billed as "an innovation in soil management" - protects against erosion by ridging the soil and incorporating approximately 75% of the residue with the soil, explains Jerry Nussbaum, vice president of sales. "By leaving the soil in a ridged condition, 15 to 20% more surface area is exposed to sunlight for more rapid warming in the spring. The exposed surface residue keep soil from blowing while ridges trap moisture throughout the winter and early spring. Plow sole is ripped up, permitting water to be stored where it falls." Weighing more than 460 lbs. per foot of machine width, the Soil-Master digs deep to break up hard pan. It's 20 in. dia. coulters, spaced every 7 1/2 in., permit virtually "plug free" tillage in the fall or early spring. Curved helical chisle blades, with 4 in. moldboard, incorporate approximately 75% of the crop residue within the top 8 in. of soil. Here, according to Nussbaum, are answers to "most asked" questions on the new Soil-Master's design features: Why are the disc coulter blades 20 in. dia., and why plain blades? "Plain blades provide the best 'mixing action' of residue with the soil. Fluted blades have a tendency to fill up with sticky soil and don't penetrate as well. Notched blades cut well when new but are susceptible to breakage at the edges. Our large 20 in. dia. plain disks provide a distance of 7 1/2 in. from blade edge to spool for adequate penetration in all soil conditions." Why are the disc blades spaced 7 1/2 in. apart? "Our experience has proven that 15 in. spacing between ground working tools is best for bringing up the soil and covering the residue. The 7 1/2 in. disc spacing puts one blade immediately ahead of and one between each helical chisel point. This combination does an excellent job of splitting the soil and root crowns, reducing draft and cutting residue prior to its mixing with soil brought up by the special helical points. Why does Landoll use a 4 in. wide twisted shovel? "Actually, it's much more than an ordinary 'twisted shovel'. Some blades are spiralled to the right and some to the left. Each blade shatters and brings up soil to blend in residues and broadcast fertilizer. This could not be accomplished with an ordinary twisted shovel. Also, points are replaceable and the moldboards are reversible, which represents a considerable saving to the SoilMaster owner." Can the Soil-Master be used in the spring? "Yes, but you'll want to run it shallower than in the fall. You can start just as soon as soil conditions permit getting into the field. This type of primary tillage allows rapid deterioration of residue for preparation of an early seedbed," explains Nussbaum. The Soil-Master is available in 3 models: SM-7 (8 ft., 9 in. cut); SM-9 (11 ft., 3 in. cut) and SM-11 (13 ft., 9 in. cut). The SM-9 has a shank spacing of 15 in., 9 helical chisel blades, and 19 20-in. disk "slicer" blades (7 1/2 in. apart). It weighs 5,190 lbs. with spring shanks; 4,740 lbs. with rigid shanks. Retails for $4,412 with spring shanks. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Landoll Corp., 1700 May St., Marysville, Kan. 66508 (ph. 913 562-5383).

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