Cultivation of Hard Compacted Land

[Kevee]

Hi All,

I have some land that is well and truly compacted due to building work\lorries etc. passing over it. I am looking to break this up so I can sow the grass seed before it is too late. There is no grass\plants growing on it so it is bare soil but may have some debris in it. What is the best way to get the required tilth (I believe 6 inches) to sow the seed.


Should I get a plough or a spring tine cultivator or a PTO driven rotavator? I have a compact tractor circa. 30HP.


Thanks,

Kevin

 

[oosik]

Since you are looking to plant grass, I would recommend a rototiller. PTO driven unit might take more than one pass to get six inches deep but you will end up with a smooth, well tilled bed. Check your seed type - it might not require tilling to six inches.

 

[Diggin It]

but may have some debris in it.

What kind of debris? A hunk of old metal can lead to nasty surprises when it comes in contact with things like tillers.

 

[Kevee]

Oh the debris is things like chipped brick corners\dust that type of thing and maybe the odd drinks cup\plastic wrapper that has been trodded into the ground over time.

 

[Diggin It]

That shouldn't be a problem, but it you happen to come across an old car or truck spring, well ....

My property was an old farm homestead. They tossed and buried all sorts of things. I've found everything from bed springs and cast iron stove parts to car wheels and bumpers as well as plow parts and large iron bars.

 

[jeff9366]

Are you in SUFFOLK, Virginia, England or Australia? We would know more about your soil.


Vehicle compaction is benign relative to animal compaction over several years.

I presume lawn irrigation piping and sprinklers have not been installed in your potential lawn area.

Consider a spring-protected Field Cultivator, which can aerate down to 14" in MOIST soil.

MORE: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/339095-dirt-dog-all-purpose-plow.html?highlight=

VIDEO: How to Use a Ripper / Field Cultivator - Gardening Series - YouTube


If land is 1/4 acre or so, a single shank Subsoiler would suffice. Research individual brand Subsoiler ground clearance before purchasing. Many Subsoilers have an issue with not raising high enough to clear ground on smaller compact tractors.
(( Lift is not an issue with spring-protected Field Cultivators. ))

VIDEO: How to Use a Subsoiler - YouTube

 

[Kevee]

I am in the UK, I think a subsoiler may not be suffecient because the land is more than 0.25 of an acre. One thing I did notice on the video was that it did not look as hard ground as I have got. It is pure soil that is rock solid no grass etc.

 

[Ford850]

I would use a subsoiler to open it up for future drainage and break the hard pack. Then use a tiller to prep the surface (few inches).

 

[TheMadOne]

You want a ripper. I'd see if you can hire a local farmer with a real one with multiple shanks and wing points to come in and do the job.

Follow that with a tiller, or no-till drill.

 

[Egon]

Hi All,

I have some land that is well and truly compacted due to building work\lorries etc. passing over it. I am looking to break this up so I can sow the grass seed before it is too late. There is no grass\plants growing on it so it is bare soil but may have some debris in it. What is the best way to get the required tilth (I believe 6 inches) to sow the seed.


Should I get a plough or a spring tine cultivator or a PTO driven rotavator? I have a compact tractor circa. 30HP.


Thanks,

Kevin

The cultivator is pretty well out due to tractor size.

The plough will work but needs addition equipment to break up and smooth the ploughed ground for seeding.

The rototiller will do the job on it’s own. Multiple passes will get deeper soil preparation.

Breaking up and aerating the deeper soil layers takes different equipment that will exceed your tractor capabilities for a proper job.