Agronomy

WHEN TO DISC AND WHEN TO SUBSOIL?

Choosing the right tillage method saves time and fuel, and protects soil condition in the long term. Below we summarise the agronomic role of the two most important methods – discing and subsoiling – to help you decide which machine and approach you need.

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DISCING – MIXING AND LOOSENING THE SOIL

Disc tillage mixes and loosens the topsoil, evenly distributing crop residues, manure and soil amendments. Its turning and reshaping effect is limited.

  • Working depth by machine type: light disc (mass per disc < 60 kg) < 15 cm; heavy disc (> 60 kg) approx. 20 cm; super-heavy disc / disc plough 25–30 cm
  • Working speed: 6–12 km/h — increasing speed reduces working depth and increases draught resistance
  • Fuel saving: under the same conditions and depth, approximately 20–25% less fuel is needed compared to ploughing
  • Ideal soil moisture: 45–55% field capacity
  • Limitations: not suitable for controlling perennial weeds; clogs and smears soil when too wet; does not crumble properly on very dry soil, only creates dust
  • When it is a good choice: for stubble cultivation, shallow primary tillage, when the soil below the discing depth is not compacted.

SUBSOILING – BREAKING UP COMPACTED LAYERS

Subsoiling does not invert the soil but breaks up compacted layers in all directions. It improves water and air permeability, reduces waterlogging risk, and allows deeper water infiltration.

  • Depth by type: medium-depth subsoiler 30–50 cm; deep subsoiler (subsoil ripper) over 50 cm
  • Energy requirement: lower than ploughing – even on dry soil
  • Ideal soil moisture: 40–50% field capacity
  • Limitations: does not control weeds, does not mix, does not incorporate crop residues or manure; on wet soil it smears rather than loosens
  • When it is a good choice: when a compacted layer has formed below the discing depth, or when the soil\’s water management needs improvement.
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WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

If the topsoil needs mixing, loosening or stubble cultivation → disc

If compaction is below the discing depth, or water cannot infiltrate properly → subsoiler / deep subsoiler

The two often complement each other: after discing, the condition of deeper layers should be periodically maintained with subsoiling

We help you choose the right machine

Whether you need a heavy disc or a deep subsoiler, our colleagues will help assess your soil condition and find the right solution for you.

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