The opening furrow

The depth of the scratch should be such that the furrow slice is cut completely free from the undersoil surface throughout the whole length of the opening furrow. The scratch should be straight, neat and uniform in its whole length.

The start/crown

All land must be cut through. The first furrow of the crown should be turned into the opening furrow and the cut edge of the furrow should be level with the cut edge of the opening. The furrows in the crown should conform to the rest of the ploughing.

Weed control

All stubble and grass must be completely buried beneath the furrows. The ploughing should be done in such a way that all roots are cut or torn off. Skimmers must be used.

Seed bed

Furrows should be properly turned so that sufficient soil is made available to produce a seed bed without pulling stubble or grass to the surface in the future cultivations.

The finish

The final furrows adjoining the crown/start should be of equal height to the crown and there should be no unploughed or reploughed land.

Ins and outs

The front share should enter the ground at the headland scratch mark and the rear share should leave the ground at the headland scratch mark.

General appearance:

All furrows in the plot should be straight, clearly defined, uniform and well-turned with good weed control. Faulty ploughing done by the neighbouring competitor should be corrected in the first and second runs adjoining the neighbour’s plot. The tractor must not be driven on the ploughed land.

Minimum depth

For all grassland and stubble - 16cms

This guide is for reversible ploughing.