Information technology's non actually a question of whether you should harrow or not. It's more most what you should harrow and when you should harrow. As at present is i of those times to harrow, here we share why yous should exist getting out in the fields this calendar month!

Why Harrow?

Harrowing is beneficial for a couple of reasons. Firstly information technology aids drainage, thereby helping to minimise muddy patches and standing h2o. Secondly, information technology promotes new grass growth by removing the old thatch and giving new shoots the room and oxygen they need to thrive. It also levels molehills and clods, helps spread manure, and makes it easier to mow throughout the summer months.

In bound, it's an effective way to prepare your paddocks and pastures for the rest of the yr, and provide good grazing for livestock. Nosotros would too recommend that you harrow in the autumn months as well, to aid germination of grass and bloom seed over wintertime. However, for best results harrowing can go on from spring to late fall; and every bit information technology'south very easy to hitch upwards a concatenation harrow to a quad bike, 4×four or compact tractor, in that location's no alibi for not improving your grassland.

Here'due south a quick reminder of why you should be doing information technology:

  • Scarifies and aerates the soil
  • Breaks upward clods and levels heavy soil
  • Stimulates new growth past aerating and removing thatch
  • Spreads and works in manure or other fertilisers
  • Rips out moss
  • Levels molehills
  • Improves drainage
  • Works compressed soil
  • Helps to rake in seeds


Advice For Harrowing

Chain harrows are inexpensive subcontract implements that provide an environmentally friendly mode of improving grazing or grassland. It is as well one of the first paddock and pasture maintenance jobs you tin can do in the spring, even when it's still clammy. Typically, mid-March onwards is the ideal time to outset regular harrowing. However, if you plan to use a tractor to pull the harrow you may need to await until it'south stale out a bit more to avoid creating a mudbath! If you're using a quad bike you may be able to get on with this job a trivial earlier.

If you're in the marketplace for a harrow consider whether to opt for a drag harrow or framed harrow. Drag harrows are a lilliputian bit cheaper and can exist towed behind any vehicle with a pin or ball hitch. Whereas framed harrows are all the same relatively cheap only need to be hitched to a compact tractor with a iii-point linkage. The main advantage of a framed harrow is that they can exist lifted whilst attached, and then they can exist easily transported effectually your land or on the road.

We would too recommend that you look at 3 way harrows (both drag and framed). These allow you to position the tines of the harrow for each job. For example, face the tines forwards 'aggressive harrowing' for deeper penetration or harder footing; face them backwards for 'passive harrowing'; or face them upside down for smooth harrowing (ideal for seed beds and levelling equestrian areas).


Should You Rock And Roll Every bit Well?

Harrowing and rolling tend to go mitt-in-hand. Ideally yous want to remove the thatch and aerate the soil by harrowing, followed past rolling if yous are reseeding the land or want a practiced stop (for example on a sports field).

However, rolling in moisture conditions volition compact soil and potentially disengage the benefits of harrowing. So if the ground is still a little wet, by all means exit a outset harrowing at present with a calorie-free vehicle such every bit a quad bike, but leave rolling until the soil has dried out a chip more.

Demand further advice? Our team are on mitt to talk over jobs like harrowing and rolling and what are the best options for you. Get in touch past calling 01420 520 510 or emailing sales@farmtechsupplies.co.united kingdom