Dr. Jayanta's blog: Tools and Implements in Horticultural works

The tools and equipment used in agricultural works can be divided in to two types

A. Plough Implements and

B. Other implements/equipment

The brief explanation of each implements are described below-

Plough Implements

Implements (Tools) used for preparation of Land Modern machines and tools have made growing flowers easier and more profitable. Farmers use these machines because of problems like bad weather, not enough skilled workers, and lack of time. Using machines helps finish work faster, saves money on workers, and can be used anytime. New and advanced tools make it easier to grow different crops.

The following tools/equipments are used for ploughing of land in agricultural activities-

1. Mouldboard Plough:

The mouldboard plough is made from carbon steel or steel alloy. Its base is shaped like a right-angled triangle. The size of the furrow it creates depends on the size of the plough, and it can open a furrow about 20 cm wide. This plough turns over soil slices on only one

Mouldboard Plough

2. Disc plough

Disc ploughs consist of large, rotating steel discs that cut, turn, and break up soil, making them ideal for tough soil conditions. They are heavier than other plough types and leave the soil rough, but are essential for effective primary tillage in a variety of soils.

Points to be noted-

A disc plough is an agricultural implement made up of moving, circular steel discs of varying sizes, typically ranging from 50 to 90 cm in diameter.
The discs are mounted on bearings and specified by their diameter and thickness (for example, 26 x 3/16 inches, where 26 inches is the diameter and 3/16 inch is the thickness).
When in operation, the rotating discs cut, turn, and break the furrow slices, effectively lifting, pulverizing, and partially inverting the soil to one side.
Disc ploughs are particularly effective in sticky, hard, and dry soils, where other ploughs like the mouldboard plough may not work well.
The implement is much heavier than mouldboard ploughs and tends to leave the soil surface rough and cloddy after ploughing.
Disc ploughs can ride over stones or stumps instead of trying to uproot them, making them suitable for fields with obstacles.
They are commonly used for primary tillage, preparing the soil for planting by breaking up and turning over the upper soil layer, and are especially useful after harvesting when the ground is hard.
Depth of cut is usually about one-third of the disc diameter, and width of cut is about 0.4 times the disc diameter.
The concave shape of the discs and their arrangement allow for effective soil mixing and incorporation of crop residues or organic matter into the soil.

Disc plough

Disc ploughing

3. Sub-soil single arm plough (Patashi plough):

Sub-soil single arm plough (Patashi plough)

The sub-soil single arm plough, also known as the Patashi plough, is specially designed for heavy soils. It consists of a single adjustable arm with shears at its base, which helps to break the hard pan layer found below the soil surface. By breaking this compacted layer, the plough improves drainage in waterlogged or stagnant soils. It can be inserted up to a depth of 50 cm into the soil and is ideal for creating narrow trenches that are 5 to 7 cm wide. This makes the Patashi plough an effective tool for enhancing soil aeration and water movement in heavy soils.

Points to be noted-

The sub-soil single arm plough, also called the Patashi plough, is used mainly for heavy soils.
It has a single adjustable arm with shears at the base.
This plough is designed to break the hard pan (a compacted soil layer) below the soil surface.
It helps improve drainage in soils where water tends to stagnate.
The plough can go as deep as 50 cm into the soil.
It is most suitable for making narrow trenches, about 5–7 cm wide.

4. Harrows

Harrows

Harrows are important agricultural implements used for preparing a finer soil surface during field preparation. Their main functions include breaking up soil clods, cutting weeds, and pulverising the soil to create a smooth and even seedbed. Harrows are available in different types based on their design and function, such as disc harrows, spike harrows, spring harrows, and blade harrows. Each type is suited for specific soil conditions and tasks, making harrows versatile tools in modern farming for effective seedbed preparation and weed control.

5. Plank

Plank

The plank is connected in the tractor

A plank is a heavy wooden log commonly used in agriculture for compacting and levelling the soil during seed bed and field preparation. It helps create a smooth and even surface, which is essential for successful sowing of seeds. After seeds are sown, planks are also used to cover them properly with soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Additionally, planks are employed to level the soil surface after ploughing, promoting uniformity and better crop growth conditions.

Points to be noted-

A plank is a heavy wooden log used in agriculture.
Its main purpose is compacting and levelling the soil during seed bed and field preparation.
Planks are used after sowing seeds to cover them properly with soil.
They are also used to level the soil surface after ploughing.
Using a plank helps ensure an even seed bed and better seed germination.

6. Cultivator

Cultivator

Cultivator is fitted in the tractor

A cultivator is an agricultural tool used to stir and loosen the soil, which helps in breaking up soil clods and destroying weeds. It is mainly used for intermediary ploughing and harrowing between crops to keep the soil in good condition. By using a cultivator, farmers can maintain a good tilth, ensure adequate aeration for plant roots, and reduce water run-off and evaporation losses from the soil. Cultivators come in different types, such as shovel, disc, and blade types, and there are also tine and spike cultivators specifically designed to prepare the soil for planting.

Points to be noted-

A cultivator is a tool used to stir and loosen the soil.
It breaks up soil clods and destroys weeds.
Cultivators are used for intermediary ploughing and harrowing between crops.
They help maintain good tilth (soil condition), provide adequate aeration, and reduce water run-off and evaporation losses.
There are different types of cultivators: shovel, disc, and blade types.
Tine and spike cultivators are also used to prepare the soil for planting.

B. OTHER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Different tools and equipment, like spades, secateurs, trowels, and spray pumps, are needed for horticultural work. These are divided into hand tools and power equipment. Hand tools are cheaper, useful in small spaces, and can be used for many tasks. Using the right tools helps make farm work easier, faster, and more efficient.

Bill Hook

Bill Hook

A bill hook is a gardening tool with a curved, hook-shaped steel blade and a wooden or plastic handle. It can have one or two sharp edges. The bill hook is mainly used for cutting thick branches and for removing old or dead branches from trees.

Budding-cum-grafting knife

A budding-cum-grafting knife is a special tool with two foldable blades in one handle—one blade for budding and one for grafting. Both blades are made of strong steel. The working blade is about 6.5–7.5

cm long and 1.5 cm wide.

Slashing and pruning knives

Slashing and pruning knives

Slashing and pruning knives are used to cut and remove unwanted small branches or twigs from plants and trees. The knife has a strong, curved steel blade and a handle made of good wood or plastic. The curved blade helps cut branches easily by pulling the knife.

Secateurs

Secateurs

Secateurs are small cutting tools used for trimming branches, removing shoots and buds, cutting scion sticks, taking leaves off sticks, and trimming small trees. They are also helpful for cutting thin branches about the size of a pencil and making plant cuttings for growing new plants.