Britannica AI Icon

subsoil plow

Also known as: subsoiler

Quick Summary

A subsoil plow is a farming tool used to stir the deeper soil beneath previously plowed furrows without turning it over. This type of plow is part of primary tillage equipment, which is designed to break and loosen soil to depths of 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches). Unlike moldboard plows that invert the soil, subsoil plows are used to improve soil structure, enhance water intake and storage, and promote aeration in the subsoil. This is particularly useful for breaking up compacted layers, known as hardpans or plow soles, which can hinder root development and reduce crop yields.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.