Chapter 19 Agricultural and Related Technology
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moldboard plow. This plow can be traced
back to tree branches and antlers used
to prepare the soil. In the 1800s, iron and
steel plows were developed. They, similar
to modern plows, had a blade-shaped
plowshare that cut, lifted, and turned over
the soil. See Figure 19-9.
Discs (or disc plows) are also used
to prepare the seedbed. Sometimes these
machines are used after the plow. At other
times, the disc is used instead of a plow to
start preparing a field for planting. A disc,
as its name implies, is a series of curved
discs on a shaft. See Figure 19-10. When
the machine is pulled through the ground,
it slices and crumbles the earth.
Generally, a harrow is used after
plowing and discing are completed. A
Figure 19-9. A plow is used to cut, lift, and turn
the soil. (Case IH)
Figure 19-10. A disc cuts and pulverizes the soil. Note the close-up of the discs on the right.
(Deere and Company)