Why Harrow? Harrowing has multiple benefits for both grassland and soil from springtime through to late autumn. Harrows feature a row of evenly spaced tines that are dragged through the top surface of soil, loosening, aerating, and levelling the soil ready for planting grass, flower, or plant seeds. Harrows can also be used post-seeding as the process will cover seeds with a light layer of soil to protect and help germination during the colder months. For the best results, harrow on soil during the autumn months, and ideally use after a Rotary Tiller or Stone Burier has churned up compacted soil and buried any stones and debris.
Harrows are also great on grassland all year round, and especially during the springtime picking up old thatch and ripping up weeds and moss to leave a pasture perfect for grazing animals. The process of harrowing loosens topsoil making it easier for the soil to absorb water, thereby improving drainage and lessening muddy patches and standing water. At the same time, harrowing effectively stimulates new grass growth, giving new shoots the air and space, they need to thrive. A harrow will also level a field, removing ridges and mole hills to make the ground easier to mow during the warmer months, whilst helping to sspread fertiliser, droppings, and manure to nourish the ground.
Harrowing and rolling typically go together. Ideally remove thatch and aerate the soil with a harrow, then follow-up with a Field Roller if you are reseeding a field or paddock and want a good level finish (field rollers are also great for sports fields). Be mindful that using a field roller in wet conditions will compact soil and potentially undo the benefits of harrowing, so wait for the ground to dry out a little before rolling.
Which harrow?
Drag Harrows are slightly cheaper than Framed Harrows and can be towed behind any vehicle with a pin or ball hitch. Framed harrows require a compact tractor with a 3-point linkage and can be lifted whilst attached and easily transported around your smallholding. All of Farm Tech Supplies’ drag and framed harrows benefit from 3-way harrow tines that can be positioned according to the job required. Face the tines forward for ‘aggressive harrowing’ and deeper penetration (and on harder ground). Face the tines backwards for ‘passive harrowing’ or turn the tines upwards for lighter harrowing of seed beds and levelling equestrian areas.
For further information contact our friendly sales team on 01420 520510.
