What is a Subsoiler and How Does It Work?
An agricultural subsoiler is a deep tillage implement specifically designed to break up compacted subsoil layers without significantly turning over or mixing the topsoil. It consists of a robust structure (chassis) to which rigid shanks or tines are attached, penetrating the earth to great depths (often to cm or more).
Its operation is simple yet powerful: as it is pulled by the tractor, the design of its shanks creates a fracturing or “lifting” action of the subsoil. This action breaks up the hardpan, creating fissures and channels that act as pathways for water, air, and roots, relieving pressure without damaging the surface structure of the soil.
Direct Benefits to Crops 🌱
The regular and appropriate use of an agricultural subsoiler is a driving force for improving your farm’s operation:
- Increased Water Retention and Filtration: By breaking the hard layer, the barrier that causes surface waterlogging is eliminated. Rainwater or irrigation water can penetrate deeply, creating a water reserve that protects crops during dry spells and improves irrigation efficiency.
- Enhanced Root Development: Roots can grow freely to greater depths, accessing more nutrients and water. This results in stronger, healthier plants with greater tolerance to environmental stress.
- Improved Aeration and Soil Life: By fissuring the ground, oxygen is allowed to circulate in the subsoil. This is crucial for microbial activity and the decomposition of organic matter, improving natural fertility.
- Greater Nutrient Efficiency: With a better structure, applied fertilizers are absorbed more efficiently by deep roots, reducing the need to apply large quantities and minimizing leaching (nutrient loss due to water runoff).
When to Use It and on Which Soil Types
The decision to subsoil depends on the level of compaction and the soil type, but there are general guidelines:
When to Use the Subsoiler
- When the Soil is Dry: This is the optimal time. Dry soil breaks up more effectively and requires less tractor power, maximizing the decompaction effect and minimizing the formation of large clods.
- After Harvest: To eliminate residual compaction from traffic during harvesting and prepare the ground for the next cycle.
- Every 3 to 5 Years (or as needed): It is not an annual task. It should be done correctively when a study or a test pit (inspection excavation) shows the presence of a restrictive hardpan.
On Which Soil Types
The subsoiler is beneficial in practically any type of soil that has been compacted:
- Clay and Heavy Soils: Where compaction is more severe and drainage problems are more common.
- Soils with Intense Traffic: Especially in vineyards, orchards, and irrigated crops where machinery repeatedly drives over the same lanes.
- Soils with Crop Residues: Models with cutting discs are ideal for working ground with abundant surface residue without burying it.
JYMPA Subsoiler Models
JYMPA, with its long history, offers models designed to meet the most demanding needs of decompaction:
- Fixed Subsoilers (Rigel / Antares): The most robust models, without a safety system. Ideal for land with few obstacles. The Rigel model is the evolution of the original with a 2V chassis, optimized to work with crop residues and lower draft resistance.
- Mechanical Subsoilers (Sirius): Incorporate a mechanical shear bolt that breaks upon encountering an obstacle (stone or root), protecting the shank and the tractor. An effective and economical solution for hard and stony ground.
- Hydraulic Subsoilers (Polaris / Spica): Feature a hydraulic non-stop safety system that allows the shank to lift when encountering an obstacle and automatically return to its working position. Perfect for intensive work in terrain with abundant stones or roots, ensuring labor continuity.
- Specialized Decompactors: Such as the SB-OL Decompactor for vineyards and orchards, which decompacts exactly where the wheels pass without altering the surface, maintaining the vineyard profile.
Practical Cases and Testimonials (Conceptual Examples)
- Practical Case: Increased Infiltration: A dry-land cereal farmer reported that after subsoiling with an Rigel model at cm depth, rainwater, which previously ran off, fully penetrated. This allowed him to increase his water reserve and improve yield by 15% in an average rainfall year.
- Testimonial: Fuel Savings: “We switched to a JYMPA Antares subsoiler with the new shank geometry. The difference in draft compared to our previous machine was noticeable. We are subsoiling at the same depth with 10% less diesel consumption per hectare.”
Conclusion
The agricultural subsoiler is the most effective tool for restoring the health and productivity of compacted soil. By improving structure, aeration, and drainage, you are creating an optimal environment for your crops to thrive, reducing long-term costs and ensuring more abundant harvests.
Don’t let compaction stifle your potential. Discover the full range of JYMPA subsoilers and request personalized advice to choose the equipment that will optimize your land. Start the path to more profitable farming today!