Tine tool

Introduction

The use of a tine-based implement can have several benefits for the soil:

Shallow tillage between rows. Since the ban on the use of ‘glyphosate' between rows, mechanical tillage using tine implements is the only mechanical solution, although it was already widely used in the past.
Deep soil decompaction. The use of a heavy decompactor effectively breaks up areas of soil compacted by repeated passes of agricultural machinery, thereby improving soil porosity.
Breaking up a hardpan and reducing root asphyxiation and soil waterlogging.
Improved infiltration of winter rainfall through deep water storage.

Main tool families

In the category of toothed tools, there are essentially two main types:

Cultivator

Also known as a light subsoiler, these frame-mounted implements are commonly referred to as cultivators, vibrocultivators, claw cultivators or Canadian cultivators. The working depth varies between 10 and 25 cm.

Heavy-duty subsoiler

Also known as a subsoiler, this implement allows for deeper tillage than a cultivator. The working depth varies between 30 and 50 cm.

Heavy-duty subsoiler

Also known as a subsoiler, this implement works at depth to break up hardpan or loosen the soil to improve its porosity. The working depth is generally greater than 30 cm. These implements are often fitted with straight tines or ‘Michel' tines to ensure good penetration even in heavily compacted soils. The working depth can be maintained by a roller situated at the rear of the implement.
A subsoiler consists of a chassis or frame to which struts are mounted; each strut features a wear part that can take different forms depending on the intended task – this is the coulter.
The ‘strut and coulter' assembly constitutes the tine. There are various types of tines.

Stiff teeth

They are generally straight, except for their lower end, which may be slightly curved. This type of implement creates break lines in the soil because the tines are fixed, without breaking up the soil too finely.
The working width of a tine is approximately 20 centimetres and the working depth is considerable (up to 50 cm).
The categories of rigid tines include:

Straight teeth

Optimal penetration
Ideal for breaking up plough pan
Decompaction through impact and cracking
Possible disruption of soil layers
May leave an uneven surface after use
May reduce bearing capacity

Straight decompaction tines

‘Michel' teeth (curved)

Vertical and horizontal action
Breaks up the soil surface
Highly effective at breaking up compacted soil
Leaves a more even surface than straight tines
May require the ground to be re-compacted after passing (roller)

"Michel" decompaction tines

Ploughshares for rigid tines

The end of each strut is fitted with a ploughshare. Depending on the equipment and the desired result on the ground, there are several types of ploughshare :

pointed ploughshare
flat ploughshare
optional mole-shaped drainage ball

Flat ploughshare

Wide-pointed ploughshare

Mole drainage ball

Flat ploughshares have several advantages:

It better preserves soil layers (less disturbance)
Preserves soil structure
Facilitates drainage
Vertical pressure (wave effect)
Leaves a level surface (suitable for grass-covered rows)

Shown below is a subsoiler with a straight tine fitted with a ‘mole' ball to create a temporary drain in the soil. This prevents water from pooling on land where the soil may be prone to waterlogging.

1-tine subsoiler + mole ball

Mole ball

Visualisation of the temporary drain

Vibrating cultivator

These tools are mainly used to loosen the topsoil, break up a hardpan and carry out work of varying coarseness (depending on the number of tines on the frame and whether a roller is fitted). Here are a few explanations:

Flexible teeth

Cultivator

Semi-rigid tines

These tines are generally made of steel with a square cross-section measuring 20 to 25 mm; they are often referred to as ‘pig's tails'. Their flexibility is limited but operates both longitudinally and laterally.
At their point of attachment to the frame, they feature a spring that allows the tine to disengage if the resistance becomes too great. This flexibility helps to maintain vibrations.

The working depth is approximately 15 to 25 cm.
This type of equipment is often used in viticulture as it is very effective at improving soil aeration whilst ensuring a good work rate.

Vibro-tiller

Vibrating teeth

They are made from thin, flat steel. The tine is S-shaped and has a crimp at its base to make it more rigid.
This tool is often used during summer maintenance in vegetable beds, for example, to break up a hardpan or disrupt capillary action in the soil in order to prevent evaporation.
Hence the saying: ‘one hoeing is worth two waterings' (it helps to retain soil moisture).
This tool may reach its limits in very compacted soil and when dealing with weeds that have strong root systems.

Ploughshares for flexible tines

These implements mainly feature two types of ploughshares:

Cracking ploughshares

They are generally narrow (30 to 50 mm) and fairly small; they have a reinforced tip at one or both ends, making them reversible. They are often called ‘melon-ribbed'. They are used for deep tillage thanks to their penetrating ability and create deep, narrow furrows ( cracking).

Melon ridge, cracking ploughsoil

Goose-foot, scalping blade

Scalping ploughshares

They generally consist of a triangular tip fitted with two sharp-edged side fins; these ploughshares, which work at a depth of a few centimetres, cut through the roots and then pull them upwards. At their widest point, the wings measure between 17 and 25 cm. They are often called ‘goosefoot' ploughshares and are non-reversible.

Adjusting a toothed tool

There are a few settings to bear in mind. These will vary depending on whether you are deep loosening the soil or using the implement in maintenance mode. Here are the main settings:

Horizontal alignment of the implement
Working depth ( roller, depth wheels or tractor lift)
Number of tines. For deep subsoiling, fewer tines are used. For shallow work, the number is increased
Forward speed (you will drive more slowly in deep subsoiling mode)

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