Field Work
There are many steps in preparing the fields to plant crops in the spring. This page illustrates how we do it, and showcases the old-time equipment and methods we use each year. Each step utilizes the power of our Belgian work horses. The methods used on conventional farms are similar, but most often use diesel powered tractors. Our use of horses is just one of our commitments to sustainable, organic agriculture.
All photos here are our animals and taken here on the farm.
They are our copyrighted property, please contact us if you would like to use them in any way.
They are our copyrighted property, please contact us if you would like to use them in any way.
Plowing
The first step in planting a field in the spring is plowing. This cuts through the sod or last year's plant growth. The plow turns the old plant growth under, exposing the soil. There are two main types of horse drawn plows, walking plows or riding ones. The difference is whether the operator rides behind or walks behind the machinery. We use a Pioneer walking plow. Looking at this picture, you can see how Pleasant Valley Farm's logo is more than just a nice picture- it's really how we farm!
Disc
The disc is made up of multiple metal pieces, all round with a narrow edge. The purpose of the disc is to cut up the large clumps of sod the plow makes. These clods must be cut up and smoothed out to eliminate last year's growth and leave a well tilled bed for this year's seeds to grow and thrive. Depending on what grew in the field the previous year, the disc may be used just once or passed over the field numerous times.
Harrow
After the field is disced, a harrow is used. This is a spring-toothed harrow, which has large, C-shaped tines. A spike-toothed harrow also does the same job, but is a flat framed piece of equipment with small spikes in cross wise rows. The harrow smooths out the furrows made by the disc and continues to break up the sod into even smaller pieces. Like the disc, the harrow may be used multiple times on the same field before the desired result is achieved.
Cultipacker
The cultipacker is used after the field has been seeded with field crops such as oats or grasses. It can also be used as a final step in preparing the garden soil. The large roller has small grooves along its length. Its purpose is to press the scattered seed into the ground so that the seeds will germinate well. It can also be used just before seeding to provide an even field surface for the seeds to be spread upon or for rows to be made for garden transplants.
Corn Planter
As the name suggests, this is used to plant rows of corn. There are two canisters which hold seed, so if seed is placed in both it will plant two rows each pass. The round thing in the air to Dan's right is a small wheel on a rod which can be lowered. Keeping this wheel in the track of the last row planted keeps the spacing even. This one is raised because on this trip across the field, the one on the opposite side is lowered and in use. Although Dan was standing when the picture was snapped, there is a seat on this piece of equipment as well.
Plastic Mulch Layer
This modern horse drawn machine lays down the black plastic which we use to control weeds in the vegetable garden. It will also place a line of drip tape irrigation underneath the plastic. The driver steers the horses with the lines as usual, but also has a foot pedal to steer the tires to keep the plastic in a straight line even if the horses step sideways. At the beginning of the row, dirt is placed over the end of the plastic. The machine is engaged and as the horses pull, it not only releases the plastic but also uses a disc on either side to mound dirt along the edge to keep the plastic in place. At the end of the row, all the driver needs to do is cut and cover the cut edge and turn around to start the next row. A real time saver!
