Converting a chisel plow to a vertical tillage tool is one of the most cost-effective and practical ways to control residue, prepare the ideal seedbed, and increase output. Vertical tillage attachments have multiple uses and bring you real savings in terms of time and money. Especially when an under-utilized tillage tool is put back to work.

Most models have low horsepower requirements resulting in lower operating cost per acre and can be used in a wide range of conditions. In order to maximize productivity, vertical tillage attachments should be operated at a relatively high speed (6 to 10 MPH), which allows for quick mixing of soil and residue to help control erosion. Vertical tillage attachments can be used for very shallow incorporation of fertilizer and herbicides.

Vertical Tillage Attachment* with shallow
wave blades

 
Choosing the right coulter blades is a very important process to achieve the desired amount of tillage and residue sizing. Narrow coulter blades provide the least amount of tillage, where as thicker blades maximize soil disturbance.

Vertical tillage attachments are ideal for use in both the fall and spring.

In the fall, they can be used to lightly till the soil, incorporate and size residue, setting the stage for the spring planting season. Vertical tillage works well in no-till as well as conservation tillage plus other operations where residue management is a must. 

Mixing of the soil and residue creates the perfect environment for faster decomposition. Less residue to contend with in the spring makes for easier planting conditions. An added benefit is prepping the soil to absorb and store moisture for release in the spring.

In early spring soil conditioned by vertical tillage warms more quickly, energizing the seedbed for maximum growth and yield potential. In addition, vertical tillage allows for shallow seedbed preparation, decreasing the risk of excess soil density below the root zone. Time for seedbed preparation is reduced allowing for an earlier planting date.
 

When spring planting is delayed by cool, wet fields, vertical tillage can be used to dry and warm them. A light fluffing of the residue and fracturing of the soil surface encourages aeration, which speeds the drying process. Vertical tillage attachments can also be used to break soil surface crusting following heavy rains.

Whether used in the fall or spring vertical tillage attachments are a high speed means to cover more acres per day, at a lower cost when compared to conventional tillage methods.

In addition to all of these benefits, vertical tillage provides a natural mechanism for improving insect and disease control through residue sizing and disturbance.

*Patent Pending