Agriculture question

[larry1948]

Noticed this style of land plow at farms along the Camino Frances. Can someone explain the purpose of the rotation feature?

 

[TerryB]

Yes! Used one of those back in the day (40 years ago!!!) With this plough (U.K. English) the driver can begin at one side of the field, flip the plough over at the end of the furrow ( often does it automatically on the turn round) and plough back down the field with the tractor wheel in the furrow just made.
With the old type plough, one had to set a 'ridge' somewhere in the middle of the field and plough round and round it. In a big field there would need to be a number of ridges otherwise there was too much travel across the end of the ploughed area. These finishes left deep furrows up and down the ploughed area.
The modern plough is far more efficient (and 'sadly' says this old countryman) needs less skill! No need for straight lines, one can follow a gently curving hedge to begin then just keep going along the same track.
Wikipedia has an article here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plough
On a personal note i can remember walking with my grandfather as he ploughed with horses through to using modern reversible ploughs. All part of human development! At least in this case it has led to increased efficiency.
Blessings on your walking and observations!
TerryB

 

[Flog]

Yes! Used one of those back in the day (40 years ago!!!) With this plough (U.K. English) the driver can begin at one side of the field, flip the plough over at the end of the furrow ( often does it automatically on the turn round) and plough back down the field with the tractor wheel in the furrow just made.
With the old type plough, one had to set a 'ridge' somewhere in the middle of the field and plough round and round it. In a big field there would need to be a number of ridges otherwise there was too much travel across the end of the ploughed area. These finishes left deep furrows up and down the ploughed area.
The modern plough is far more efficient (and 'sadly' says this old countryman) needs less skill! No need for straight lines, one can follow a gently curving hedge to begin then just keep going along the same track.
Wikipedia has an article here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plough
On a personal note i can remember walking with my grandfather as he ploughed with horses through to using modern reversible ploughs. All part of human development! At least in this case it has led to increased efficiency.
Blessings on your walking and observations!
TerryB

Thank you, always fun to learn something new!

 

[AlexisRoach]

You know, each time I visit this forum, I always find out something new! It’s probably the most helpful forum I’ve ever seen. I studied to become an engineer. Though life has plans for me, and I’ve not become an engineer, I still use the knowledge I’ve gained while studying. I’m always impressed by how simple and impressive agriculture engineering is! I’ve recently bought a small tractor on sale at https://www.machinerydealer.co.uk/compact-tractors-for-sale/ and a plough to do some work in my garden. My grandson has always asked me to buy a tractor, so finally, our dream has come true. I like how he literally studies each part and piece of that tractor. Seems like he wants to become an engineer.

 

[NorthernLight]

From the perspective of a farmer’s daughter, I take great delight in watching the progress of farming along the camino; the planting, growing, harvesting of all sorts of things we eat.

Thanks for this thread! I learned something.

 

[Bradypus]

From the perspective of a farmer’s daughter, I take great delight in watching the progress of farming along the camino; the planting, growing, harvesting of all sorts of things we eat.

On my first Camino on a couple of days I saw people ploughing tiny fields in Galicia with oxen. Something I'd never seen at home in Scotland.