Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

PLANTERS FOR RIDGE-TILL

ISU Extension Pub # AE-3057
Author: Dr. Mark Hanna and Mr. Jeff Lorimor, Department of
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
Date: 11/90
Content reviewed 4/95 by Dr. Mark Hanna

Ridge-till planters are essential for success of any ridge-till system. Planters must perform several special functions in addition to accurately placing and covering the seeds.

Coulters

Smooth coulters normally are used to slide through old residue so it does not plug the planter. Depth bands sometimes are attached to the coulters to regulate depth of operation.

Moving Residue

The planter must move residue, small weeds, and a thin layer of dry soil out of the way to create a smooth, weed free, flat top on the ridge for the planting unit. Several different devices are available.

Double Disks

Two disks turning about horizontal axes and set at an angle to form a "V" (like a snowplow) are a popular option. The simplest ones use fairly small diameter (12- to 14-inch) disks. Commonly called "trash whippers" after Acra-Plant's brand name (other companies also make them), they are simple and relatively inexpensive. They often are used alone without a coulter ahead of them. Double disks also are used as a part of units that include coulters, scrapers, and depth control devices (see figure 1).

If possible, double disks should be attached to the planter units, not the tool bar. If your fields have rocks, look for strength such as two bearings per disk rather than one. Plan to spend $250 to $300 a row for double disk units.

Horizontal Disk

Several brands of planters use a single disk that turns about a vertical axis (figure 2). the disk, usually attached to a small drum, turns freely as it pushes residue and soil aside, and flattens the ridge top. A coulter must precede the disk. Adjustment is important so the unit does not lean back and let the boot of the disk rub on the soil.

Sweeps

For several years, Buffalo planters have used a large flat sweep similar to a large cultivator sweep. The sweeps are preceded by coulters and depth control devices. Although originally developed for Nebraska's coarse soils, they work well in Iowa.

Combinations

Several companies make units that use combinations of disks and sweeps. The disks cut and move residue out of the way. The sweeps flatten and smooth the residue-free bank. Individual row add-on units that mount between the tool bar and planter unit cost between $450 and $700 per row. For a new ridge-till planter, plan to spend at least $2,500 per row, similar to a conventional planter.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are important for ridge-till planters. The larger the planter, the more important stabilizers are. Planters often want to wander off of the ridge top. Since heavier units are harder to hold on the rows, there are different types of stabilizers including large coulters, wheels, and drums.

Coulters

Coulters provide stability, but no guidance. They will stabilize a planter whether on or off the row. Coulters might be satisfactory for small planters that can be controlled fairly well with a tractor. For larger planters (eight rows or more), use wheels or drums.

Wheels

Rubber tires set at an angle to each other to run against the sides of the ridges provide guidance as well as stability (figure 3). Two basic methods are used. A large stabilizer can be used on each end of the planter or a small stabilizer can be used on each unit. Both types seem to work well. For either type to be effective, a large enough ridge is necessary for the wheels to run against.

Others

Buffalo brand has developed "hip huggers," which are triangular shaped drums that run in pairs between two rows and ride against the sides of the ridges. Like stabilizer wheels, they provide both stabilization and guidance.

Planting Unit

Ridge-till planting units are similar to any other planter. They simply run in the band created by disks or sweeps ahead of them. Their job is to place and cover the seed accurately.

Management

Following are several management techniques that might make the difference between success and failure, especially during the first year or two of use.
Don't run the row cleaner too deep. Most successful ridge-till operators run their units as shallow as possible. Going too deep will get into soil that it too wet, or will take out corn stubs and make the ridge top too rough. Remove only enough soil to get a level top and remove small weeds. Don't run deep enough to remove last year's corn roots.
Don't run any wheels on the ridges. Adjust the wheels on all implements to your row spacing - tractors, combines, wagons, manure spreaders, etc.
Don't ridge the end rows. This make turning almost impossible. Seed them down or plant them on the flat. Point rows don't work with ridge-till. If you have point rows, consider no-till instead of ridge-till.
Provide travel paths across very long fields. If you can't get a full round with your combine, seed down a travel lane across the middle of the field for hauling.
Don't work when the soil is too wet. It is tempting to start planting before the neighbors since you have high dry ridges. Wait another day or two so you won't scrape the dry soil off the ridge tops. Planting will work better if you don't have to fight mud.
Don't stop the combine in the middle of the field any more that absolutely necessary. Residue piles are hard to manage.
Use a large enough tractor to lift your ridge till equipment. It is generally heavier that conventional equipment. Use lift-assist wheels, or fewer rows, for smaller tractors.

Author: Mark Hanna and Jeff Lorimor
Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State Univ

Back to Agricultural Machinery