We have a lot of heavy clay land that holds the water on the surface. There is shale at about 1 foot down. I am thinking of mole ploughing down to 1 foot to help the drainage. I have an 85hp tractor. The land is gently sloping and I will open ditches where necessary to mole in to. What is the best mole plough for my tractor size? I have been leaning towards a Browns Consort. Any advice appreciated.
Mole plough
- Thread starter gerr
- Start date
- Location
- Near Beeston Castle
Good bit of kit.
Not so sure it will get rid of surface water though.
Not so sure it will get rid of surface water though.
yellow belly
Member
- Location
- south west lincolnshire
If you have shale at a foot down a mole drainer may not do much good
Get an expert on that soil type
Subsoiler may be better but do not bring the rocks as you could ruin good soil
If the shale drains out the soil will soon dry once it stops raining
If it is surface compaction of a cultivation pan just brake the pan
Get an expert on that soil type
Subsoiler may be better but do not bring the rocks as you could ruin good soil
If the shale drains out the soil will soon dry once it stops raining
If it is surface compaction of a cultivation pan just brake the pan
- Location
- Montgomeryshire
No. Your best option would be to take a small spade out, dig a hole and see if it’s a compaction layer and if so, at what depth.
I had a field like you describe that had surface water on constantly when we arrived. Years of compaction near the surface from stock had caused it. I ran through it with a swardlifter at about 6” and water percolates away now.
- Location
- fakenham-norfolk
Unless moling is carried out correctly you could well do more harm than good,best to get correct guidance.