An agricultural subsoiler, as the name suggests works the soil under the surface of the field. Subsoilers break up compacted soil layers, to enhance subsoil drainage and promote deeper root growth, whilst minimising top soil disturbance. The ideal subsoiler has minimum draft (meaning there is less pulling power required) but maximum heave to lift the soil as much as possible without unwanted clods coming to the surface. Most of the more modern subsoilers are designed in a V formation improving soil flow through the machine, this enables the legs to be closer together and improve lift across the width of the machine. Whether using grassland subsoilers or models designed for arable land, the primary goal remains the same: to break up the subsoil without inverting it. This is essential to maintain the balance between topsoil and subsoil. This process creates optimal growing conditions and has the potential to significantly increase crop yields. By understanding these functions, farmers can make informed decisions when choosing the right tool for their needs.
Agricultural subsoilers play a crucial role in optimising farming operations by addressing soil compaction issues which can significantly impact crop yield and health. By breaking up the compacted soil layers, subsoilers improve water penetration and drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogging and promoting better root growth. In turn, this enhanced soil structure allows crops to have better access to nutrients.
In conservation agriculture practices, subsoilers can be used strategically to alleviate compaction while minimising soil disturbance, helping farmers maintain crop residue and preserve soil organic matter. This approach also supports sustainable farming methods, aligning with environmentally conscious agricultural practices.
Some subsoilers are purposefully constructed to fulfil precise and well-defined tasks, demonstrating their targeted design and functional suitability for specific agricultural operations.
Grassland subsoilers are specifically designed to effectively break up compacted soil layers beneath grassy areas, promoting better root growth and soil health, reaping the overall benefits of subsoiling grassland. To ensure minimal damage grassland subsoilers are equipped with a leading disc in front of each leg, preventing the legs from tearing up the grass roots.
Another common sight is a subsoiler equipped with a micro seeder on top, often used for planting oilseed rape. The seeds are dropped behind the leg, creating a deep fissure that promotes downward root growth for the plants.
In agricultural practices, it is quite common to incorporate a subsoiler 'tine bar' that can be mounted ahead of another cultivator or power harrow. This arrangement serves the purpose of enabling two passes to be completed in a single operation. By combining these implements, farmers can enhance productivity and streamline the cultivation process.
A low disturbance subsoiler is designed to lift and reduce compaction, promote soil structure, and cause minimum disturbance to the top layer of soil.
AMTEC’s range offers robust subsoilers designed to reduce soil compaction effectively. These implements can operate at various depths, enabling farmers to address compacted soil layers at different levels below the surface. The subsoilers feature durable metal tines that can efficiently penetrate dense soil, creating channels for improved water infiltration. The subsoiler models available at are engineered for longevity, with heavy-duty frames capable of withstanding the demands of deep tillage challenges.
Due to the working depth of the legs of a subsoiler, and therefore the strain, they have a safety mechanism to prevent damage to the leg and also the tractor. This can come in two types:
Included in our subsoiler category are mole drainers, these immensely popular machines are specifically designed to create a subsurface drainage channel. Thus, improving the soil drainage and connecting land drains in the field. Mole ploughing generally must be carried out after harvest and before drilling, in about a two-month window. The most important part of mole ploughing is ensuring that the soil is not too wet nor too dry. The soil needs to hold the bore that the mole has created, if it’s too wet it could fold in behind the mole and if it’s too dry it will crumble. Clay soils like those here at Gaydon Farm tend to be the one that needs the most help with drainage so benefit most from mole ploughing.
AMTEC has a range of subsoilers in stock from 2 leg subsoilers to mighty 8 leg machines, from manufacturers such as:
Hundreds of farmers use AMTEC to ensure they get exactly what they need for the task ahead. As one of the nation’s leading suppliers to the agricultural industry, with more than 25 years’ experience, we have the knowledge to help you get the best deal on all your subsoiler needs. Our nine acre site has a wide range of second-hand farming machinery and brands in stock. We’re conveniently located in central England.
Our customer-centric approach is at the core of everything we do, ensuring all the farmers that choose us as their equipment partner save time and money while making the best decisions for their needs. Contact us today by calling 01926 640637, sending an email to sales@amtec.co.uk, or by using the form on our website. Discover the ways we can help - you won’t regret it!
To protect the legs of a cultivator or plough from damage, many machines will have shear bolts. These bolts pass through the leg and frame of the machine and are designed to snap when the legs come in contact with a rock or other unmoving object. The idea behind this is to save the frame and leg from bending, using an incorrect shear bolt and result in the bolt not shearing and expensive damage occurring to the machine.