Spading is a soil-tilling method that uses rotating blades to mix the top layer of soil without turning it over. Unlike plowing, spading keeps the soil’s structure intact and doesn’t bury the valuable topsoil.
This technique promotes better soil aeration, encourages strong root development, improves water management, and efficiently mixes organic matter into the soil.
In this article, we’ll dig into the mechanics of spading, compare it to traditional plowing, explore different types of spaders, and highlight the benefits of spading for various soil types.
Spading vs. plowing: A comparative analysis
Spaders work a little differently than plows do. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
The mechanics of spading
Spading uses rotating blades to mix the top layer of soil, crop residue, fertilizer, and green manure. This leaves the top layer of soil nice and airy, which promotes good root development and helps balance the soil’s ecosystem.
How spading and plowing differ
Plowing inverts the soil, while spading doesn’t turn it over, leaving the richest layer of soil intact. Plowing can also create a “plow sole,” which can stop water from seeping down into the soil and inhibit root growth. Spading avoids this problem.
Ongoing research
Researchers are still learning about the benefits of spading. Osnabrück University in Germany and the University of South Australia are both working on studies that compare spading and plowing.
Understanding rotary spader models
There’s a spader for just about every application, and they’re generally grouped by how they’re intended to be used, how deeply they can work the soil, and how much tractor horsepower they require.
When you’re choosing a spader, make sure your tractor’s lifting capacity and horsepower line up with the spader model you’re considering.
Standard spaders
- 32L Series: Works down to 12″, 4-foot working width, use with tractors under 25 hp.
- 27 Series: Use with 30-70 hp tractors, 4, 5, or 6 ft working widths, 10-14″ working depth.
- 33 Series: Use with 65-85 hp tractors, 7 ft & 8 ft working widths, 14″ working depth.
- 40 Series: Requires 12-15 hp per working foot, 5 or 8 ft working widths, 20″ working depth.
Higher-speed “Revolution” spaders
- 38 Series: Use with 100-150 hp tractors, 10 ft working width.
- 48 Series: Use with 130-250 hp tractors, 10 or 12 ft working widths.
- 58 Series: 5.6 mph working speed (in correct conditions), 12 or 15 ft working widths.
Deep spaders
- 65 Series: Use with 220-270 hp tractors, 7.6 or 9 ft working widths, 32″ working depth.
- 135 Series: Use with 350 hp tractors, 10 ft working width, 56″ working depth.
Optimizing spading for different applications
Spaders are versatile pieces of equipment, but there are a few things to keep in mind so you can get the most out of them.
Spading and soil types
Spaders work well in a variety of soil types, even heavy clay soils. If you’re working in extremely heavy soil, you may also want to have a rotary tiller or combi scraper on hand.
Combining spading with seeding
To save time and money, spading can be combined with seeding or planting. After spading, you might want to use rollers to recompact the soil to make the perfect seedbeds.
Factors to consider when choosing a spader
When you’re shopping for a spader, it’s important to understand the power take-off (PTO) requirements of each model. Also, evaluate the working speed range so you can choose the most efficient model for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a spading machine work?
A spading machine, at its heart, mimics the action of hand-spading. Instead of a person using a spade, the machine uses a series of spade-shaped blades mounted on a rotating shaft. As the machine moves forward, these blades scoop up sections of soil, lift them, and then deposit them back down, effectively turning and aerating the soil. The depth of the spading is adjustable, allowing you to customize the process based on your soil type and planting needs. It’s a powerful, efficient way to prepare the ground.
What is spading soil?
Spading soil refers to the process of turning and aerating the soil using a spade or spading machine. The goal is to improve soil structure, drainage, and aeration. Spading helps break up compacted soil, incorporate organic matter, and create a more favorable environment for plant roots to grow. It’s a fundamental step in soil preparation, whether you’re establishing a new garden bed or revitalizing an existing one. It is a better alternative than tilling in areas that are already rich in organic matter because tilling can destroy the soil structure.
To Conclude
Spading offers some clear advantages, including better soil structure, efficient mixing of organic matter, and the possibility of completing soil preparation in just one pass.
To get the most out of spading, you’ll need to select the right model for your tractor and soil type.
Spading is a sustainable method of soil preparation, and ongoing research continues to reveal its benefits.