Harrow (tool) facts for kids
A harrow is a special farm tool. Farmers use it to prepare the soil for planting. It helps break up big lumps of dirt and makes the soil surface smooth. This is different from a plow, which digs much deeper into the ground. A plow also turns the soil over. But a harrow mainly cuts into the top layer of soil and breaks it apart.
Farmers often use a harrow after plowing. Plowing can leave the field rough and bumpy. Harrowing makes the soil fine and smooth. This creates a good soil structure, called "tilth," which is perfect for planting seeds. Harrows can also help remove weeds. They can even cover up seeds after they have been planted.
Harrows are different from tools called "cultivators." Cultivators only disturb narrow paths in the soil. They avoid the rows where crops are growing. Harrows, however, work on the entire surface of the soil.
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Types of Harrows
There are four main kinds of harrows. These are disc harrows, tine harrows, chain harrows, and chain disk harrows. In the past, animals like horses, mules, or oxen pulled harrows. Sometimes, people even pulled them. Today, tractors almost always pull harrows. They connect to the tractor either by a drawbar or a special three-point hitch.
Harrows come in different types and weights. This depends on what they are used for. Most harrows have a strong frame. This frame holds discs, teeth, chains, or other parts that move the soil. However, tine and chain harrows often just have a bar at the front for support.
Disc Harrows
Disc harrows are used for tough jobs. For example, they can break up hard soil after plowing. Their discs have bumpy edges and are slightly curved. This design helps them grab the soil and spin. Spinning helps mix the soil well. It also stops the harrow from leaving ridges or trails behind.
There are also "power harrows." These harrows get their power directly from the tractor. They don't just work by being pulled. Very large disc harrows, called giant disc harrows, can even be used instead of a plow. They are helpful in rough areas with tree stumps and rocks.
Chain Harrows
Chain harrows are often used for lighter tasks. They can level the soil or cover seeds. Farmers also use them in pastures to spread out animal waste. They are also good for smoothing sports fields, like a baseball infield.
Tine Harrows
Tine harrows prepare fields before planting. They can also remove small weeds from growing crops. Tine harrows loosen the soil between rows. This makes it easier for water to soak into the ground. A tine is a metal bar that points downwards. Unlike a disc, it does not spin.
Chain Disk Harrows
The fourth type is the chain disk harrow. Discs attached to chains are pulled across the ground at an angle. These harrows move quickly over the surface. The chain and discs spin to stay clean. They break up the top layer of soil, about 1 inch (3 cm) deep. With just one pass, they can prepare a smooth seedbed for planting.
Farmers might use one or more types of harrows. This depends on the soil and the crop they are planting. If the soil is very light and might blow away easily, a roller can be used. A roller helps settle the soil after harrowing.
A "drag" is another name for a heavy harrow. It is often a chain type harrow.
Images for kids
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A spring-tooth drag harrow
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A Crumbler roller, used to press down soil after harrowing
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Clydesdale horses pulling spike harrows in Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia
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Harrowing with a tractor and disk harrow in the 1940s
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A harrow from the 19th century
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The harrow smooths the surface of a plowed field.
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See also
In Spanish: Grada (agricultura) para niños
