Defining True Vertical Tillage

What Is True Vertical Tillage?

Great Plains Primary Tillage 01True vertical tillage is a system of guiding principles that maximizes yields by increasing water infiltration, root development, and nutrient take-up. The object of a true vertical tillage system is to eliminate compaction layers and prevent the addition of density layers, or shear surfaces, to the soil by only working the soil vertically in the direction of travel.

The initial goal of a vertical tillage system is to reset the soil below the surface, as deep as is practical, to create uniform soil density. Typically, this is between 10 and 15 inches deep.

Once the soil profile is reset from 10 to 15 inches, the next goal is to maintain uniform density, as deep as is practical, with vertical finish tools. Typically, these run from two to three inches deep at a fast ground speed. Vertical finish tools bury a minimal amount of residue, yet level out the seedbed to ensure accurate seed placement and uniform emergence. With minimal disturbance to surface residue, vertical tillage reduces erosion—a win-win for both producers and the environment.

Traditional plows, disks, and sweep machines shear the soil and can create compaction layers. Vertical tillage blades, however, maintain optimal soil density by entering the soil perpendicular to the ground, cleanly cutting the residue. As the blade rotates further, it fractures the surrounding soil. As it leaves the ground, it throws soil on top of the residue, lacing it to the ground. Because the soil is never moved sideways, the vertical blade never adds a density layer and there is never any ridging.

Don’t Be Fooled By High-Speed Disks

Great Plains Product Comparison 01There are several tools on the market that claim to be vertical tillage, but they are not. True vertical tillage is not a high-speed disk with angled, concave blades running two inches deep. Many so-called “vertical tillage” tools are actually high-speed disks that are only designed to manage residue – they do not eliminate layers, create an ideal seedbed for the planter, or maintain uniform soil density.

These “disks” are not vertical tillage because they shear the ground in horizontal layers, leaving soil below the blades firmer and soil above the blades looser. This density variation restricts the root system, especially for grass crops such as corn and milo. Horizontal layers also restrict the absorption of water by the root system.

If a machine has concave blades and angled gangs, it is not a true vertical tillage machine. A “curved” disc running at an angle will change the soil density. True vertical tillage tools do not invert soil or move it from side to side.

Why Choose Vertical Tillage?

Farmers who practice a true vertical tillage system will see many of its benefits. When a seed sprouts, the density of the soil around it determines the root diameter. Uniform soil density achieved by vertical tillage allows roots to grow deeper into the ground, increasing plant health and, ultimately, yields. Layers of varying soil densities, caused by horizontal movement of soil, restrict root growth. As roots grow down towards nutrients and water, they will turn sideways if a density layer is encountered.

For example, a kernel that sprouts in 50-psi soil will produce a large-diameter main root. If that root grows down and hits a 100-psi or 150-psi layer, the root is too large to grow through the layer and will begin to grow sideways.

Great Plains Roots 01Vertical tillage tools can remove wheel track compaction and ruts caused by heavy traffic, as well as remove density-change layers created by horizontal tillage, reset the soil profile by breaking up layers, and create an equal balance of air space and soil particles under the surface. They shatter layers deep into the soil to eliminate these variations in soil density.

Once implemented, a vertical tillage system will maintain soil uniformity by preventing the addition of horizontal layers and by eliminating compaction layers, resulting in ideal planting conditions from year to year. Creating a uniform soil profile through vertical tillage allows root systems to grow deeper and disperse more rapidly through the soil, providing the roots increased access to nutrients and moisture.

Vertical tillage increases water infiltration, which positively impacts plant health. If fields get heavy rain, the vertical finish will filter the water straight down into the ground, while a horizontal finish could cause flooding as water hesitates at the soil’s density change created by the horizontal blades. By eliminating restrictive layers, reducing runoff, and increasing access to nutrients, vertical tillage creates a positive environment for roots to reach their maximum potential.

Because it manages residue with minimal surface disturbance, vertical tillage delivers a good option for producers who want to reduce, but not eliminate, tillage. Vertical machines reduce erosion by sizing and anchoring residue, leaving more on the surface rather than mixing and burying it. Running a light vertical tillage pass in the fall will also accelerate the breakdown of residue and allow for better residue-flow through the planter in the spring. Due to its residue-management capabilities, vertical tillage also fits well into no-till operations.