disc harrow
Noun: A disc harrow is a type of agricultural implement used for soil cultivation. It consists of a series of concave metal discs (or disks) mounted on a common axle, set at an angle to the direction of travel. Its primary function is to cut into, break up, and smooth out the soil, often after initial plowing, to prepare a seedbed or to incorporate crop residue.
The term "disc harrow" is used to refer to the specific farm implement. It is a compound noun where "disc" (or "disk") describes the shape of the cutting components, and "harrow" indicates its function as a soil-pulverizing tool. * The farmer attached the disc harrow to the tractor to break up the clods of earth. * Using a disc harrow helps to level the field and control weeds before planting.
- "to disc" or "to disk" (verb): The action of using a disc harrow.
- After plowing, the next step is to disc the field.
- "discing" or "disking" (gerund/noun): The process or act of using a disc harrow.
- Spring discing is essential for preparing the soil for corn.
- Disk harrow: An alternative spelling. "Disc" and "disk" are interchangeable in this context, though "disc" is more common in agricultural terminology.
- Offset disc harrow: A type of disc harrow where the gangs of discs are arranged in a staggered or offset pattern for more aggressive tillage.
- Tandem disc harrow: A common type with two sets (or gangs) of discs mounted one behind the other.
- Harrow (n.): The general category of implements for breaking up and smoothing soil, which includes the disc harrow, spike-tooth harrow, and spring-tooth harrow.
- Disc cultivator (less common)
- Disk plow (Note: This is a related but distinct implement primarily for primary tillage, not a direct synonym)
- To run the discs over (a field): A colloquial phrase meaning to use a disc harrow on a field.
- We need to run the discs over the south forty acres before the rain comes.
- a harrow with a series of disks set on edge at an angle