Kääntöauraus

Kääntöauraus, also known as reversible ploughing or double ploughing, is a method of soil tillage where the plough is designed to turn the soil over in both directions. This is achieved through a plough with two sets of mouldboards, one on each side. As the plough moves across the field, the soil is turned over to one side. When the plough reaches the end of the furrow, it is flipped over, and the second set of mouldboards is engaged, turning the soil back in the opposite direction. This process effectively creates a continuous layer of turned soil without the formation of a furrow slice or a weed-infested backfurrow, which are common with traditional single-sided ploughs.

The primary advantage of kääntöauraus is its ability to create a level field surface. By turning the soil in both directions, it eliminates the unsightly and uneven ridges and furrows left by conventional ploughing. This level surface is beneficial for subsequent field operations such as sowing and harvesting, as it allows for more uniform seed distribution and easier machine operation. Additionally, it can help to bury surface residue more effectively, promoting faster decomposition and reducing the risk of soil erosion. Kääntöauraus requires a tractor equipped with a reversible plough, which is heavier and more complex than a standard plough. The operation can also be more time-consuming due to the need to flip the plough at the end of each pass. Despite these considerations, it is a valuable technique for achieving a clean and level seedbed.