Rolling Deep Aerator Breaks Up Subsoil

Rolling Deep Aerator Breaks Up Subsoil TILLAGE EUIPMENT Miscellaneous 21-2-13 A new "rolling deep aerator" unveiled recently at the St. Louis Farm Show in St. Louis, Mo., loosens compacted subsoil as deep as 22 in. "We ran the prototype on over 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans last year, including some upland corn on tough gumbo soil," says inventor Chuck Fulk of Plate City, Mo. "We noted a 3 bu. per acre increase compared with an unaerated check strip. We believe that would have been more had we not had such a wet season. It'll really shine in improving water infiltration in dry years, since we were able to pour up to 5 gallons of water down many of the cuts made by the tool. "Used in tandem with an Aer Way aerator, you'll be able to deep aerate and surface aerate all in one pass," says Fulk, who also handles the Aer Way. The rolling deep aerator consists of a dual 7 by 7 by 3/8-in., 11-ft. long toolbar. Channel iron running between them is fitted with aerator wheels with four 22-in. long curved teeth. The wheels turn in bearings and clamp to the channel iron so spacings can be set as narrow as 15 in. Weight boxes, with 2,500 lbs. capacity, are used to keep down pressure on the unit. A 3 pt. hitch on back allows you to pull an Aer Way areator behind. A 200 hp tractor is required to pull the 5-row aerator at speeds of up to 6 mph, Fulk says. A four-row unit, with rear gauge wheels, sells for about $7,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Fulk Agri Services, 13245 Running Horse Rd., Platte City, Mo. 64079 (ph 816 858-5836).

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