Power harrows in New Zealand

Abstract

Since our establishment 13 years ago two major studies of cultivation practice have been made. In 1966 the first stage of a long term programme was commenced. This was aimed at the introduction of precision row crop mechanisation in New Zealand, (1-3). As part of this programme, which centred around the use of the precision drill, shallow seedbed techniques were investigated and subsequently recommended. Row crop mechanisation project work has continued until the present day, although the cultivation aspects of the project ceased with the introduction of the final design of the N.Z.A.E.I. Dutch Harrow, in 1971. The reduced effort needed for shallow seedbed preparation when compared with traditional cultivation practice, highlighted the improved timeliness of drilling and the financial savings to be made. These advantages generated considerable interest within the farming community and at the Institute, and led to a wider investigation of reduced cultivation techniques. This new project began in 1972 and has continued until the present with a short break in 1974-75.