RMB 1059 A, Wodonga, Vic. 3690
The Wallace Soil Reconditioning Unit (SRU) is an implement which improves soil fertility by loosening and aerating land without turning it over. This creates conditions for earthworms and other soil microorganisms to multiply rapidly and turn hard, compacted land into the rich, healthy fertile soil it once was.
Air Tunnel
A hardened steel vertical cutting disc slices the soil to a depth of about 10cm. Behind this disc, follows a specially shaped triangular shoe. This shoe lifts, loosens and drops the soil back, leaving a triangular shaped air tunnel 20cm below the surface. The air in this tunnel supplies abundant nitrogen to the nitrogen fixing bacteria both in the soil and on the roots of legumes.
Earthworms Encouraged
Earthworms in particular reproduce quickly in the loosened soil. It has been estimated by the CSIRO that a typical population of 200 earthworms per square metre can convert up to 80 tonnes per hectare per year of dry matter and soil into worm casts (manure). This highest quality fertiliser, rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, is immediately available for the plants to use and grow strongly. The earthworms cannot survive in large numbers in hard compacted, chemicalised pastures.
No Chemicals
In order to return the land to its natural state, the use of all chemicals is eliminated. This step alone may save you the cost of the unit in only one year.
No Erosion
It is emphasised that the soil is never turned over. In conventional farming, inverting the soil exposes all soil organisms to heat and light as well as to rain and wind erosion. By leaving the soil profile undisturbed, all the life in that soil can continue to thrive and multiply, increasing the fertility every day. Erosion is minimised because the stabilising roots of plants are still intact.
Results Achieved In Australia
Wallace Soil Reconditioning Units are in use in all areas of Australia, some for as long as 10 years. Obviously, soil improvement is an ongoing process, and such spectacular results as those listed below cannot be expected immediately. After two years, however, accelerating changes in soil fertility, animal health, and crop yields will be noticed.
Details And Specifications
All units are made of heavy gauge RHS steel. The heavy duty tynes are protected against breakage by simple, low cost shear bolts. The special steel shoes are engineered to enter the soil at the best angle to save engine horsepower and fuel. The shoes are designed to remain in position by using a simple locking cam bolt placed so that soil abrasion cannot cause bolt wear resulting in loss of shoes. Shoes can be quickly removed for re-shaping or renewal. Hardened steel “slippers” are available at very low cost to renew worn shoes without having to replace them. All units are supplied with external wheels which enable the cultivating depth to be kept constant, and also allow transportation along the road by a simple height adjustment.
Number of Tynes | |||||
3 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 | |
Approx. tractor horse- power recommended |
20-25 |
35-45 |
50-60 |
65-75 |
80-90 |
Approx. weight (kg) with wheels |
260 |
300 |
350 |
400 |
450 |
Width (metres) |
1.5 |
2.0 |
2.5 |
3.0 |
3.5 |
Hectares per hour |
0.4 |
0.8 |
1.2 |
1.6 |
2.0 |
Units can be fabricated to any width to order.
The minimum size 3 tyne unit is easily usable with a grey Ferguson tractor, or similar.
The Wallace soil aerator…
stimulates root and plant growth...
So it’s improved pasture, greater crop yields.
Actually reconditions the soil by aerating and loosening without turning it over. More air and moisture is admitted with quite remarkable results. |
Choice of models - 3pt linkage or trailing |
The action of creating the tunnel is one of lifting and opening the soil but not turning it over. |