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The Wallace Soil Reconditioning Unit

Geoffrey Wallace

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.
To achieve extra plant growth more nitrogen is usually necessary. Nitrogen can be made available by the costly process of spreading nitrogenous fertilisers or stimulating the plant’s natural process of absorbing nitrogen.
Opening up the soil introduces air, warmth and moisture, creating ideal conditions for the soils nitrogen fixing microorganisms. At the same time, aerating can create conditions for a prolific growth of earthworms. (A typical population of 200 earthworms per square metre can create up to 80 tonnes of worm casts per hectare per year. Worm casts are one of the highest quality fertlisers in the world, rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.)
The secret with the Wallace aerator… it builds an air tunnel in the soil to supply extra nitrogen to the root zone.

It is the special triangular "Concorde" shaped boot following the cut line formed by the cutting disc, moving along under the surface that leaves an air tunnel of matching profile.

Choice of models - 3pt linkage or trailing
Five models with working widths from 1.5m up to 3.5 =m (4.9ft. up to 11.4 ft) Wider models available.
The attachment for direct drilling, which drops onto the basic unit. Available as an option.

The secret of the Wallace aerator - the 'Concorde' shaped boot.


The action of creating the tunnel is one of lifting and opening the soil but not turning it over.
Over a period of weeks, even months, depending on soil type, the ceiling of the tunnel gradually crumbles and so plant roots develop in far better conditions
The rate of application of fertiliser can be substantially reduced ... even eliminated. The money saved could well pay for the cost of a Wallace unit.


The big benefit with the Wallace unit is that it simultaneously works in three different ways to provide nutrients for plants. First, there’s that vital air tunnel, continuously supplying nitrogen and moisture to he root zone. Second, the stimulating greater development of the earth worm population. Third, greater root growth so plants can none for more minerals and moisture deeper down

Direct drilling/seed box attachment - aerate and sow in the one operation.


The seeding system can handle a wide range of seeds - from small seeds up to large pumpkin seeds! You can sow direct into stubble or pasture.

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