John Deere 9R Tractors V-Ripping for Primary Tillage in Western Kentucky

Primary Tillage with John Deere 9R Tractors

• 🚜 John Deere 9R series articulated four-wheel drive tractors are performing primary tillage in western Kentucky.
• 🎯 The goal is subsoiling the ground to improve water and air penetration into the root zone for next year's corn crop.
• 🌽 This field previously hosted double-cropped soybeans, leading to significant soil compaction from multiple passes of planters, sprayers, combines, and grain carts.

V-Rippers for Soil Compaction

• ⚡ V-rippers are being utilized at approximately 16 inches deep to break up soil compaction.
• 🧩 Two tractors use Case International 14V rippers, while the other two employ John Deere 915 rippers.
• 🌾 These implements minimally disturb the soil surface, aiming for a field that appears undisturbed by spring.

Benefits of V-Ripping

• 🌱 The tillage method creates a compromise between no-till and full tillage, allowing for looser soil.
• 💧 This looser soil facilitates deep root growth for corn, enabling better water absorption during dry summer months.
• ⚠️ A sloped area is intentionally left undisturbed to combat erosion and provide a firm surface for harvest trucks.

Tractor and Implement Specifications

• 📊 The fleet includes two 360 horsepower John Deere 9370R tractors, one 360 horsepower 9360R, and one 410 horsepower 9410R.
• 🛠️ The 9360R is shown lifting a 915 V-Ripper out of the ground in a specific section of the field.