Plowing & Cultivating Guide for Farming Simulator

Understanding Plowing vs. Cultivating

Plowing and cultivating both prepare fields for planting, but they serve different purposes. Plowing turns over the soil, bringing up deeper layers, while cultivating loosens the topsoil for better seedbed preparation.

Plowing is typically only necessary after harvesting certain crops, while cultivating is a faster alternative that works for most situations.

Effects on Stones and Yield

• Plows and subsoilers bring up stones of various sizes.
• Cultivators and harrows dig up smaller stones or none at all.
• Plowing prevents weed growth, whereas cultivating does not.

💡 Leaving stones on the field can damage your equipment! Large stones require a stone picker to remove.

Plowing Methods

Plowing is recommended after harvesting root crops such as potatoes, corn, and sugar beet. Plows can also be used to create new fields or expand existing ones.

1. Standard Plows

• Found in the Plows category of the shop.
• High tractor power requirement and slow operation speed.
• Prevents weeds and increases yield.
• Leaves small stones on the field.
• Speed: ~12 kph

2. Spaders

• Functions similarly to standard plows but does not prevent weeds.
• Increases yield.
• Speed: ~5-8 kph

3. Subsoilers

• Found in the Subsoilers category.
• Faster than plows with lower power requirements.
• Cannot create fields and does not prevent weeds.
• Leaves large stones on the field.
• Speed: ~12-15 kph

Cultivating Methods

Cultivating is an essential step before sowing crops, ensuring proper soil preparation. It is generally faster than plowing but does not prevent weeds.

1. Regular Cultivators

• Found in the Cultivators category.
• Effective for weed control.
• Brings up small stones.
• Speed: ~15 kph

2. Shallow Cultivators

• Wider working width with lower power requirements.
• More expensive but does not bring up stones.
• Weeds grow more quickly compared to regular cultivators.

3. Disc Harrows

• Found in the Disc Harrows category.
• Lower power requirements, faster speed, and lower cost.
• Does not bring up stones, but weeds grow faster.
• Speed: ~18 kph

4. Power Harrows

• Found in the Power Harrows category.
• Budget-friendly but requires more tractor power.
• Speed: ~12 kph

Direct Sowing for Efficiency

Some seeders include a direct sowing feature, allowing you to cultivate, sow, and fertilize in one pass. These machines can save time but have higher power requirements.
💡 Direct seeders do not bring up stones, but weeds grow faster.

Conclusion

Understanding when to plow and when to cultivate is key to maintaining a productive farm. Choose the right tool based on your needs, available equipment, and budget. Happy farming!