Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of primary tillage activity?

1. Moldboard plow

2. Spike tooth harrow

3. Rolling basket

4. Field cultivator

The correct answer is: Moldboard plow

Primary tillage activities are designed to prepare the soil for planting by breaking up and turning over the soil to a significant depth. This process improves soil aeration, helps with weed control, and creates a suitable seedbed for crops. The moldboard plow is a traditional implement used in primary tillage, as it turns the soil over, inverts the crop residue, and typically penetrates deeper than secondary tillage tools. In contrast, the spike tooth harrow, rolling basket, and field cultivator are primarily used for secondary tillage or seedbed preparation. Secondary tillage focuses on refining the seedbed and incorporating organic matter or soil amendments, rather than the deep soil inversion and extensive soil management provided by primary tillage implements like the moldboard plow. This distinction is important in agronomy, as each type of tillage serves a specific purpose in the cultivation process.