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Agronomy QUESTION #2084
Question 1
A moldboard plow is agronomically superior to a disc plow for primary tillage in soils that are:
  • Sandy with low organic matter and prone to wind erosion
  • Heavy clay or loam soils with thick crop residues, where the moldboard's inversion action effectively buries residues, controls perennial weeds, and breaks compacted layers — though it increases erosion risk on sloping land✔️
  • Light sandy soils where minimal soil disturbance is needed
  • Waterlogged for extended periods requiring subsoil drainage
Correct Answer Explanation
The moldboard plow inverts the furrow slice completely (150–180° rotation), burying surface residues, weed seeds, and crop stubble effectively. It excels in heavy-textured soils with dense residues and perennial weeds. Its limitation is leaving bare soil exposed to erosion. Disc plows cut and partially invert soil, better suited to hard, dry, stony soils where moldboards would break.