Plough Heel
The heel in a Bull Drawn Plough refers to the lower part of the plough blade that is closest to the ground when the plough is in use. The heel helps to guide the plough blade into the soil and helps to control the depth of ploughing. The shape and design of the heel can vary depending on the type of plough and the soil being cultivated, but it is typically made from a sturdy material such as steel or iron. The heel is an important part of the plough as it helps to ensure that the plough cuts into the soil effectively and efficiently, and helps to prevent the plough from slipping or sliding when it encounters obstacles or uneven ground.
Features of Heel
The heel of the ploughshare in a plough possesses several important features that contribute to its effectiveness in the ploughing process. Here are the main features of the Bull Drawn Plough Heel:
Cutting Edge
The heel of the ploughshare is typically sharpened to create a cutting edge. This sharp edge allows it to efficiently penetrate the soil and initiate the furrow as the plough moves forward.
Strength and Durability
The heel of the ploughshare is designed to withstand the significant forces encountered during ploughing. It needs to be sturdy and durable to handle the resistance from the soil and any obstructions it may encounter, such as rocks or roots.
Soil Interaction
The shape and design of the heel are optimized for effective soil interaction. It helps lift and turn the soil as the plough moves forward, facilitating the inversion of the soil and burying of vegetation or crop residues.
Attachment Point
The heel serves as the attachment point between the ploughshare and the plough beam. It is securely fastened to the plough beam, ensuring a stable connection and allowing for the transfer of forces from the oxen to the ploughshare.
Wear Resistance
The heel is subjected to significant wear and tear due to constant contact with the soil. To enhance its longevity, the heel is often made of hardened steel or other durable materials that can withstand abrasion and maintain their cutting effectiveness over an extended period.
Size of Heel
The size of the heel in a plough can vary depending on factors such as the design of the plough, regional variations, and specific farming practices. There is no standardized or fixed size for the heel as it can be customized based on individual preferences and requirements.
Typically, the size of the heel is determined by its length and width. The length of the heel refers to the distance from the tip of the cutting edge to the point where it attaches to the plough beam. The width of the heel refers to the measurement across the cutting edge.
The size of the heel is often influenced by factors such as the type of soil, desired ploughing depth, and the intended use of the plough. The heel needs to be of sufficient length and width to effectively cut into the soil and provide stability during the ploughing process.
Use of Heel
The term “heel” in the context of a plough typically refers to the heel of the ploughshare, which is the rear portion of the cutting blade. The heel serves an important function in the ploughing process. Here are the main uses of the heel in a Bull Drawn Plough:
Soil Cutting
The heel of the ploughshare is designed to cut into the soil, creating a furrow as the plough is pulled forward by the oxen. It acts as the initial point of contact with the ground, penetrating the soil and creating a starting point for the furrow.
Soil Inversion
As the oxen continue pulling the plough forward, the heel of the ploughshare helps to lift and turn the soil. It works in conjunction with the rest of the ploughshare to gradually flip the soil over, burying the previous vegetation or crop residue and exposing the fresh soil surface for planting or further preparation.
Cutting Resistance
The heel of the ploughshare encounters the most resistance during ploughing, as it is the first part to break through the soil. It needs to be sturdy and durable to withstand the forces exerted during the ploughing process.
Stability
The heel of the ploughshare, along with the rest of the blade, helps maintain stability and balance as the plough moves through the soil. It provides a solid base of support, preventing the plough from tipping or becoming unsteady while being pulled by the oxen.
