Red Seal Agricultural Equipment Technician Practice Exam

What is a common function of a chisel plow?

1. To fertilize the soil

2. To break up hard soil and incorporate organic matter

3. To harvest crops efficiently

4. To plant seeds directly

The correct answer is: To break up hard soil and incorporate organic matter

A chisel plow is primarily designed to break up compacted soil and improve its structure, which is key for enhancing water infiltration and root growth. This tool utilizes long, narrow shanks that penetrate the soil to create channels, allowing both air and nutrients to reach deeper layers. By loosening the soil, a chisel plow also helps incorporate organic matter, such as crop residues, into the soil. This incorporation not only contributes to soil fertility but also aids in building soil structure and reducing erosion. The other functions listed involve processes that either occur after the soil has been prepared, such as fertilizing or planting seeds, or are not within the typical operational capabilities of a chisel plow, like harvesting crops. Harvesting is a distinct operation that requires specialized machinery, while direct seeding is typically performed with seed drills or planters designed specifically for that task. Therefore, the correct function of a chisel plow aligns with its role in soil management and enhancement.