Modern problems of ploughing as special method of soil cultivation

The purpose. To formulate on the basis of consideration of different systems of soil cultivation their basic criteria of reasonable and effective use in modern conditions of management of hi-tech agriculture and to determine in them the place and role of ploughing. Methods. The methodical approaches of analytical probe based on consideration, comparison and analysis of the basic agrophysical and mechanical methods and techniques of soil cultivation which are used in the field of pedology and farm mechanization. At deriving experimental data modern methods of strain-gauging and subsequent statistical analysis on PC are used. Results. Modern definitions of such concepts, as system, methods and techniques of soil cultivation are considered. The exclusive role of plowing during restructuration of soil as one of the major factors of preserving its fertility is underlined. Condition at which it is expedient to use moldboard soil cultivation is offered. Conclusions. Systems of soil cultivation known nowadays which require clarification of their definitions can be realized using 3 methods: moldboard, moldboardless and combined. One of the important methods of moldboard soil cultivation is ploughing, to realize which it is necessary with the use of skim-coulters or two-deck plows and not annually but when the structural quotient of top layer (8-10 cm) of soil will be less than 0,76.