Discussion below about moldboard plowing makes several references to the concept that plowing seems to "cleanup" the trash, the soil, help diseases, etc etc.

But only in Dutch's comments were there any references to the REASON for the depth.........that was the one about bringing up the clay to help hold the sand from blowing, and the "new" soil.

So.........assuming that rolling the trash under is valuable.........and for whatever other reasons for rolling the soil..............

what parameters do you use for determining the DEPTH of the plow???

Why plow 8 inches, vs 6 inches, vs 12 inches, vs 4 inches??

The reason for the question....................... we are running so far behind in getting fieldwork done this fall that it's about as depressing as spilling a bottle glue in one's shorts............

and..........we have several hundred acres left to moldboard plow.

The soil is getting stiffer with the cold weather that has set in.......one good warm week would cure the problem......but.......might not get it.........

So...........If our objective is to merely mix dirt with the compost, put the corn stalk trash under a little soil to help with the breakdown, and roll the weed seed from the surface down a ways (and bring up a new bank and give those buggers a chance!!!)...........why do we need to go more than 4-6 inches deep?   (Typically we would probably run 8.)

The fertilizer would be still in top 4-5 inches----a plus............, but probably not all stalks would be covered......but......how much of a downside?

 Now.......if we did that, I would put shock collars on all drivers so that they kept the speed down to less than 15mph..........but seriously, as long as we kept the speed down so that we didn't throw dirt into the next field...........wouldn't that PROBABLY allow us to stay in the fields longer?

 I think I'm missing something here, and would rather get it worked out now, as compared to when the tractors are shut down for the winter.

Thanks for the comments.