This traditional tillage technique involves cutting a furrow and flipping the soil slice directly onto the undisturbed strip of grass next to it. It creates a series of parallel ridges and buried organic matter across the field. Farmers historically used this method to expose maximum surface area to winter frosts, which helps break down heavy clay soils.
Heard on the job
We'll rafter the lower pasture this autumn and let the frost work the clods before spring sowing.
Insider tip
This technique is rarely used in highly mechanized farming but remains relevant in heritage agriculture and small-scale soil management.
Also heard as
- ridge