In ploughing practices, this is the elevated strip of earth created when a mouldboard plough turns soil inward from two adjacent furrows. Farmers rely on these raised beds to improve drainage in heavy clay soils and provide a drier seedbed for winter crops. The width and height of the ridge depend on the local climate and the specific crop being sown.
The horses are tired, but we need to finish turning this last stitch before the ground freezes.
While some texts use this word to describe the physical ridge, growers usually call these structures raised beds or simply ridges.
Related terms
Mouldboard plough
A primary tillage implement that cuts, lifts, and completely turns over a layer of soil.
Plough
A heavy farm implement with a blade used to break up soil and cut furrows in preparation for sowing.
Dead furrow
A wide, unplowed trench left in a field where two opposite plowing passes meet or finish.