Tools & tillage: a journal on the history of the implements of cultivation and other agricultural processes (1.1968/1971)

IRON AGE PLOUGH-MARKS

153


Fig. J. Uncovered baulk. In front of it the very thin cultivation layer standing out in relief from the subsoil, with
the plough marks. Photo Henrik Vensild & Palle Friis.

Abgedeckter Deich. Davor die sehr diinne Kulturschicht in Relief zum Untergrund mit den Pflugspuren.

structure of the mark crossed can play a part
depending on, e. g. whether it is newly ploughed
and with loose infill or older and with con-
solidated infill.
The breadth of the plough-marks depends on
various factors relating to the interaction be-
tween the form of the plough share (whether
broad or narrow, rounded or pointed), how the
plough was held (straight or tilted), how deep the

ploughing went into the subsoil, and the level of
the excavation. It is not often possible to follow
the same plough-mark over an extended stretch.
The varying nature of the soil, stones, and
clumps of plants could influence the course of the
plough. Often it is clearly seen that the share has
been raised from the subsoil or pressed down into
it, the movement being shown from a pointing
of the plough-mark.