How AerWorx Aerators Work

How AerWorx Aerators Work

Full Impact

The hard wearing blades aerate the topsoil to a depth of 175mm (7in), increasing nitrogen mineralization and nutrient uptake.

The percussive effect of the blades has an even deeper impact, fracturing the subsoil down to depths of 300mm (12in).

These deep fissures mean the new root structure can now easily grow to a good depth, maximising drainage, drought resistance and nutrient availability, ultimately

improving yield or reducing fertiliser costs. Lightweight aerators do not have this effect.

Full Infiltration

Ranging in weight from 1150kg to 5000kg, AerWorx aerators offer by far the greatest weight per
metre of any machine on the market.

By water ballasting the main drum, all the weight is self-contained and directly above the blades, maximum blade penetration is maximised in all conditions, from hard- baked clays to the stoniest of soils.

This means aeration can be done at the optimum time to ensure a deep shattering effect, not when the soil is soft or wet which can often result in smearing.

Full Impact

The hard wearing blades aerate the topsoil to a depth of 175mm (7in), increasing nitrogen mineralization and nutrient uptake.

The percussive effect of the blades has an even deeper impact, fracturing the subsoil down to depths of 300mm (12in).

These deep fissures mean the new root structure can now easily grow to a good depth, maximising drainage, drought resistance and nutrient availability, ultimately

improving yield or reducing fertiliser costs. Lightweight aerators do not have this effect.

Full Infiltration

Ranging in weight from 1150kg to 5000kg, AerWorx aerators offer by far the greatest weight per
metre of any machine on the market.

This means aeration can be done at the optimum time to ensure a deep shattering effect, not when the soil is soft or wet which can often result in smearing.

BACK TO AERATION

To understand the concept of the Aerworx aerator, it’s important that we understand the fundamentals of soil structure.

What is soil structure?

Soil particles are cemented by humus, glues made by bacteria and fungi, decomposing organic matter and long chain sugars excreted from roots. Interwoven are fungal hyphae and fine roots that stabilise the "aggregate" like a fine mesh. In between are the large pore spaces important for aeration, permeability and retention.

Compaction occurs when the forces of e.g. farm traffic, animals, humans are greater than those forces cementing the aggregate together.

So when we need to address compaction, it's easy to understand why a no till approach is needed to preserve the vital underground infrastructure and preserve carbon stores.

We need to care for our soils with minimal disturbance in order to preserve some of its most valuable qualities. It is a living asset!

How does the Aerworx Aerator work?

By slotting the surface and fracturing the compacted subsoil at speed with an aerator of appropriate weight and design, soil friability and permeability will be improved. The kinetic energy resulting from the weight and speed of the bladed aerator on a single pass will cause this shattering effect whilst the penetrating slits allow the ingress of water without exposing the soil.

Weight + speed = kinetic energy = NO TILL SHATTER

Aerating through the summer months and into the autumn when the soil is dry will fracture and break up the compaction leaving air pockets within the soil. These air pockets will hold oxygen allowing micro-organisms and worms to thrive. The more air pockets you can create the more sponge-like the soil becomes, allowing better water retention, deeper, stronger root development, and ultimately stronger and more productive pastures. In the winter months these air pockets will allow the frosts to go deeper and create natural movement within the soil. In contrast these air pockets will warm up quicker in the spring giving you faster growth.

In the past…

Grassland aeration has traditionally been done using conventional lightweight aerators in the spring when the soil is still wet to allow the machines to penetrate. Work rates are slow and the heaviest pieces of concrete or metal from the farmyard are used to ballast the frames of the machines. We promote the heavier and faster you use the machine, the drier and harder the soil, the better the job you will do.

LIGHTWEIGHT MACHINES WON'T PENETRATE OR HAVE THE WEIGHT FOR THE ENERGY NEEDED!

**THE AERWORX AERATOR IS DESIGNED TO MEET THIS GOAL**

In addition to the soil benefits of the no-till application, hay fields can still be worked while leaving them smooth; cows can remain in worked fields; grass roots remain down – not exposed to sunlight;

WHY AERWORX?

The build quality of the machines is inherited from the States where the machines are used to clear scrub land, woodland fire breaks and aerate some of the toughest farmland in areas such as Texas and North Dakota. They are used by some of the toughest cowboys - down-time is not an option when hundreds of miles away on a ranch.

Strength without disturbance - our blades

Manufactured to exceptional standards with blades, unique to Aerworx, excelling in their durability and strength, offering a good return on investment.

The blades are manufactured by one of Europe’s leading companies in wearing parts here in the UK, the design and strength of the blades have been widely acknowledged for their long lasting durability - so much so that the manufacturer’s exclusive supply to Aerworx extends to its American counterpart Ranchworx (Lawson) Aerators, who import all their blades for all of their machines from the UK.
Arranged in a spiral/chevron pattern around the drum and facing the direction of travel, the blades’ angle of entry and exit has been carefully calculated to avoid surface disturbance.
The heavy drum ensures any stones are pressed below the surface, avoiding the need for a further pass from a flat-roller.

Low Maintenance

Made from a boron-based steel, the hardened blades are capable of working in all conditions from heavy clays to rocky brash. even then, they have an exceptionally long life expectancy and, thanks to their angle of entry and exit, are self sharpening. The Aerworx aerator can be used in all soil types – from sandy to heavy clay to rocky – from flawless hayfields to rugged terrains. It enables producers to get the most of the soil that they have

Given the durability of the product, it is no surprise that with the UK sales of 100s of machines, over nearly two decades, we have only had to make small repairs to blades on a handful of machines. By one farmer’s admission, this is usually the result of error or extreme use!

Full Impact

The hard wearing blades aerate the topsoil to a depth of 175mm (7in).
The percussive effect of the blades has an even deeper impact, fracturing the subsoil down to depths of 300mm (12in) This means aeration can be done at the optimum time, when the ground is hard and dry, to ensure a deep shattering effect, not when the soil is soft or wet, which can often result in smearing and inadvertent damage.
Solid axles running through the entire drum reduces shock and vibration to the rest of the machine and the driver. Drum bracing to the end plates stops any flexing and in turn stops the drums breaking up around the axles. These machines are aerators built for the toughest conditions at the highest speeds ... not rollers with blades welded to them!

High work rates

Running at speeds of between 10-16kph (6-10mph), a 3m version will cover over 3ha/hour (8acres/hour). In fact, the faster you run the machines the better the fracture of the soil. Striking dry or hard ground quickly will give a better release of kinetic energy within the soil and result in a bigger fracture.

High weight per metre

Ranging in weight from 1150kg to 5000kg, AerWorx aerators offer by far the greatest weight per metre of any machine on the market.
By water ballasting the main drum, all the weight is self-contained and directly above the blades, blade penetration is maximised in all conditions, from hard- baked clays to the stoniest of soils.

Evidence

Case study 1

Two permanent pastures cut the same day. the first picture is regrowth after 7 days as you would expect it.

The second photo was cut the same time as the first. the difference being it was aerated the previous autumn with one of our machines.

The grass is much further ahead of the non-aerated pasture. the roots are deeper and the DM/acre higher

Case Study 2

This photo is of a pasture that we divided in to two - we aerated half of it straight after first cut silage. There is a visible line 7 days after aeration which shows better growth of grass than non-aerated.

Anchor why aerwox

Case Study 3

Picture A shows compacted soil:

large angular block like aggregates
a closed structure rather than open and porous
limited water/ applicant penetration via horizontal lines
reduction in oxygen entry
a stressed crop whose roots can’t easily penetrate the “pan”.
poorly bound structure and limited nutrient availability resulting in poor grass growth

Picture B shows the same soil straight after aeration.

The soil is less blocky, is loose and friable.
Vertical fractures are now visible and any water, applicants and oxygen can travel around the roots.

This fracture can only be achieved when the ground is hard or dry and with machines that are heavy enough to penetrate the hard soil at speed, the Aerworx aerator.

Picture C was taken from the same pasture, approximately 3 weeks after aeration. The root structure has improved and fresh root growth is searching deeper.....

We offer a large range of different models and sizes to suit YOUR needs, with optional additional extras and the flexibility to work together to design a bespoke machine too.

With regenerative farming becoming such an important feature in today’s agricultural landscape, can you afford not to invest in your biggest asset….your soil? 🌱

View the Aerworx Range