Mole Plows Could Drain Mountains Of Runoff From Missouri Fields

University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson sits in a tractor at the Greenley Research Center outside Novelty, after running the farm’s mole plow through an empty field. Nelson is testing the plow’s potential use for draining fields in Northeast Missouri of excess moisture. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

A device more commonly used in the United Kingdom and Australia could prove useful in Northeast Missouri fields that are tough to drain. The University of Missouri’s Greenley Research Center recently acquired and began testing the use of a mole plow in their research fields. It’s the latest project undertaken by MU Extension Agronomy Specialist Kelly Nelson concerning the transport of water through our fields.

Central MO Info · 23 0829 Kelly Nelson on Potential Use Of Mole Plows In Missouri cut 2

Nelson adds that the effectiveness of drainage tunnels created with a mole plow will depend on the soil type.

Central MO Info · 23 0829 Kelly Nelson on Potential Use Of Mole Plows In Missouri cut 1

MU Extension Agronomy Specialist Kelly Nelson says projects involving fields recently visited by the mole plow will begin this fall at the Greenley Research Center outside Novelty.