mole plow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Agricultural
Quick answer
What does “mole plow” mean?
A type of agricultural implement, also known as a mole plough, that creates underground drainage channels (moles) in heavy soils by pulling a bullet-shaped tip through the ground at depth, typically without turning the soil over.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of agricultural implement, also known as a mole plough, that creates underground drainage channels (moles) in heavy soils by pulling a bullet-shaped tip through the ground at depth, typically without turning the soil over.
The term can refer to the implement itself or the action of using it (mole plowing). It's a sub-soiling technique crucial for improving water infiltration and aeration in compacted or clay-rich soils.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling: 'mole plough' (UK) vs. 'mole plow' (US). The implement and technique are identical.
Connotations
The term has no cultural or figurative connotations, purely technical. It implies expertise in farming, drainage, or civil engineering.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively by farmers, agricultural engineers, drainage contractors, and soil scientists in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mole plow” in a Sentence
[Farmers] + mole-plow + [fields/land][Contractors] + use + a mole plow + to install + [drains]The [soil] + needs + mole plowingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mole plow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The contractor will mole plough the lower field next week.
- We mole-ploughed that heavy land last autumn.
American English
- They need to mole plow the compacted area before planting.
- The farm was successfully mole plowed to alleviate the drainage issues.
adverb
British English
- The land was drained mole-plough deep. (rare, constructed)
American English
- N/A - The term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The mole-ploughing operation significantly improved the pasture.
- We are looking at mole-plough drainage solutions.
American English
- Mole-plow technology is essential for certain soil types.
- The mole-plow channels lasted for several years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural supply, farm management, or land drainage service proposals.
Academic
Used in agricultural science, soil physics, and environmental engineering papers on land drainage.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in precision agriculture, farm machinery, and land drainage manuals and discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mole plow”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mole plow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mole plow”
- Using 'mole plow' to refer to a plow that kills moles (animal).
- Confusing it with a standard turning plow.
- Using it in non-agricultural contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar and related. A mole plow is a specific type of subsoiler. A standard subsoiler just fractures the soil at depth. A mole plow has a specialized foot (a 'mole' or 'bullet') that creates a smoothed, permanent channel as it passes through, specifically for drainage.
Properly installed mole drains can last from 2 to 10 years, depending on soil type, stability, and traffic over the field. They can collapse if the soil is too sandy or if heavy machinery compacts the ground above them.
No. Mole plowing is most effective in cohesive soils with high clay content (at least 20-30%) that will hold the shape of the channel. It is ineffective or damaging in sandy, stony, or loose soils where the channel will immediately collapse.
A mole plow creates an unlined, soil-walled channel. A tile plow (or trenchless drain layer) simultaneously digs a narrow trench and installs a perforated plastic pipe (tile) before backfilling, creating a more durable but more expensive drainage system.
A type of agricultural implement, also known as a mole plough, that creates underground drainage channels (moles) in heavy soils by pulling a bullet-shaped tip through the ground at depth, typically without turning the soil over.
Mole plow is usually technical / agricultural in register.
Mole plow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊl ˌplaʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊl ˌplaʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mechanical MOLE (the animal) PLOWing underground to create tunnels for water, just like the implement does.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SOIL IS A BODY / BLOCKED ARTERY: Mole plowing is a surgical procedure to create new arteries (drains) to relieve pressure (waterlogging).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a mole plow?