The copper-plated plough

Viktor’s observation that the continued use of an iron plough or of iron implements can result in a decrease in soil productivity, led him to start experiments with other materials such as copper. Since then, experiments have shown that a copper-plated plough even helps the soil to increase its fertility, as well as other positive biological effects. One such effect is that the use of copper results in an increase in the water-content of the soil and thus in an increase in yield.

A series of field trials near Salzburg were initiated by Viktor in the years 1947 – 1949.

Subsequently, Viktor Schauberger and Franz Rosenberger applied for the following patent in 1950:

Patent Nr. 166644, 25th August 1950, Austrian Patent Office.

Patent Claims:

1. The agricultural implement is characterised by the covering with copper or copper alloys of those of its active parts that move through the soil.

2. In accordance with Claim 1, the implement is characterised by the facing of these parts with hard copper or hard copper alloy.

3. The process to be employed in the manufacture of the facings for agricultural equipment in regard to Claim 2 is characterised by the facing of the respective parts with copper sheet or the like, which is then hammered after being fitted.

In the 1990’s, the PKS, together with Johannes Stadler, picked up Viktor’s idea of reviving the use of copper implements in agriculture. As people have become aware of the growing environmental problems of our planet Earth, more and more have become interested in the idea of using an environmentally-friendly product, which offers benefits for users as well as for the soil and the crops. Firstly, a small range of tools were produced.

Each year, new tools have been added to the range, in response to popular demand.

For more detailed information about the handcrafted copper garden tools please see practical uses/agriculture and forestry:
www.implementations.co.uk (England)
www.kupferspuren.at (Austria)

Books:

• The Fertile Earth, edited by Callum Coats, Gateway Books, 2000, pg. 185 – 192.
• Viktor Schauberger – A Life of Learning from Nature, by Jane Cobbald, Floris Books, Edinburgh, 2006