Keyline Plow

Keyline Design is a regenerative land planning method that uses topography to slow, spread, and sink water across the landscape. Developed by P.A. Yeomans, it identifies key points in valleys where slope changes from steep to gentle, then draws parallel lines (keylines) to guide water from valleys toward ridges—countering erosion and boosting infiltration.

By integrating soil building, water management, and planting patterns, Keyline Design helps farms grow deeper, more fertile soils while increasing resilience to drought and heavy rains. It’s a powerful tool for shaping landscapes that work with nature, not against it.

The Keyline Plow: Precision Ripping for Soil and Water Health

The Keyline Plow, originally developed by P.A. Yeomans, is a specialized subsoiler designed to rip compacted subsoil layers without inverting them, preserving soil structure and biology. Its deep, narrow tines create vertical channels that:

• Increase water infiltration and retention across ridges and valleys

• Break up hardpan layers to stimulate root growth and microbial activity

• Redirect runoff from erosion-prone valleys toward ridges, enhancing landscape hydration

Unlike conventional plows, the Keyline Plow works slightly off-contour, following keylines that optimize water distribution. When combined with compost tea injection or pipe laying attachments, it becomes a multifunctional tool for soil regeneration, tree establishment, and infrastructure integration.

Field trials show that ridges treated with Keyline plowing can hold up to 4× more water after rainfall compared to untreated land—a game-changer for drought resilience and fertility building.