Pre-shaping seed beds may best be described as establishing vertical and lateral control surfaces prior to or during the planting operation. The vertical control surface, which is nothing more than establishing a flat surface, is for the purpose of improving preciseness in herbicide, fertilizer and seed placement. Lateral control is maintained by laying uniformly shaped tracks for guiding wheels attached to the tool bar and the front wheels of the tractor. Both control surfaces are mechanically formed. No electronics, hydraulics or other sensing devices are required.

For the Purpose of this discussion, these two control surfaces will be dealt with individually. Although the establishment and use of both a vertical and a lateral control surface is the ideal, neither is dependent on the other for achieving the desired purpose and goal. Laying the tracks for lateral control must be after beds are in a plantable condition. From this standpoint, a firm settled bed always enhances the track laying operation.