Search Results (188)

Soil compaction is a critical challenge in perennial fruit production, limiting root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake—factors essential for climate-resilient and sustainable orchard systems. In subtropical Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) orchards under the annual top-working system, intensive machinery traffic exacerbates subsurface hardpan formation and tree performance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pneumatic subsoiling, a minimally invasive method using high-pressure air injection, in alleviating soil compaction without disturbing orchard surface integrity. Four treatments varying in radial distance from the trunk and pneumatic application were tested in a mature orchard in central Taiwan. Pneumatic subsoiling 120 cm away from the trunk significantly reduced soil penetration resistance by 15.4% at 34 days after treatment (2,302,888 Pa) compared to the control (2,724,423 Pa). However, this reduction was not sustained at later assessment dates, and no significant improvements in vegetative growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality were observed within the first season post-treatment. These results suggest that while pneumatic subsoiling can modify subsurface soil physical conditions with minimal surface disturbance, its agronomic benefits may require longer-term evaluation under varying moisture and management regimes. Overall, this study highlights pneumatic subsoiling may be a potential low-disturbance strategy to contribute to longer-term soil physical resilience. Full article

Lateritic soils in tropical regions feature cohesive textures and high specific resistance, driving up energy demands for tillage and harvesting machinery. However, current equipment designs lack discrete element models that account for soil moisture variations, and the microscopic effects of water content on lateritic soil deformation remain poorly understood. This study aims to calibrate and validate discrete element method (DEM) models of lateritic soil at varying moisture contents of 20.51%, 22.39%, 24.53%, 26.28%, and 28.04% by integrating the Hertz–Mindlin contact mechanics with bonding and JKR cohesion models. Key parameters in the simulations were calibrated through systematic experimentation. Using Plackett–Burman design, critical factors significantly affecting axial compressive force—including surface energy, normal bond stiffness, and tangential bond stiffness—were identified. Subsequently, Box–Behnken response surface methodology was employed to optimize these parameters by minimizing deviations between simulated and experimental maximum axial compressive forces under each moisture condition. The calibrated models demonstrated high fidelity, with average relative errors of 4.53%, 3.36%, 3.05%, 3.32%, and 7.60% for uniaxial compression simulations across the five moisture levels. Stress–strain analysis under axial loading revealed that at a given surface displacement, both fracture dimensions and stress transfer rates decreased progressively with increasing moisture content. These findings elucidate the moisture-dependent micromechanical behavior of lateritic soil and provide critical data support for DEM-based design optimization of soil-engaging agricultural implements in tropical environments. Full article

Deep tillage is a conservation tillage method that aims to break the plow pan layer. It provides significant benefits, including enhanced root development, improved soil quality, and substantial increases in crop yields. The depth of tillage is a crucial factor in assessing the effectiveness of deep tillage operations. Accurate regulation of tillage depth in deep tillage equipment is vital for ensuring the high-quality and efficient execution of these practices. The distribution of mechanical resistance within the soil can effectively indicate the location of the plow pan layer and serves as the main reference for setting the tillage depth for machinery. This paper examined the current state of research on tillage depth control technology for deep tillage operations. It focused on three main technical areas: soil mechanical resistance detection, tillage depth measurement, and tillage depth regulation. The report discussed the working principles of various technologies and compared the existing methods. Additionally, the paper analyzed the challenges faced in the development of tillage depth control technology in China and offers recommendations for future advancements. It highlighted that leveraging information and digital technologies to determine the distribution of the soil plow pan layer, along with the integration of efficient and intelligent control technologies for precise tillage depth regulation, represented a key direction for the future development of deep tillage operations. Full article

Ridge tillage practice can enhance water storage capacity and crop production, but its integrated effects with different irrigation amounts and mechanisms to regulate crop growth remain little known. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to explore the integrated impacts of irrigation and tillage practices on soil environment, crop growth, and water productivity of processing tomatoes. Three irrigation levels (full irrigation, mild water deficit, and moderate water deficit) and two tillage practices (ridge planting and flat planting) were considered in the treatments. Results indicated that ridge planting increased soil water, nitrogen, and salt content in the 0–30 cm soil layer compared to flat planting. However, the substantial increase in soil water content induced a dilution effect on salinity, which enhanced crop growth and yield production under different irrigation levels. Ridge planting improved the leaf area index (LAI), total yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) by 26.55~68.25%, 49.45~122.50%, and 54.19~124.15%, respectively. The highest total yield was achieved under ridge planting combined with mild water deficit conditions, whereas the lowest was recorded under flat planting with moderate water deficit. These findings suggest that ridge cropping optimizes the redistribution of water, nitrogen, and salt in the soil, which improves crop growth and yield. Overall, ridge planting represents a viable strategy for improving soil fertility and yield production, and promoting efficient resource utilization, particularly in water-limited regions. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the application of thermal spraying techniques to enhance the durability and wear resistance of agricultural machinery components, with a particular focus on disc harrow assemblies. Given the harsh conditions under which tillage tools operate—characterized by abrasive wear, impact stresses, and chemical exposure from various soil types—thermal sprayed coatings have emerged as a viable solution to extend the service life of these components. The study discusses various deposition methods, particularly Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS), and evaluates their effectiveness in creating high-performance surface layers that resist wear, corrosion, and mechanical degradation. The review also summarizes experimental and field test results for coatings based on materials such as NiCrBSi, WC-Co-Cr, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O_3, and ceramic–metal composites, highlighting their significant improvements in hardness, friction reduction, and resistance to delamination and oxidation. The paper highlights research using thermal spraying techniques, especially APS for agricultural applications, with emphasis mostly on components intended for soil processing and requiring good resistance to abrasive wear. Full article

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) has emerged as a valuable crop not only for its economic potential but also for its role in sustainable food systems due to its high consumer demand and adaptability. As global agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and nutritional challenges, a strategic synthesis of research is essential to guide future innovation. This review aims to critically assess and synthesize major advancements in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) research from 2010 to 2025, with the objectives of identifying key genetic improvements, evaluating agronomic innovations, and examining sustainable production strategies that collectively enhance crop performance and resilience. The analysis is structured around three core pillars: genetic improvement, agronomic optimization, and sustainable agriculture, each contributing uniquely to the enhancement of sweet corn productivity and environmental adaptability. In the genetics domain, recent breakthroughs such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and marker-assisted selection have accelerated the development of climate-resilient hybrids with enhanced sweetness, pest resistance, and nutrient content. The growing emphasis on biofortification aims to improve the nutritional quality of sweet corn, aligning with global food security goals. Additionally, studies on genotype–environment interaction have provided deeper insights into varietal adaptability under varying climatic and soil conditions, guiding breeders toward more location-specific hybrid development. From an agronomic perspective, innovations in precision irrigation and refined planting configurations have significantly enhanced water use efficiency, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Research on plant density, nutrient management, and crop rotation has further contributed to yield stability and system resilience. These agronomic practices, when tailored to specific genotypes and environments, ensure sustainable intensification without compromising resource conservation. On the sustainability front, strategies such as reduced-input systems, organic nutrient integration, and climate-resilient hybrids have gained momentum. The adoption of integrated pest management and conservation tillage further promotes sustainable cultivation, reducing the environmental footprint of sweet corn production. By integrating insights from these three dimensions, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for the future of sweet corn research, merging genetic innovation, agronomic efficiency, and ecological responsibility to achieve resilient and sustainable production systems. Full article

Subsoiling is an effective tillage method for breaking up the plough pan and reducing soil bulk density. However, subsoilers often encounter challenges such as high draft resistance and excessive energy consumption during operation. In this study, the claw toes of the badger and the scales of the pangolin were selected as bionic prototypes, based on which coupling bionic subsoilers were designed. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate and analyze the interactions between soil and both the standard subsoiler and coupling bionic subsoilers. Field experiments were conducted to validate the simulation results. The simulation results showed that the coupling bionic subsoilers reduced the draft force by 7.70–16.02% compared to the standard subsoiler at different working speeds. Additionally, the soil disturbance coefficient of the coupling bionic subsoilers decreased by 5.91–13.57%, and the soil bulkiness was reduced by 2.84–18.41%. The field experiment results showed that coupling bionic subsoilers reduced the average draft force by 11.06% and decreased the soil disturbance area. The field experiments validated the accuracy of DEM simulation results. This study provides valuable insights for designing more efficient subsoilers. Full article

Suitable strip-tillage effectively enhances crop productivity and soil quality in Northeast China, yet conventional strip-tillage machines suffer from inadequate soil fragmentation. To address this issue, this study developed a bionic auxiliary soil-crushing device for the equipment. Specifically, we conducted a theoretical analysis of the soil-crushing blade to identify the key structural parameters affecting operational performance, along with their optimal value ranges. The blade tooth structure was designed following the claw-toe contour of the Oriental mole cricket (Gryllotalpa orientalis) for enhanced efficiency. A two-factor (working width and working depth), three-level central composite design (CCD) experiment was carried out using EDEM 2021 discrete element simulation software, taking the soil fragmentation rate and operational resistance as response variables. The results suggested that optimal performance was achieved at a working width of 40.66 mm and a working depth of 50 mm. Field experiments demonstrate that the soil fragmentation rate increased as the operational speed rose. The addition of the auxiliary device contributed to a soil fragmentation rate of 94.54%, bringing about an 11.54% improvement compared to the non-equipped machine. This outcome also validated the accuracy of the simulation experiments. This research provides technical and equipment support for the further development of conservation tillage practices. Full article

To improve the film-picking performance of toothed chain tillage residual film recycling machines, the working parameters of a film-picking device were optimized using a Box–Behnken design, with the film-picking rate as the response parameter. The effectiveness of the film-picking device, along with soil compaction, torque, and stress on the picking teeth during the process, was evaluated through DEM-MBD coupling simulations and experiments. The optimized working parameters for the film-lifting device were found to be forward speed $\mathrm{v}=1.94 \mathrm{m}·{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$, picking tooth speed $\mathrm{n}=10.47 \mathrm{r}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{d}·{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$, and penetration depth $h=125 \mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}$. Under these conditions, the film-picking rate for the single-tooth and multi-tooth devices were 88% and 90%, respectively, with a 2% error. The simulation and experimental values for soil compaction, torque, and stress during the film-picking process were 800 Pa, 2.72 $\mathrm{N}·\mathrm{m}$, and 6.4 N, respectively. The corresponding simulation values were 870 Pa, 2.53 $\mathrm{N}·\mathrm{m}$, and 6.5 N, with errors of 8%, 7%, and 2%. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the design of residual film recycling machines and predicting soil compaction, tooth torque, and stress. Full article

The conservation tillage method is a more holistic method introduced in Hungary two decades ago. Its environmental benefits in agriculture were widely studied and documented. The impact of conservation tillage on soil compaction and penetration resistance remains debated, necessitating further research to clarify its long-term effects in different soil types and cropping systems. The present study evaluates the impact on soil penetration resistance following 16 years of implementation of six distinct tillage practices. The study was conducted at Józsefmajor Experimental and Training Farm (JM) of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences near Hatvan. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate six distinct tillage methods. These methods encompassed disking (D) at 12–14 cm depth, shallow cultivation (SC) at 18–20 cm depth, no-tilling (NT), deep cultivation (DC) at 22–25 cm depth, loosening (L) at 40–45 cm depth, and plowing (P) at 28–30 cm depth. In this study, soil compaction was assessed by measuring soil penetration resistance (SPR) at different depths (0–50 cm) and periods of the cropping year. Disking and NT significantly increased SPR between 10 and 20 cm, likely due to increased soil densification and reduced porosity in the absence of deep soil disturbance. While under sunflower cropping season significantly higher SPR was measured. In March 2021, the SPR at D and NT differed significantly from other measurement dates (September, October, November, and April). Regarding the difference between the depths, SPR increased with increasing depths in all treatment plots. The study findings revealed that NT and D tillage methods significantly increased soil penetration resistance in both cropping years, whereas L and P reduced SPR and enhanced the soil moisture storage potential of the soil particularly for the sunflower cropping period. The significance of the Spearman correlations observed suggested that SPR could be a valuable indicator of root growth potential under certain tillage conditions. Based on our results, we recommend the adoption of occasional deep soil loosening for reduced tillage systems (SC, D, DC, and NT) for both wheat and sunflower. This will create a compact-free zone for greater crop root proliferation, nutrient access, and SMC storage. Full article

Soil salinity is a major global challenge, reducing fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of various soil management practices on the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of saline soils. Six treatments, combining loosening, ploughing, disking, and gypsum amendment, were applied to solonetzic meadow soil with high sodium levels. Soil penetration resistance was measured using a Penetronik penetrometer, while chemical analyses included pH, total salt content, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), humus, and exchangeable cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺). Microbial composition was determined through DNA extraction and nanopore sequencing. The results showed that level A had the lowest penetration resistance (333 ± 200 N/m²), indicating better conditions for plant growth. Gypsum and loosening treatment significantly improved penetration resistance (141 N/m², p < 0.001), while gypsum amendment enhanced chemical properties (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Gypsum application balanced soil parameters and influenced microbial communities. Reduced tillage favored functionally important microbial genera but did not support fungal diversity (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the effectiveness of gypsum amendment and tillage practices, like loosening and disking, in mitigating salinity stress and fostering beneficial microbial communities. Combining gypsum with these tillage methods proved most effective in enhancing soil health, offering insights for sustainable soil management in saline environments. Full article

Wheat pathogens pose a significant risk to global wheat production, with climate change further complicating disease dynamics. Effective management requires a combination of genetic resistance, cultural practices, and careful use of chemical controls. Ongoing research and adaptation to changing environmental conditions are crucial for sustaining wheat yields and food security. Based on selective academic literature retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed by a bibliographic software such as the VOSviewer we discussed and focused on various aspects of current and future strategies for managing major wheat pathogens and diseases such as Tan spot, Septoria tritici blotch, Fusarium head blight, etc. Chemical management methods, such as the use of fungicides, can be effective but are not always preferred. Instead, agronomic practices like crop rotation and tillage play a significant role in managing wheat diseases by reducing both the incidence and severity of these diseases. Moreover, adopting resistance strategies is essential for effective disease management. Full article

The implementation of scientific cultivation practices on soda saline–alkali land plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable agro-economic development at the regional scale. However, there exists a critical knowledge gap regarding the optimization of tillage strategies for rain-fed maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation across heterogeneous saline–alkali soil matrices. This study selected meadow alkaline soil, saline meadow soil, and mild saline–alkali soil under the typical micro-landscape morphological characteristics of soda saline–alkali soil in the Songnen Plain as experimental plots. Under three tillage methods, namely no tillage (NT), rotary tillage + no tillage (RT), and subsoiling + rotary tillage + no tillage (SRT), the effects of the tillage methods on the soil physical properties at the seedling stage, root development at the V6 stage, and yield at the R6 stage during the process of cultivating maize in different types of soils were analyzed. The research results showed that compared with NT and RT, the SRT treatment better improved the physical properties, such as penetration resistance and the bulk density in micro-spaces (0–40 cm), of different soil types. The SRT treatment had a positive impact on the root development of maize seedlings in saline meadow soil and meadow alkaline soil. In terms of yield, compared with the NT treatment, the SRT treatment in meadow alkaline soil and saline meadow soil had a positive effect on the plant height, root dry weight, 1000–grain weight, and grain yield of maize. The increases in maize grain yield were 27.94% and 13.24%, respectively. Compared with NT, the differences in the effects of the SRT and RT treatments on maize yield in mild saline-alkali soil were the smallest, being 6.98% and 4.77%, respectively. The relevant results provide guidance on tillage methods and a theoretical basis for improving the properties of different types of soda saline–alkali soils and increasing maize yield. Full article

The sugarcane cultivation has used heavy machinery on a large scale, which causes soil compaction. The minimum tillage has been used to reduce the traffic of machines on the crop, but there is a lack of appropriate tools for the implementation of this technique, especially in sugarcane areas. The University of Campinas—UNICAMP developed a conservation soil tillage tool called “Rotary paraplow”, the idea was to join the concepts of a vertical milling cutter with the paraplow, which is a tool for subsoiling without inversion of soil. The rotary paraplow is a conservationist tillage because it mobilizes only the planting line with little disturbance of the soil surface and does the tillage with the straw in the area. These conditions make this study pioneering in nature, by proposing an equipment developed to address these issues as an innovation in the agricultural machinery market. We sought to evaluate soil tillage using rotary paraplow and compare it with conventional tillage, regarding soil physical properties and yield. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol in the city of Jaguariuna, Brazil. The comparison was made between the soil physical properties: soil bulk density, porosity, macroporosity, microporosity and penetration resistance. At the end, a biometric evaluation of the crop was carried out in both areas. The soil properties showed few statistically significant variations, and the production showed no statistical difference. The rotary paraplow proved to be an applicable tool in the cultivation of sugarcane and has the advantage of being an invention adapted to Brazilian soils, bringing a new form of minimal tillage to areas of sugarcane with less tilling on the soil surface, in addition to reducing machine traffic. Full article

The high resistance and energy consumption of deep tillage operations reduce the economic benefits of conservation tillage. This study is based on an air-assisted wing-shaped deep tillage subsoiler previously developed by the research team. Biomimetic elements from the geometric structures of badger claws and pangolin scales were incorporated into the coupling design applied to the subsoiler tip of the air-assisted wing-shaped deep tillage subsoiler. To better explore the key parameters affecting the reduction in the resistance and wear in the coupled biomimetic deep tillage subsoiler and to identify new variations in the complex coupled biomimetic structure during deep tillage, field experiments were conducted. The results show that, under the experimental conditions of an air pressure of 2.2 MPa, a working speed of 3.31 km/h, and a subsoiler width of 150 mm, the deep tillage specific resistance (SDF) reached 3.12, demonstrating significant drag reduction effects. This research provides a new theoretical basis and practical guidance for the design and application of deep tillage subsoilers. Full article