Search Results (115)

Under conservation tillage in the Huang-Huai-Hai wheat–maize rotation area, the ridge-clearing no-till seeder for strip tillage mitigates the adverse impacts of surface residues on seeding quality by clearing stubble specifically within the seed rows, demonstrating significant potential for application and promotion. However, the inadequate understanding of the seeder’s operational performance and governing mechanisms under varying field conditions hinders its high-quality and efficient implementation. To address this issue, this study selected the stubble height, forward speed, and stubble knife rotational speed (PTO speed) as experimental factors. Employing a three-factor quasi-level orthogonal experimental design, coupled with response surface regression analysis, this research systematically elucidated the interaction mechanisms among these factors concerning the seeding depth consistency and seed spacing uniformity of the seeder. An optimized parameter-matching model was subsequently derived through equation system solving. Field trials demonstrated that a lower forward speed improved the seed spacing uniformity and seeding depth consistency, whereas high speeds increased the missing rates and spacing deviations. An appropriate stubble height enhanced the seed spacing accuracy, but an excessive height compromised depth precision. Higher PTO speeds reduced multiple indices but impaired depth accuracy. Response surface analysis based on the regression models demonstrated that the peak value of the seed spacing qualification index occurred within the forward speed range of 8–9 km/h and the stubble height range of 280–330 mm, with the stubble height being the dominant factor. Similarly, the peak value of the seeding depth qualification index occurred within the stubble height range of 300–350 mm and the forward speed range of 7.5–9 km/h, with the forward speed as the primary factor. Validation confirmed that combining stubble heights of 300−330 mm, forward speeds of 8−9 km/h, and PTO speeds of 540 r/min optimized both metrics. This research reveals nonlinear coupling relationships between operational parameters and seeding quality metrics, establishes a stubble–speed dynamic matching model, and provides a theoretical foundation for the intelligent control of seeders in conservation tillage systems. Full article

Crop straw chopping and returning technology has gained global implementation to enhance soil structure and fertility, facilitating increased crop yield. Nevertheless, technological adoption faces challenges from inherent limitations in machinery performance, including poor chopping and returning quality and high energy consumption. Consequently, this review first presented a theoretical framework that described the mechanical properties of straw, its fracture dynamics, interactions with airflow, and motion characteristics during the chopping process. Then, based on the straw returning process, the chopping devices were classified into five types: the chopped blade, the chopping machine, the chopping device combined with a no-tillage or reduced-tillage seeder, the chopping and ditch-burying machine, the chopping and mixing machine, and the harvester-powered chopping device. Advancements in spreading devices were also summarized. Finally, six key directions for future research were proposed: developing an intelligent field straw distribution mapping system, engineering adaptive self-regulating mechanisms for chopping and returning equipment, elucidating the mechanics and kinematics of straw in the chopping and returning process, implementing real-time quality assessment systems for straw returning operations, pioneering high forward-speed (>8 km/h) straw returning machines, and establishing context-specific straw residue management frameworks. This review provided a reference and offered support for the global application of straw returning technology. Full article

For every tractor test carried out on a concrete road under defined conditions, the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) provides values of the specific volumetric fuel efficiency (SVFE) in unit of kWh/L). Because soil tillage is a highly energy-intensive process and the energy consumption of tillage operations is a significant component of a farm budget, there is a growing amount of attention being given to the examination of the SVFE for tillage operations. Nonetheless, the study of the tillage process and a scientific approach to the tillage process are becoming more and more dependent on scientific modeling. Therefore, in this study based on real-tillage field operation, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was built to predict SVFE. This study aimed to confirm that the ANN model could incorporate 10 inputs for prediction: initial soil moisture content, draft force, initial soil bulk density, sand, silt, and clay proportions in the soil tractor power, plow width, tillage depth, and tillage speed. The Qnet v2000, as an ANN simulation software, was employed for the simulation of the SVFE. In this regard, 20,000 runs of Qnet v2000 were completed for the training and testing stages. The anticipated results displayed that the determination coefficient (R²) was larger than 0.96; using the training dataset, R² was 0.982 and using the testing dataset, R² was 0.9741, indicating that the recognition of a full ANN model makes it likely to reply to essential enquiries that were previously unanswerable regarding the impact of working and soil conditions on the SVFE of a tractor–tillage implement system. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were completed to specify which modeled parameters were more sensitive to the factors using the obtained ANN model. According to the sensitivity analysis, SVFE was more affected by changes in the tillage speed (21.07%), silt content in the soil (15.56%), draft force (11.01%), and clay content in the soil (10.86%). Predicting SVFE can lead to more appropriate decisions on tractor–chisel plow combination management. Therefore, it is highly advisable to use the newly created ANN model to appropriately manage SVFE to reduce tractor–tillage implement energy dissipation. Additionally, suitable management of some variables, for example, tillage depth, tillage speed, and soil moisture content, can help enhance fuel consumption in the tractor–tillage implementation system. Full article

Aiming at the problem that rotary tiller knife rollers are prone to entanglement with straw in the wet and sticky soil environment of rice fields in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, an antitangling and sticking cutter was designed. The cutter reduces knife roller entanglement in order to reduce rotary tiller energy consumption and improve work efficiency, and its effectiveness was verified through theoretical analysis, discrete element simulation, and field trials. The design’s validity was verified through theoretical analysis, discrete element simulation, and field tests. The blade inclination design was completed through motion force analysis, and the tool geometry was optimized with a 36.87° inclination baffle and staggered arrangement. A simulation model of the soil–straw–rotary tillage knife interaction was established and we used the discrete element method to analyze the variation in torque between the antisticking knife and the China standard rotary tillage knife (IT245) at four different cutter shaft rotational speeds. In the simulation, the average torque for the antisticking knives was smaller than that of the national standard rotary tillage knives, with reductions of 37.1%, 52.1%, 52.8%, and 50.0%, respectively, demonstrating a remarkable effect. Field tests showed that the average operational efficiency of the antisticking knife was 0.57 hm²/h, with an operation qualification rate of 95.72%. The average torque results from simulation (with and without the antisticking knife) and field tests were analyzed, yielding correlation coefficients of 0.994 and 0.973 for the change curves of average torque between the antisticking knife and the national standard rotary tillage knife. This result confirms the accuracy of the simulation model and the consistency between the simulation and field test results. This study can provide some references for the design and test of antisticking of rotary tillers. 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

Armillaria root rot (ARR) is a fungal disease caused by Desarmillaria caespitosa and the leading cause of peach tree decline in the Southeastern U.S. It affects the roots and lower stems of trees, leading to the decay of the tree’s root system. Planting peach trees shallow on berms and excavating soil around the root collar after two years can extend the economic life of infected trees. However, berms pose operational challenges, including elevation changes, soil erosion from water flow, and herbicide and fertilizer runoff, thereby reducing orchard management efficiency. This study aimed to develop a tractor-mounted rotary tillage method to flatten the area between peach trees planted on berms, improving safety and reducing runoff. A custom paddle wheel attachment (20.3 cm height, 30.5 cm length) was retrofitted to an existing mechanical orchard weed management implement equipped with a hydraulic rotary head. A hydraulic flow meter, two pressure transducers, and an RTK-GPS receiver were integrated with a wireless data acquisition system to monitor the paddle wheel rotational speed and tractor ground speed during field trials. The effects of three paddle wheel speeds (132, 177, and 204 RPM) and three tractor ground speeds (1.65, 2.255, and 3.08 km/h) were evaluated in two orchards with Cecil sandy loam soil (bulk density: 1.93 g/cm³; slope: 2–6%). The paddle wheel speed had a greater influence on the torque and power requirements than the tractor ground speed. The combination of a 177 RPM paddle speed and 3 km/h tractor speed resulted in the smoothest soil surface with minimum torque demand, indicating this setting as optimal for flattening berms in similar soil conditions. Future research will include optimizing the paddle wheel structure and equipping the berm leveling machine with tree detection sensors to control the rotary head position. 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 reduce the power consumption of rotary tillage and enhance the operational quality of rotary tillage, a rotary blade that imitates the surface of a pufferfish was designed through reverse engineering. The bump structure on the pufferfish surface was employed to decrease the power consumption when the blades till the soil. The performance of the bionic blade was investigated. A single-factor soil bin test was conducted, with the forward speed of the rotary tiller and the rotation speed of the blade shaft serving as the test factors, and the power consumption of the rotary tiller and the ground surface flatness as the evaluation indexes. The test results revealed that the power consumption of the rotary tiller initially decreases, then increases, and finally decreases with the increase in the forward speed of the rotary tiller. It is positively correlated with the rotation speed of the blade shaft. The ground surface flatness is positively correlated with the forward speed of the rotary tiller but negatively correlated with the rotation speed of the blade shaft. Compared with the rotary tiller with standard IT225 blades, the rotary tiller with bionic blades achieves a 9.4% reduction in power consumption and a 6.5% improvement in ground surface flatness. This study has demonstrated that the bump structure of the pufferfish surface can effectively reduce the power consumption of the blades and enhance ground surface quality, thus offering novel insights for the development of energy-saving tillage tools. 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

This study presents an experimental and computational analysis of the specific draft (SD) and specific torque (ST) requirements of an energy-efficient tillage implement, the active–passive disk harrow (APDH). Soil bin trials were conducted to develop multiple regression models predicting SD and ST based on operational parameters such as gang angle (α), speed ratio (u/v), soil cone index, and working depth. Model’s accuracy was assessed through statistical indices such as R², RMSE, MIE, and MAE. The high R² and low RMSE confirmed the reliability of the developed models in capturing the relationships between input and output variables. A genetic algorithm-based multi-objective optimization was implemented in MATLAB R2016a to determine optimal operational settings that minimize total power consumption while maximizing soil pulverization. The optimized values of α and u/v were determined to be in the ranges of 35.91° to 36.98° and 3.27 to 3.87, respectively. Model validation with laboratory and field data demonstrated acceptable prediction accuracy despite minor deviations attributed to soil variability and measurement errors. The developed models provide a predictive framework for optimizing tillage performance, aiding in tractor-implement selection, and enhancing energy efficiency in agricultural operations. Full article

The interaction law between soil and tillage components is the basis for designing and selecting soil tillage components. This paper uses the discrete element method to explore the soil penetration performance of the comb teeth of a pneumatic film-stripping tillage residual film recycler under different structural and working state parameters. The soil particle contact model is set up, the virtual prototype of the comb roller is established, and EDEM (Version 2018, DEM Solutions Company, Edinburgh, UK) discrete element software is applied to simulate the interaction between the comb roller and the soil particles during the residual film recycler’s operation. Simulation and test results show that using a spiral arrangement of tooth comb knives (Alar, 843300, China, Zhongyuan Stainless Steel Bending Manufacturing Co.) can reduce the impact load on the machine, improving the soil disturbance and facilitating the penetration of soil mulch. The composite force on the combing roller increases with comb depth in the soil for a combing roller depth of 6–18 cm. Moreover, the rotational speed varies within the range of 60–120 r/min. The forward speed of the recycling machine significantly affects the soil penetration performance of the comb roller; the power it consumes increases with forward speed. This study can provide a reference for the structural design and optimization of working parameters of future deep tillage machines. Full article

Efficient sugarcane ratooning management requires maintaining soil organic carbon (SOC) balance and improving soil physical properties. Retaining agricultural residues and applying organic fertilizers are essential for sustaining SOC levels. However, excessive soil compaction caused by heavy machinery remains a challenge, and no existing implements are specifically designed to alleviate soil compaction and apply organic fertilizers in sugarcane ratoon fields. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate an organic fertilizer applicator capable of performing a single-step operation that integrates subsoiling, fertilizer application, and soil mixing. The developed implement consists of four main components: (1) a pyramid-shaped hopper, (2) a two-way horizontal screw conveyor, (3) a subsoiler, and (4) a disk harrow set. The results indicated that the specific mass flow rate is directly proportional to screw size and inversely proportional to PTO shaft speed. The optimal configuration for the organic fertilizer applicator included an 18-inch harrow set, a 10-degree harrow angle, an inclined-leg subsoiler, and the Low3 gear at 1900 rpm, which required a draft force of 12.75 kN. Field performance tests demonstrated an actual field capacity of 0.89 ha·h⁻¹ and a field efficiency of 66.17%, confirming the implement’s effectiveness in improving soil conditions and integrating tillage with fertilizer application. Full article

In this study, the bionic cutter and the multi-curve cutter were designed for cutting crowns and roots, respectively. Two types of cutters were integrated into the device. This integration aims to address the issues of the poor effect of cutting the root–crown, the high disturbance rate of the soil, and the high power consumption of the device. The cutters for cutting crowns imitating the outline and action of a cat’s claw were designed based on reverse engineering technology. The multi-curve cutters for cutting roots were designed based on the distribution characteristics of roots in different soil layers. The discrete element method (DEM) was employed to simulate the process of cutting the root–crown. The accuracy of the DEM simulation result was verified by comparing it with the field test result. The result showed the device could cut the root–crown efficiently, which facilitated the decomposition of the root–crown into organic matter. While minimizing soil disturbance and power consumption, this design effectively maintained soil moisture retention, reduced erosion, and created favorable conditions for subsequent crop growth. The qualified rate of root–crown length, the rate of soil disturbance, and the power consumption of the device were significantly affected by the forward speed of the device and the rotational speed of the cutter shaft. The qualified rate of root–crown length, the rate of soil disturbance, and the power consumption of the device would be increased with the increase in the rotational speed of the cutter shaft. With the increase in the forward speed of the device, the rate of soil disturbance and the power consumption of the device were also increased, but the qualified rate of root–crown length was decreased. To minimize the rate of soil disturbance and the power consumption of the device while meeting the national standard for the qualified rate of root–crown length, the optimal operating conditions were that the forward speed of the device was 0.71 m·s⁻¹ and the rotational speed of the cutter shaft was 380 r·min⁻¹. At this time, the qualified rate of root–crown length was 90.54%, the rate of soil disturbance was 18.56%, and the power consumption of the device was 3.835 kW. This study provides technical support for designing the device for cutting the root–crown, and, more importantly, offers a sustainable root–crown management solution that addresses the key challenge in the modern conservation tillage system, effectively balancing root–crown cutting efficiency with soil health preservation. Full article

In response to the absence of an effective variable speed control strategy for tractors equipped with hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission (HMCVT) during rotary-tillage operations, this study investigates the power transfer and fuel economy characteristics of the rotary-tilling tractor during operation. A dynamic analysis of the rotary-tilling tractor is conducted, and a dynamic model for the rotary-tilling tractor is developed. This model comprehensively incorporates factors such as the transmission efficiency of the HMCVT, the horizontal cutting force of the rotary tillage, and the torque coupling relationships between the various transmission subsystems and utilizes a backward modeling approach with dual inputs: walking load and rotary-tillage load. Based on the measured data of the effective fuel consumption rate from 64 engine groups within the study, a BP neural network model of the engine’s fuel characteristics is developed. Furthermore, it is proposed that fuel consumption per kilometer of rotary-tillage operation be used to characterize the fuel economy of the rotary-tilling tractor. The results demonstrate that the increase in forward speed concurrently enhances both the productivity and fuel economy of the rotary-tilling tractor. This finding provides a theoretical foundation for developing a variable speed control strategy for the rotary-tilling tractor. 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