Draught Requirements of Tillage Tines in Clay Soil under Indoor Soil Bin Conditions

Large tine (Tl) and sweep tine (Tw) were the different model tillage tines used for this research. The blades were used on clay soil in a soil bin of dimension 9.0 × 0.85 × 0.5m located in the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The clay soil used for the experiment was obtained from Agricultural Engineering Step B Farm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the draught requirements of the model tillage tools and to evaluate and model the parameters of the soil profile produced under different operating conditions. It involved testing and evaluation of tool shape, depth (12.5 -100mm) and rake angles (300, 450, and 900) and forward speed (0.17m/sec) on draught force. Soil profile patterns measured by a profilometer was analyzed using the following parameters – maximum Width of soil cut (Wfs), Ridge-to- Ridge Distance (RRD), furrow depth (df), height of ridge (Hr), maximum Width of Soil Throw (TDW) and tool width (w). Results showed that draught is directly proportional to the depth of the tine at a certain rake angle. The Tw had the least draught while Tl had the highest draught. Analysis of soil disturbance parameters revealed an increase in parameters with increasing cone index and depth of the tines. The study provides relevant data in the design of soil engaging tools and sustainable crop production. Keywords: Draught, Clay, Soil disturbance, Tillage, Tines.