Determination of Draft Power Requirements for Tillage Implements Under Central Gezira Clay Soil Conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the draft power required for different tillage implements under central Gezira clay soil conditions. The experimental work involved five implements (chisel plow, moldboard plow, disk plow, disk harrow and ridger) which were tested at three speeds (3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 km/h) under two levels of soil moisture content (14.8% - pre-watered soil, and 4.2% - dry soil). A split-split plot experimental design with three replications was used. The draft power required, and the fuel consumed, by operating individual implement for primary tillage were measured. Moreover, the draft power, and the fuel consumed, for the operation of a secondary tillage implement (disk harrow) after primary tillage were measured. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the required draft power and fuel consumption for primary and secondary tillage operations significantly increased with increased speed and decreased with increased soil moisture content. For primary tillage, the draft power required to operate the chisel plow was significantly higher than for the other tested implements, regardless of the operating speed and the soil moisture content ( the highest value of chisel plow draft power was 31.07 HP, which was found in speed 4.5 km/hr and moisture content 4.2 %); while the disk harrow draft power requirements were significantly the lowest ( the lowest value of disk harrow draft power was 14.82 HP, was found in speed 3.5 km/hr and moisture content 14.8 %). The fuel consumed by the operation of the chisel plow was significantly higher compared to the other tested implements, while the fuel requirements for the disk harrow were significantly the lowest. The results clearly indicated that pre-watering of soil moisture of 14.3 % before primary tillage, and operating the implement at a medium speed of 4.0 km/h, will significantly decrease the draft power and fuel required for both primary and secondary tillage operations