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http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 52 [email protected]
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology
(IJARET) Volume 6, Issue 7, Jul 2015, pp. 52-68, Article ID: IJARET_06_07_008
Available online at
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JTypeIJARET&VType=6&IType=7
ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499
© IAEME Publication
___________________________________________________________________________
DRAUGHT FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF A
DISC PLOUGH AT VARIOUS TRACTOR
FORWARD SPEEDS IN LOAMY SAND SOIL,
DURING PLOUGHING
S. O. Nkakini
Department of Agricultural/Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
P. M. B. 5080, Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port-Harcourt,
Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Tillage operation in loamy sand soil for disc ploughing on an experimental
plot of twenty different soil moisture levels at tractor forward speeds of 1.94
m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s were conducted using trace tractor techniques. The
variables: draw-bar pull force, moisture content, cone index, tractor forward
speeds, widths of cut and depths of cut were measured. In determining the
effect of moisture content and forward speeds on draught forces, results
revealed that at lowest moisture content of 1.53% draught forces of 4688.33
N, 5708.33 N and 6758.33 N at tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s
and 2.5 m/s, were obtained. The draught forces of 3008.32 N, 4018.66 N and
5068.os33 N were obtained at highest moisture content of 24.14% with tractor
forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s. The tractor forward speeds of
2.5 m/s recorded the highest draught force of 6758.33 N. The lowest draught
forces at respective moisture levels were obtained at tractor forward speed of
1.94 m/s. It is clear that, draught forces increase with increase in tractor
forward speeds. This result indicates that the best tractor forward speed for
ploughing operation is 2.5 m/s which took place within the range of the
optimum soil moisture of 2.5–25% for soil under consideration.
Key words: Draught, Tillage, Disc plough, Tractor forward speeds, Ploughing
operation.
Cite this Article: Nkakinii, S. O. Draught Force Requirements of a Disc
Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy Sand Soil, During
Ploughing. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and
Technology, 6(7), 2015, pp. 52-68.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=6&IType=7
_____________________________________________________________________
IJARET
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 53 [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
Tillage may be described as the practice of modifying the state of the soil in order to
provide conditions favorable to crop growth [1]. Three things are involved in soil
tillage, which are the power source (tractor or animal), the soil and the implement
(Disc plough [2]. It can be defined as any positive action when forces are reasonably
applied with the aim of altering the soil conditions for agricultural purposes [3].
Tillage aims to create a soil environment favorable to plant growth [4][5]. According
to researchers, soil tillage is the mechanical manipulation of soil to develop a
desirable soil structure for a seedbed and a specific surface configuration for planting,
irrigation, drainage and harvesting operations[1] [6]. Soil tillage plays very important
role in soil productivity as it creates optimum soil condition for crop growth [1][7]
Ploughing is a primary tillage operation which is performed to shatter and achieve
soil inversion [8]. It is the initial soil working operation and also the deepest tillage
operation of about 150 to 300 mm, [9]. Ploughing is the most important primary
tillage operation for arable farming in preparation for the production of vegetable and
cereal growing crops. It creates a suitable soil condition for plant growth which
increases crop productivity and boosts the agricultural economy [9].
Disc Plough is a tillage implement used for primary soil tillage operation. It is
used in tropical region where condition is very hard and rough and totally unsuitable
for use of the conventional mould board plough [10]. Consequently, disc plough has a
tilt adjuster with which the angle of tilt of the blade is adjusted. The width of cut per
disc (Disc plough) depends upon the spacing and the angle (adjustable) between the
gang axis and the direction of travel [11]. It was observed that disc plough has a
higher total and specific draught than other tillage implements, for a given soil type
and tractor forward speed [8].
Draught of tillage implement (Disc plough) however plays a vital role in
developing more efficient tillage system by selecting suitable combination of tractor
and implements [12]. Farmers employ draught requirement data from tillage
implement (Disc plough) in specific soil type to determine the matching size of tractor
for operation [13]. The draught of the disc plough is very enormous when compared
with other tillage implement. Draught requirement and soil disturbance of tillage
implements depends on the soil and tool operating conditions [8]. Draught is the
horizontal component of pull force, parallel to line of motion, while side draught, is
the horizontal component of pull, perpendicular to the line of motion [14]. The force
required to overcome the soil resistance and move the tillage implement at the
required speed is called the cutting force. The horizontal component of this cutting
force is called the draught [14]. Draught is the total horizontal force parallel to the
direction of travel required to propel the implement. It is the sum of the soil and crop
resistant and the implement rolling resistance [9] [14].
In the study of draught force, researchers have discovered that increasing tractor
forward speed increases the depth of cut which is relative to increase in draught that
caused much pulverizing of the soil surface and energy requirement of the implement
[15] [16] [17]. It was discovered that when the tractor forward speed increased from
1.33 m/s to 2.6 m/s, the draught increased from 40% in the clay loam and 90% in the
fine sandy loam. The researchers conducted an experiment and observed that the
draught requirement for tillage drastically increased by soil compaction [18]. It was
imperative to note that draught force increases with increase in tillage depth of cut
[19] [20].
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 54 [email protected]
Soil type and condition are the most implement factors that contribute to the
draught force of agricultural implement. The draught required to pull a tillage
implement (Disc plough) is basically a function of soil properties, implement width,
operating speed and depth of cut at which it is pulled, moisture content and bulk
density[20] [11] [21] [22][18]. According to some research findings, the increase in
soil bulk density increased the draught forces of tillage implement (Disc plough) [23].
It is clear that the low state of moisture content increased draught forces, while
high moisture content decreased draught forces [18]. However, the extent of influence
of these factors has not been fully studied in Nigeria; therefore draught requirement of
a plough is necessary. A comprehensive, draught force data requirement for
ploughing operation is still a problem under consideration in Nigeria.
This research was ventured into, as part of forming a data base of draught of a disc
plough in loamy sand soil. The draught force data obtained from the research would
assist the farmers acquire the knowledge that would enable them select proper size of
tractor to match an implement (disc plough). In doing this, operational cost involves
in ploughing is minimized, hence maximizing agricultural profits. These research
objectives are to investigate the draught force of a disc plough at various tractor
forward speeds in loamy sand soil. To study the relative effect of the parameters
involved with the draught.
2. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Experimental Site and Design: The experiment was conducted at National Root
Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) Experimental Farm, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia state
of Nigeria. Umudike is under the derived tropical humid ecological zone of Nigeria.
The soil particle size distribution analysis indicated that the soil is loamy sand (clay –
11.04%, silt – 4% and sand – 84.96%).
The experimental layout area is 90 m by 90 m and was designed with three
different blocks of 90 m by 27 m each. Each block was divided into 9 strips of 90 m
by 2 m wide with a space of 3 m between each strip. The materials used for the study
included two tractors of the same model and horse powers, soil cone penetrometer,
dynamometer, measuring tape and three bottom disc plough.
Experimental Procedure: Ploughing operations were carried out, 24 hours after each
rainfall event. Three replications of ploughing operations were conducted after every
rainfall event. There were altogether 20 rainfall events. Hence the total treatments
were 9 x 20 rainfall events. The sequence of tillage operation were as follows: rainfall
event 1, ploughing on block 1, strip 1, block 2,strip 1 and block3,strip 1,rainfall event
2, ploughing on block 1,strip 2, block 2, strip2 and block 3, strip 2, rainfall event 3,
ploughing on block 1, strip 3, block 2, strip 3 and block 3 strip 3. This pattern was
followed for the remaining number of rainfall events up to the last day when
minimum moisture content level was achieved.
Determination of Soil Moisture Content: The beginning of tillage operation was a
function of rainfall. The rainfall source was through a natural rainfall event. Prior to
the field tillage operations, soil samples were collected at depth of 0–50 mm, 50–150
mm and 150–200 mm with the aid of soil auger at three replications per samples
points for determination of soil parameters. A field test samples were randomly
selected for determination of soil moisture content level using oven dry method
(gravimetric). The moisture content of soil was obtained using equation 1.
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 55 [email protected]
Moisture (%) = 100xW
WWw
D
D−
(1)
Where, Ww = weight of wet soil sample, g, WD = weight of dry soil sample, g
Determination of Bulk Density: At randomly selected field spots, soil samples at
various depths were collected using cylindrical cone for determination of bulk
density. The bulk density value was calculated using equation 2.
Bulk density of soil, Bd = b
S
V
M (2)
Where, Bd = bulk density, g/cm3, Ms = mass of over dry soil sample (g), Vb = volume
of core sample (cm3)
Measurement of Cone Index: The soil cone index (CI) was measured to ascertain
the soil strength profile, using cone penetrometer having an enclosed angle of 300,
with a base area of 3.23 m2 (323 mm
2) mounted on a shaft of 0.203 cm (20.27 mm)
marked with respect to depths on the shaft. At three different depths (0–100, 100–150,
and 150−200) mm, soil resistance (cone index) to penetration of implements were
obtained before tillage operation. Cone penetromter testing involves pushing a cone
into the soil at a certain rate and recording the resisting force exerted by the soil on
the penetrometer [24]. The force required divided by the area of the base of the cone
provides a “pressure” measurement, referred to as cone index in KN/m2 (Kilo Pascal)
in SI unit.
Determination of Draught force: The drawbar pull (draught force) was determined
using trace-tractor techniques. The Dillion EDjunior dynamometer was attached to the
front of the tractor mounted with implement. Another auxiliary tractor was used to
pull the implement mounted tractor through the dynamometer both in their
transportation positions and tillage operating positions for ploughing. The average
drawbar-pull (Draught to pull the implement) is the difference between the towing
force, while in neutral gear without implement in tillage operation and the towing
force while the implement is in tillage operation respectively.
Figure 1a Tractors–Dynamometer, Implement Mounted Position during Transportation.
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 56 [email protected]
Figure 1b Tractors–dynamometer, implement mounted in tillage operation.
P = P2 – P1 (3)
Equation 3 is used in determining the draught force. Where, P = draught force, P1
= the force required to pull the Implement in transportation position, P2 = the force
required to pull the Implement during tillage operation.
Calculation of the specific draught (N/m2): The specific draught to pull the
implement: is the Actual draught/Area ploughed. Mathematically expressed as:
Specific draught (n) = A
P (5)
Where, P = Actual Draught (N), A = Area ploughed (m2)
Measurement of Depth of Cut and Width : These parameters were determined by
setting the level that controls the lifting mechanism at a particular level corresponding
to the required depth of cut and setting the tractor to a gear best suited for a targeted
speed of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s. The depths of cut were measured with a steel
tape, from the bottom of the furrow to the surface level of the soil at randomly
selected points [25].
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In Table 1, is presented the data obtained in respective rainfall events. The results
revealed that the lowest moisture content of 1.53% db was obtained on 15th
rainfall
event and the highest, 24.14% db on the 6th
rainfall event. The highest cone index
value of 196.92*KN/m2 was obtained on 16
th rainfall event and the lowest, 56.4
KN/m2 on the 6
th rainfall event. The reading with asterisk indicates that the
penetrometer could not penetrate into the soil while reading was taken. The highest
bulk density of 1.94 g/cm3 was on the 11
th rainfall event and lowest, 1.50 g/cm
3 on the
6th
rainfall event.
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
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Table 1 Average soil moisture content %, soil resistance (KN/m2 and bulk density (g/cm
3)
Days Amount of
rainfall, mm
Soil moisture
content %
wb
AVERAGE
PENETROMETER
READINGS KN/m2 (0–
200)mm
Average Bulk
Density(g/cm3)
(100–200)mm
1 50.7 15.50 98.46 1.80
2 66.9 16.04 184.62 1.70
3 48.2 15.44 107.78 1.86
4 15.3 17.71 84.09 1.48
5 42.2 14.42 116.4 1.84
6 149.3 24.14 56.4 1.50
7 11.6 13.92 143.06 1.90
8 3.8 11.58 149.22 1.78
9 93.7 17.66 89.73 1.86
10 90.6 17.62 96.91 1.88
11 30.1 14.83 125.63 1.94
12 23.1 14.44 131.78 1.92
13 23.3 14.48 133.83 1.93
14 1.3 6.31 163.57 1.75
15 0 1.53 190.77 1.80
16 0 2.24 196.92* 1.78
17 0 2.01 190.77* 1.76
18 2.1 6.86 184.62* 1.88
19 0 2.70 194.39* 1.77
20 4.6 11.94 161.02 1.79
Table 2, presented the draught forces during ploughing operations at 1.94 m/s,
2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s and also days of field operations.
The results indicated average draught forces of 38904.96 N, 49089.97 N and
59589.97 N with respective tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s.
The highest draught force was obtained due to increase in tractor forward speed which
resulted from rapid acceleration of the soil.
It was observed that the draught force decreased with increased in moisture
content levels available in soil during tillage operation. This is evidence from the data
in Table 2, which depicted average draught forces of 3008.32 N, 4018.33 N and
5068.33 N on 6th
rainfall event. This day’s event recorded the highest rainfall amount
of 149.3 mm, where the maximum cohesion of soil had been overcome by water
molecules. This corresponded to some findings of other’s results [13] [26] [27].
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 58 [email protected]
Table 2 Average Draught Force (N) at 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s
Days
Amount of
rainfall,
mm
Soil
moisture
content %
wb
Average
Draught
Force (N)
at 1.94 m/s
Average
Draught
Force (N) at
2.22 m/s
Average
Draught Force
(N)
at 2.5 m/s
1 50.7 15.50 3580.00 4586.66 5636.66
2 66.9 16.04 3406.66 4420.00 5470.00
3 48.2 15.44 3725.00 4745.00 5795.00
4 15.3 17.71 3201.66 4816.66 5271.66
5 42.2 14.42 3776.66 4816.66 5866.66
6 149.3 24.14 3008.32 4018.33 5068.33
7 11.6 13.92 4005.00 5015.00 6065.00
8 3.8 11.58 3253.33 5060.00 6110.00
9 93.7 17.66 3316.66 4273.33 5323.33
10 90.6 17.62 3316.66 4336.66 5386.66
11 30.1 14.83 3841.66 4861.66 5911.66
12 23.1 14.44 3930.00 4960.00 6010.00
13 23.3 14.48 3930.00 4950.00 6000.00
14 1.3 6.31 4083.33 5103.33 6153.33
15 0 1.53 4688.33 5708.33 6758.33
16 0 2.24 4643.33 5663.33 6713.33
17 0 2.01 4616.66 5636.66 6686.66
18 2.1 6.86 4063.33 5083.33 6133.33
19 0 2.70 4630.00 5670.00 6720.00
20 4.6 11.94 4030.00 5050.00 6100.00
Average 38904.96 49089.97 59589.97
Table 3, presents the depth and width of cuts at tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s,
2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s. At 1.94 m/s tractor forward speed, the 6th
rainfall event recorded
the highest depth of cut 0.214 m and 0.118 m the lowest on 16th
rainfall event. The 5th
rainfall event recorded the lowest width of cut of 0.451 m and on 17th
rainfall event
recorded highest width of cut 0.903 m, with means of 0.163 m and 0.689 m. At tractor
forward speed of 2.22 m/s the highest depth of cut of 0.224 m was recorded on the 6th
rainfall event and the lowest of 0.126 m on 15th
rainfall event. On the 5th
rainfall event
was recorded the lowest width of cut of 0.464 m and on 17th
rainfall event the highest
width of cut 0.912 m, with their means as 0.173 m and 0.704 m.
With tractor forward speed of 2.5 m/s, the highest depth of cut of 0.372 m was on
14th
rainfall event and lowest of 0.105 m on 17th
rainfall event. The 5th
rainfall event
recorded the lowest width of cut as 0.473 and 0.976 m the highest width of cut on 17th
rainfall event with means of 0.183 m and 0.718 m respectively.
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
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Table 3 Average depth of cut and width of cut for days of field operation at 1.94 m/s, 2.22
m/s and 2.5 m/s tractor forward speeds
The specific draught forces were calculated on days of field operations. Table 4,
shows the calculated average specific draught forces at tractor forward speeds of 1.94
m/s, 2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s. Their average specific draught forces of 341212.2 N/m2,
432256.0 N/m2 and 481955.6 N/m
2 were achieved. The implication is that draught
forces increased with an increase in tractor forward speeds
Days of
field
operation
Depth of
cut(m)
at 1.94 m/s
Width of
cut(m) at
1.94 m/s
Depth of
cut (m) at
2.22 m/s
Width of
cut(m) at
2.22 m/s
Depth
of cut (m)
at 2.5 m/s
Width of
cut(m)
at 2.5 m/s
1 0.158 0.487 0.166 0.503 0.176 0.513
2 0.169 0.502 0.179 0.516 0.189 0.525
3 0.146 0.464 0.154 0.489 0.156 0.495
4 0.195 0.576 0.216 0.525 0.216 0.525
5 0.136 0.451 0.143 0.464 0.155 0.473
6 0.214 0.590 0.224 0.603 0.234 0.613
7 0.176 0.782 0.184 0.790 0.194 0.799
8 0.174 0.816 0.184 0.827 0.195 0.837
9 0.174 0.535 0.183 0.526 0.190 0.545
10 0.178 0.521 0.187 0.529 0.197 0.539
11 0.198 0.521 0.208 0.725 0.329 0.765
12 0.186 0.689 0.195 0.701 0.205 0.711
13 0.181 0.697 0.192 0.69 0.202 0.696
14 0.128 0.891 0.136 0.898 0.372 0.905
15 0.127 0.880 0.126 0.889 0.136 0.899
16 0.118 0.885 0.128 0.896 0.138 0.906
17 0.135 0.903 0.146 0.912 0.105 0.979
18 0.169 0.868 0.179 0.878 0.136 0.910
19 0.126 0.888 0.136 0.874 0.146 0.885
20 0.180 0.826 0.188 0.836 0.198 0.846
Mean 0.163 0.689 0.173 0.704 0.183 0.718
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 60 [email protected]
Table 4 Average specific draught forces for days of field operations at 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and
2.5 m/s tractor forward speeds.
y = -73.63x + 4740.
R² = 0.821
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
0 10 20 30
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
MOISTURE CONTENT (%)
DRAUGHT Vs MOISTURE CONTENT
DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT)
Figure 2 The effect of moisture content on draught force at tractor forward speed of 1.94 m/s
Days of
Operation
Area
ploughed
(m2)
Specific
Draught
(N/m2) at
1.94 m/s
Area
ploughed
(m2)
Specific
Draught
(N/m2) at
2.22 m/s
Area
ploughed
(m2)
Specific
Draught
(N/m2)at
2.5 m/s
1 0.077 46493.51 0.083 55260.96 0.090 62629.56
2 0.085 40078.35 0.092 48043.48 0.093 58817.20
3 0.068 54779.41 0.075 63266.67 0.077 75259.74
4 0.112 28586.25 0.113 37359.82 0.113 46651.86
5 0.061 61912.46 0.067 71890.45 0.073 80365.20
6 0.126 23875.56 0.135 29765.40 0.143 35442.87
7 0.138 28521.74 0.145 34586.21 0.155 32677.42
8 0.142 28521.13 0.152 33289.47 0.163 37484.66
9 0.093 34982.04 0.096 44513.85 0.104 51185.87
10 0.093 35663.01 0.099 43804.65 0.106 50220.09
11 0.103 37297.67 0.150 32411.07 0.252 21375.65
12 0.128 30703.13 0.137 36204.38 0.146 40490.82
13 0.126 31190.48 0.132 37500 0.141 41164.38
14 0.114 35818.68 0.122 41830.57 0.337 18259.14
15 0.112 4688.44 0.112 50967.23 0.122 55396.15
16 0.104 44647.40 0.115 49246.35 0.125 53706.64
17 0.117 39458.63 0.133 42380.90 0.103 64919.03
18 0.147 27641.70 0.157 32377.90 0.124 49462.34
19 0.112 41517.86 0.119 47647.06 0.129 52093.02
20 0.149 27046.98 0.157 32165.61 0.168 36309.52
Mean 341212.2 432256.0 481955.6
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 61 [email protected]
y = -70.63x + 5791.
R² = 0.878
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0 10 20 30
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
MOISTURE CONTENT (%)
DRAUGHT Vs MOISTURE CONTENT
DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT)
Figure 3 The effect of moisture content on draught force at tractor forward speed of 2.22 m/s
y = -75.02x + 6864.
R² = 0.891
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
0 10 20 30
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
MOISTURE CONTENT (%)
DRAUGHT Vs MOISTURE CONTENT
DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
MOISTURE CONTENT)
Figure 4 The effect of moisture content on draught force at tractor forward speed of 2.5 m/s
Figures 2–4 show that draught forces decreased with increase in moisture content
levels. This is in agreement with the findings of some researchers [18]. They stated
that increase in moisture content level would lead to decrease in draught forces. The
results shows acceptable agreement with coefficient of determinations R2 = 0.821, R
2
= 0.878, and R2 = 0.891 respectively.
Figures 5–7 show that bulk density has no effect on draught forces as they remain
constant with coefficient of determinations R2 = 0.000. This is due to the fact that
bulk density was obtained in untilled soil before carrying out ploughing operations.
This is contrary to the findings which stated that draught force of tillage implement
increases when the bulk density increases [23]
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 62 [email protected]
y = 148.01x + 3577.1
R² = 0.0005
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3)
DRAUGHT Vs BULK DENSITY
DRAUGHT Vs BULK
DENSITY
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
BULK DENSITY)
Figure 5 The effect of bulk density on draught force at a speed of 1.94 m/s
y = 368.5x + 4253.
R² = 0.003
0
2000
4000
6000
1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3)
DRAUGHT Vs BULK DENSITY
DRAUGHT Vs BULK
DENSITY
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
BULK DENSITY)
Figure 6 The effect of bulk density on draught force at a speed of 2.2 m/s
y = 142.6x + 5693.
R² = 0.000
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3)
DRAUGHT Vs BULK DENSITY
DRAUGHT Vs BULK
DENSITY
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
BULK DENSITY)
Figure 7 The effect of bulk density on draught force at a speed of 2.5 m/s
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
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Figures 8–10 indicate that draught forces decreased with an increase in depth of
cut. The results show the variances in coefficient of determinations R2 = 0.529, R
2 =
0.449 and R2 = 0.112, the best cut has the highest coefficient of determination of R
2 =
0.529.
y = -13599x + 6074.
R² = 0.529
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
DEPTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH
OF CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
DEPTH OF CUT)
Figure 8 The effect of depth of cut on draught force at speed of 1.94 m/s
y = -10917x + 6824.
R² = 0.449
0
2000
4000
6000
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
DEPTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH
OF CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
DEPTH OF CUT)
Figure 9 The effect of depth of cut on draught force at a speed of 2.2 m/s
y = -2671.x + 6475.
R² = 0.112
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
DEPTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs DEPTH
OF CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
DEPTH OF CUT)
Figure 10 The effect of depth of cut on draught force at speed of 2.5 m/s
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 64 [email protected]
Figures 11–13 depict the effect of width of cut on draught force. Draught forces
increased with an increase in width of cut with the coefficient of determinations
R2=0.505, R
2 = 0.640 and R
2=0.006. This is in agreement with others findings which
stated that draught force increases with an increase in width of cut [13].
y = 2127.x + 2387.
R² = 0.505
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
WIDTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH
OF CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
WIDTH OF CUT)
Figure 11 The effect of width of cut on draught force at speed of 1.94 m/s
y = 2277.x + 3336.
R² = 0.640
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
DR
AU
GH
T (
N)
WIDTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH OF
CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
WIDTH OF CUT)
Figure 12 The effect of width of cut on draught force at speed of 2.2 m/s
Figure 13 shows draught force to be slightly constant, with coefficient of
determination, R2=0.006 which is as a result of an increase in tractor forward speed of
operation.
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
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y = -20.08x + 5975.
R² = 0.006
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
0 2 4 6 8 10
DR
AU
GH
T (N
)
WIDTH OF CUT (m)
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH OF CUT
DRAUGHT Vs WIDTH OF
CUT
Linear (DRAUGHT Vs
WIDTH OF CUT)
Figure 13 Effect of width of cut on draught force at speed of 2.5 m/s
Table 5 Anova effect of draught force and moisture content at 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s
tractor forward speeds
Source of
Variation
SS
df
MS
F
P-value
F crit
Between 3.54E+08 2787.183 3.61E-3 4.098172
Group 1 3.54E+08 SS
126887.8
Within Groups 4821738 38
3.58E+08
Total 39
Table 5 shows that there are significant differences (p < 0.05) between draught
force and moisture content level at tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and
2.5 m/s.
Table 6 Anova effect of draught force and depth of cut at 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s
tractor forward speeds
Source of
Variation
SS
df
MS
F
P-value
F crit
Between Group 3.55E+08 1 3.55E+08 2799.059 3.34E-37 4.098172
Within Groups 4820447 38 126853.9 SS
Total 3.6E+08 39
S. O. Nkakini
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 66 [email protected]
Tables 6, shows the analysis of variance for draught force and depths of cuts at
various tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s. The results indicated
that there are significant differences (P < 0.05) between draught force and depth of cut
at respectively.
Table 7 Anova effect of draught force and width of cut at 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s and 2.5 m/s
Table 7 shows the analysis of variance, for draught force and width of cut at
various tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s. The results indicated
that there are significant differences (P< 0.05) between draught force and width of cut
at respective tractor forward speeds of 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s.
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
1 2 3
Dra
uh
gt N
Speeds m/s
DRAUGHT Vs SPPED
DRAUGHT Vs SPPED
Figure 14 The relationship between draught force and tractor forward speeds
Figure 14 indicates that the draught forces increased as the tractor forward speeds
increased from 1.94 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 2.5 m/s. This is in agreement with the findings
which stated that increase in the tractor forward speeds of operation would increase
the draught force of the implement [17].
4. CONCLUSION
The soil moisture content levels, bulk density and cone index were collected before
tillage operation. The draught force requirements of a disc plough is dependent on the
moisture content levels of the soil, width of cut, depth of cut and tractor forward
speeds of the disc plough. The draught forces obtained at the highest moisture content
level of 24.14% wb were 3008.32 N, 4018.33 N and 5068.33 N at 1.94 m/s, 2.22 m/s
and 2.5 m/s tractor forward speeds respectively. The result obtained indicates that
increase in the tractor forward speeds of the implement (disc plough) would cause an
increase in draught force and that increase in moisture content levels would lead to
decrease in draught force of disc plough.
Source of
Variation
SS
df
MS
F
P-value
F crit
Between Group 3.55E+08 1 3.55E+08 2798.29 5.298-35 4.09817
Within Groups 4820974 38 126867.7 SS
Total 3.6E +0.8 39
Draught Force Requirements of a Disc Plough at Various Tractor Forward Speeds in Loamy
Sand Soil, During Ploughing
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