Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Olatunji, O.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
In this research study, dimensional analysis was used to model the relationship between depth of cut, weight of disc plough and draught on a sandy loam soil. Field experiment was carried out on a site with three different moisture content levels at five different plough speeds (0.83, 1.39, 1.94, 2.4 and 2.78 m/s). It was observed that the depth of penetration of plough disc increased with an increased draught and soil moisture content. The depth of cut was minimum at 4.9% and maximum at 9.4% moisture content. The result obtained from the validation shows that the model can be used effectively to determine the depth of cut in sandy loam soil at different soil moisture levels. Also the draught-speed relationship obtained from this study can be used to predict the power requirement of the disc plough in other soil types. The draught increase linearly with the depth of cut as predicted from the model. The result of the soil properties after tillage operation showed increased shear strength, bulk density and depth of cut. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011.
