Dynamic Sensing of Soil Pans

Abstract

ABSTRACT AUTOMATIC depth control of tines, used to rupture soil hard pans, is desirable to permit effective tine action while minimising energy input. Methods to sense the depth of a pan continuously from a moving field implement were assessed. Two methods involving measurement of soil forces on a probe were investigated in soil bin experiments in which different soil strength profiles could be reproduced. The forces on a small slitter blade, mounted behind a subsoiler tine and projecting down into undisturbed soil, reflected soil strength profiles well. Such a device could form the basis of a sensor for dynamic control of pan rupturing tines.