Tillage Mechanical Energy Input and Soil-Crop Response

Abstract

ABSTRACT THE efficiency of tillage systems operating in multi-layer soils was studied. An analytical model of tractor dynamics and micro-computer-based instrumentation were utilized for tillage energy data acquisition and analysis. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of equipment characteristics on tillage energy requirements and soil and crop response. The relation-ship between mechanical energy input and yield output was sought. Increasing subsoiling depth increased the re-quirement of mechanical energy input during primary tillage, however, in two dry years this increase in energy input did not result in increased yields of soybeans and in one dry year did not increase cotton yields.