Optimization of tillage roller parameters based on field research results

BACKGROUND: Rolling, as a technology used after sowing, is widely used in agriculture in our country. The study of existing methods of surface tillage has revealed that one of the main components of these methods of operations is rolling, which improves the contact of seeds with the soil and positively affects the germination and subsequent development of crops. OBJECTIVE: Improvement of the quality of surface tillage based on the development of a highly efficient spring-wave roller, which meets the agriculture requirements, ensures reduction of operating costs and increase of crop yields. METHODS: A new design of the tillage roller capable of rolling the soil in compliance with agrotechnical requirements is proposed. RESULTS: As a measure that determines the effectiveness of soil compaction during sowing with subsequent rolling by tillage rollers during the research, the kd density coefficient, which evaluates the quality of soil rolling relative to the reference density values set by agricultural requirements, was used. Based on the obtained graphical interpretations of the models, it was determined that the best rolling quality is achieved at the velocity of the developed tillage roller in the range from 10.75 km/h to 25 km/h, two additional springs at the compactor and a ballast weight of 35...45 kg, which ensures the specific pressure of the spring-wave roller on soil of 1450,4...1515,7 N/m. At the same time, the kd values range from 0.875 to 0.9, which is 20% of the entire response surface. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the research, it was revealed that the proposed tillage roller ensures the best quality of soil rolling. The maximal value of the kd of soil equals to 0.9 and is achieved when treated with a tillage roller at a unit velocity of v = 11 km/h, a specific pressure on the soil of 1450.4 N/m and two additional springs at the compactor (C = 2 pcs.). This kd value is 30.4% higher compared to the density coefficient value achieved using the most common tillage rollers and 40.6% higher compared to a smooth water-filling roller.