JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROCESS CHART AND PARAMETERS OF A DEEP TILLER-FERTILIZER FOR THE APPLICATION OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS FOR FLAT-CUTTING TILLAGE

The article presents the results of research aimed at justifying the design and process chart, as well as defining the key parameters of a deep tiller-fertilizer intended for the application of mineral fertilizers during flat-cutting tillage. Design models of the units were developed, including detailed calculations. Based on the criterion of minimal tractive resistance, a rational design and process chart for a fertilizer intended for flat-cutting tillage was substantiated. This design and process chart includes a deep-tiller equipped with a fertilizer hopper mounted on its frame. As a result of the research, calculation models of the deep-tiller were created for applying fertilizers during flat-cutting tillage, followed by mathematical modeling. The optimal parameters of the deep-tiller and the appropriate volume of the fertilizer hopper—when mounted on the deep-tiller's frame—were justified according to the minimum tractive resistance criterion. A prototype deep-tiller with an integrated fertilizer hopper was manufactured for experimental purposes. Field tests were conducted, through which agrotechnical, energy, and operational performance indicators were obtained. The findings confirmed that the developed deep-tiller ensures high-quality implementation of the technological process in full compliance with agrotechnical requirements.