Tillage; Draft, and Power as Influenced by Soil Moisture Content, Tractor Forward Speed, and Plowing Depth in New Halfa Agricultural Scheme (SUDAN)

Abstract

This study was conducted in New Halfa Agricultural Scheme, at Kassala State on Eastern Sudan to measure the energy requirements in the form of fuel consumption, wheel slippage, and draft forces, in addition to tith quality when performing tillage works with three tillage implements which are; Para plow, Disk, and Ridger at three tractor forward speed of; 4.28, 6, and 9 Km/h, three levels of working depth; 15, 20, and 30 centimeters, and four soil moisture content levels of; 6, 17, 23, and 30% adopted through pre-tillage watering, for the four soil series proposed in the scheme; Khashm el Girba, Asupri, Sabaat, and Dimiat, above mentioned variables showed highly significant effects at 1% level, on fuel consumption, wheel slippage, and draft, with varied responses in the four soil series, generally fuel consumption and wheel slippage observed increased with increase in; depth of cut, tractor forward speed, and soil moisture, while draft force decreased with increase in soil moisture content. Parallel analysis was performed to measure induction of variables on soil properties such as soil bulk density, penetration resisting forces, and soil infiltration capacity. Para plow found to consume higher fuel and potentates high draft forces, but showed good Tilth represented in fine surface of soil structure, however Ridger showed privilege in economizing fuel and showed high field capacity that twice and thrice topped Para plow and Disk respectively so reduced passes of the tractor in field which are some of factors of soil compaction. Statistical design of Split Split Split plot design, Duncan’s Multiple regression test and multiple linear regression were adopted to measure the significance of variances, Data processed using SAS computer Model.