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This study aims at verifying the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) and of selected activators (Z'fix and NeoSol) on changes of soil properties. Their application should lead to improvement of soil physical properties and of organic matter fixation, to reduction of environmental risks, e.g. of tillage energy requirements. Experimental variants (0.7 ha each) were as follows: I (FYM with Z'fix); II (FYM with Z'fix + NeoSol); III (FYM); IV (Control NPK only). FYM was applied at rates: 50 t ha-1 (2014); 30 t ha-1 (2016). Additional NPK fertilizer (I-IV) was applied according to annual crop nutrient normative. The agent Z'fix was used as an activator of FYM biological transformation (5.5 kg t-1). The agent NeoSol was used as soil activator (200 kg ha-1; annually). In order to verify the effect, cone index, bulk density, tillage implement draft and chemical soil components (Humus, C/N ration and Ntot) were measured annually. Compared to the control, the application of FYM combined with the mentioned agents (I-III) increased Ntot more than two times. Moreover, it decreased (I-III) bulk density by 8.7%. Tillage implement draft decreased by 3% after the application of FYM with Z'fix (I, II). The study confirmed that FYM application combined with utilization of activators positively influenced soil fertility and helped to reduce environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mobile instrumentation system was developed and mounted on an MF 285 tractor to measure the performance parameters of the tractor and attached implements. The system measures implement draft, fuel consumption, real forward velocity, tillage depth and engine speed. Other parameters such as wheel slippage, drawbar power and traction efficiency would be calculated by ASABE standard. Overall energy efficiency for the tractor-implement system was calculated, too. Three implements included of moldboard plow, disk plow and chisel plow at four forward velocities (1.5, 2.3, 3 and 4 km/h) in 23 cm depth and 1500 rpm engine speed was examined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of resulted data revealed that increase of forward velocity results in increase of implement draft, wheel slippage, drawbar power and overall energy efficiency but results in decrease of traction efficiency. Furthermore, fuel consumption decreased by increase of velocity from 1.5 km/h to 3 km/h but increased by increase of velocity from 3 km/h to 4 km/h. Moreover, it was observed that draft requirement for implements in tests ranged from 8.2 kN for the disk plow to 13 kN for the chisel plow and fuel consumption ranged from 10.72 L/ha for the chisel plow to 26.5 L/ha for the moldboard plow. The ranges in mentioned parameters indicate that energy saving can be readily done by selecting energy-efficient implements and by proper matching of the tractor size and operating parameters to the implements.

A mobile instrumentation system was developed and mounted on an MF 285 tractor to measure the performance parameters of the tractor and attached implements. The system measures implement draft, fuel consumption, real forward velocity, tillage depth and engine speed. Other parameters such as wheel slippage, drawbar power and traction efficiency would be calculated by ASABE standard. Overall energy efficiency for the tractor-implement system was calculated, too. Three implements included of moldboard plow, disk plow and chisel plow at four forward velocities (1.5, 2.3, 3 and 4 km/h) in 23 cm depth and 1500 rpm engine speed was examined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of resulted data revealed that increase of forward velocity results in increase of implement draft, wheel slippage, drawbar power and overall energy efficiency but results in decrease of traction efficiency. Furthermore, fuel consumption decreased by increase of velocity from 1.5 km/h to 3 km/h but increased by increase of velocity from 3 km/h to 4 km/h. Moreover, it was observed that draft requirement for implements in tests ranged from 8.2 kN for the disk plow to 13 kN for the chisel plow and fuel consumption ranged from 10.72 L/ha for the chisel plow to 26.5 L/ha for the moldboard plow. The ranges in mentioned parameters indicate that energy saving can be readily done by selecting energy-efficient implements and by proper matching of the tractor size and operating parameters to the implements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In established Australian vineyards compacted soil either created naturally or by trafficking prevents root growth to desirable depths and restricts root systems from getting water and nutrients. This can reduce the life span and productivity of grapevines considerably over a period of years. To break up these compacted soil layers using small tractors a deep working oscillatory ripper was developed at the University of South Australia which had two deep working oscillating tines. One of the most important factors for the performance of this oscillatory ripper is the oscillation angle of the tines. To find the optimum oscillation angle a series of field tests were conducted in a sand-loam soil at six different oscillation angles. The tines oscillated at a frequency of 4.9Hz and with amplitudes of between ±60 and 69mm, with a nominal forward speed of 3km/h. The trial results were quantified as draft requirement, power saving, power ratio, loosened area and amount of vibration on tractor seat. The greatest draft reduction of 50% was achieved for negative oscillation angles, where power ratio was less than 1. Power saving was significantly affected by changing oscillation angle. In general, vibration of the driver seat was higher for negative angles. In terms of performance −22.5° oscillation angle was the optimum for draft reduction and power saving, whereas the least vibration was obtained at an oscillation angle of +16° which was equal to Australian Standard threshold for 8h continuous work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]