Energy consumption while sowing into stubble

Abstract

While sowing into conventionally prepared soil, fuel consumption is 3-5 l/ha. Tractor power is 8-19 kW/m of sowing-machine width. Fuel consumption while sowing into stubble is 8-10 l/ha or even higher at adverse conditions. The required power of tractor 16-30 kW per meter of width of sowing-machine and total power is 90-180 kW for sowing-machines of 4-6 m working width. Influential factors, causing this are the following: working parts of the sowing-machine, seed hopper volume, mechanical composition and state of soil, amount and properties of straw and other residuals at surface of soil. Most often two-disc, one-disc and pointed coulters are used in stubble sowing machines, which resistance force depends on working regime. Resistance force, depending on soil hardness while sowing into uncultivated and loosened soil, is evaluated. Impact of mass and length of straws on horizontal and vertical force of sowing coulters is investigated. Resistance power changes few times under impact of straw that is spread over surface of stubble soil and working regime. Resistance power of vertical disc coulters reduces load on chassis of sowing-machine. Reduced load of chassis reduces general resistance force of sowing-machine. Not only power of tractor, but also their mass is very important to stubble sowing machine. The mentioned factors depend on resistance force of sowing-machine, type and state of soil. Optimal power and mass of tractor creates conditions for optimal fuel consumption.