Minimum required power capacity of tractors depending on grain cultivation methods

Abstract

The paper identifies aggregate power capacity produced by tractor engines on a farm engaged in spring grain cultivation alternating methods for primary and secondary tillage by years and crop rotations. The required power capacity is calculated based on an energy tractor-implement model in primary, secondary tillage and sowing operations. Power capacity is enhanced with due account of measurements and quantity of equipment to have an impact on spring grain harvest. The minimum power capacity is required for no till methods (0.93-1.42 kW/ha). The maximum power capacity is required for deep autumn plowing, spring harrowing and, after 5-8 days, simultaneous cultivation, sowing and rolling with single-operation implements (3.3 kW/ha). The optimal weight of a universal tractor for performing all technological operations is 13 tons, its engine power is 366 kW. The number of tractors required to cultivate 1000 hectares of arable land for spring crops is 9. With these measurements, the total energy consumption for the above methods, being alternated by years, will be minimal.