Tillage Machines Research Articles

Increasing the resource of agricultural machines

The object of research is the technological process of increasing the service life of pointed cultivator shares of tillage machines through the use of a progressive method of vibration hardening. One of the most problematic areas is the inadequate study of the investigated technological process of restoring the working bodies of agricultural machines. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the process of vibration processing of the material of these machine parts during their restoration, it is necessary to conduct further experimental studies. In the course of the study, it has been found that the use of vibration deformation of the surface layer of the material of parts contributes to an increase in their resource. The optimal parameters of vibration hardening of the cutting elements of the cultivator shares of tillage machines have been determined, which makes it possible to increase their durability. The main parameters of vibration hardening are revealed: the vibration amplitude of the processing tool is 0.75 mm; vibration frequency – 1400 min–1; hardening time – 30 s. As a research result, the assessment of the change in linear wear along the width of the cutting element of the cultivator duckfoot of tillage machines was carried out. In cultivators with tines restored by welding angle plates made of 45 steel (GOST 1050-2013, GB 699-88), sormite surfacing and vibration hardening, the linear wear rate by weight of cutting elements is 35–43 % less than in new tines. A study of changes in the wear of the cutting edge of cultivator shares was carried out, which, when restored by welding corner plates made of steel 45 (GOST 1050-2013, GB 699-88), surfacing with sormite and vibration hardening, is 1.57–1.68 times less than in new shares. In comparison with existing technologies, the developed technology provides a reduction in the wear of cutting elements by 10–17 %, in comparison with new ones made of 65G steel (GOST 14959-2016, GB 1222). The coefficient of technical utilization of the cultivator with tines restored according to the developed technology, in comparison with the new ones, is 1.07 times higher.

Development and Rationale of Two-Disk Operating Body of Agricultural Machine for Tillage

One of the main problems in the design of agricultural machines, including tillage machines, is to ensure the optimal energy intensity of various technological operations. The design, kinematic and technological parameters of rotary tillage machines have a significant impact on the indicators of the energy intensity of the process and the quality of tillage. These parameters include the diameter of the operating body of the agricultural machine, the angular speed and rotational speed of the disks, the number of cutting elements, the translational speed of the operating body, the height of the ridge formed during soil cultivation, the thickness of the cut chips. An important agrotechnical parameter of a rotary tillage machine is the ridging of the furrow bottom. The height of the ridges formed should not be less than 20 % of the depth of the cultivated soil. Currently, in order to ensure the required height of the ridges in the designs of rotary machines, there are a number of restrictions that determine the operating mode and parameters of the units. The degree of influence of the parameters of the developed operating body and the energy consumption on the quality of tillage has been assessed in the process of the research. The experiments have been carried out on an installation that included an operating body, a power unit, control and instrumentation equipment. As the power section, AC motors with a phase rotor were used, the power of which was 0.75 and 1.50 kW, and the speed of rotation was 920, 1500 and 3000 rpm. The parameters have been set that allow to reduce the energy consumption for tillage by 11–17 %, compared to existing machines, and ensure the alignment of the furrow bottom by up to 80 %.

Working machines state operational monitoring according to the parameters of the internal combustion engine

The authors showed that the imperfection of precision farming methods, methods of transferring energy from the tractor engine to the working bodies required the development of new methods for reliable and accurate identification of the soil and its properties, as well as the state of machine-tractor units. (Research purpose) To determine the actual energy and economic indicators of a working machine and unit reliably and promptly in the operating conditions of agricultural production by parameters closely related to the energy indicators of an internal combustion engine, the measurement of which did not require large costs. (Materials and methods) 24 indirect parameters reflecting the power and degree of engine load were used for the operational assessment. In this case, the angular accelerations of the internal combustion engine and the turbocharger rotor crankshaft, including those caused by the operation of individual cylinders, the working processes of the generator (their average and extreme values), as well as the amplitude-frequency spectra of these processes, and speed characteristics were taken into account. To improve the accuracy and reliability of the assessment of energy indicators, the authors selected the processes in the frequency and phase domains. (Results and discussion) The considered methods were tested in production conditions during the main processing of the alkaline-chernozem complexes of the Chulym district of the Novosibirsk region. The authors found that the use of a flexible machine-tractor unit based on an energy-rich tractor improved the quality of soil cultivation: the share of soil lumps less than 5 centimeters in size was 73-80 percent; the productivity of the tillage machine increased by 15-20 percent. (Conclusions) The authors proved that with the help of indirectly determined indicators of power and degree of load, it was possible to estimate the actual values of the energy and technical and economic indicators of the working machine and the unit, the quality of the assembly of the unit, the heterogeneity of the soil was much easier and cheaper than using the known force-measuring methods. It was found that the use of digital systems for automatic control of the unit using the indicated indicators made it possible to provide quite simply the setting of the optimal zone of energy modes.

Productivity of tillage loosening and separating machines in an aggregate with tractors of various capacities

Currently, chemical methods of weed control are increasingly being replaced by mechanical weeding. One of the promising mechanical devices for weed control is a rotary loosening and separating stratifier. This tillage machine can provide high quality tillage to a depth of up to 18 cm. Its performance is determined by the width of the grip of the gun and the speed of movement and is limited by the traction capabilities of the tractor. Using the Goryachkin formula for the traction resistance of a tillage machine, the authors obtained the dependence of productivity on the width of the grip and the speed of movement at different depths of tillage. The obtained dependencies on the example of tractors John Deere 8330, HTZ 16131-05 and MTZ 1523.3 showed the presence of a pronounced maximum, which led to the solution of the optimization problem. The article presents a method for calculating the optimal width of the grip and the speed of movement that ensure the maximum productivity of the tillage machine, depending on the depth of processing and the specific resistance of the soil. The use of optimal parameters of the tillage machine allows you to increase its productivity by 2–3 times.

Study of the power parameters of the working bodies of tillage machines

The article presents data on the resistance of the working bodies of tillage machines, which are determined by dynamometry of the tool as a whole. The design of a dynamometric trolley of a small soil channel is proposed, which makes it possible to perform spatial dynamometry of the working bodies of tillage machines, i.e. finding the magnitude, direction and point of application of the resultant soil resistance forces. The method of studying the force loading of the attachment elements of the working bodies on the cultivator-plant feeder bead bar is considered. Force and linear parameters are taken as criteria that determine the stress state of fastening elements. Selected strain gauge structures that should be installed on the bar of the beams to receive and register vibrations and force loading of the attachment elements of the working bodies. A grapho-analytical method is proposed for calculating the parameters of a dynamic screw to determine the components of soil resistance forces and moments at individual points.

Justification of strengthening of working bodies of forestry machines with self-fluxing alloys during gas-flame spraying

The article deals with the possibility of strengthening the working bodies of tillage machines with self-fluxing alloys by the method of gas-flame sputtering with subsequent melting of the coating. As a result of the research, the analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the coating made of a self-fluxing alloy and the changes in these properties depending on the technological modes of spraying was carried out. It is established that the structure of self-fluxing alloys depends mainly on the modes of heat treatment(time and temperature of reflow). Metallographic analysis shows, that the self-fluxing alloy PR-N70H17C4R4 forms a pore-free multiphase structure after melting. The presence of components in the structure (borides and carbides) with a hardness of about 11 GPa allows the coating to have significant abrasive wear resistance.

Design and experiment of bionic stubble breaking-deep loosening combined tillage machine

Under the conditions of straw returning operation, there are three major technical bottlenecks in the Phaeozem region of northeast China, namely low stubble breaking rate, poor tillage depth consistency and high fuel consumption. In this research, a bionic stubble-deep loosening combined tillage machine (BSD) was designed through bionic prototype analysis, coupled bionic analysis, coupled bionic design, theoretical analysis and application of intelligent control techniques. It consists of a bionic stubble breaking device and a bionic self-excited vibratory deep loosening device. Based on the unique biting pattern of locust mouthparts on maize rootstocks, the bionic stubble breaking device adopted a new multi-segment serrated bionic structure and a symmetrical rotational motion, which could significantly increase the stubble breaking rate (p<0.05) and reduce the resistance to stubble breaking operations (p<0.05). Based on the unique biology of the hare's paws, toes and nails, the bionic self-excited vibration deep loosening device adopted a new series-parallel composite bionic elastic system and an intelligent tilling depth control system with a fuzzy algorithm, which significantly improved the tilling depth consistency (p<0.05). The operational performance of the BSD was verified at different operating speeds through comparative experiments and reveals the mechanism of its excellent performance through theoretical analysis. The final experiment results showed that, at the same operating speed, the BSD improved the stubble breaking rate by 9.62% and 10.67%, reduced the stubble breaking torque by 28 N·m and 33 N·m, reduced the tillage depth coefficient of variation by 12.73% and 13.48%, and reduced the specific fuel consumption by 36 g/km·h and 40 g/km·h compared to the two most common models. The operating performance of the three kinds of machines will decrease with the increase of operating speed, and the BSD has the least decrease. Keywords: bionics, stubble breaking, deep loosening, combined tillage machine DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211404.6473 Citation: Zhao J L, Lu Y, Guo M Z, Fu J, Wang Y J. Design and experiment of bionic stubble breaking-deep loosening combined tillage machine. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(4): 123–134.

Stress distribution on a soil tillage machine frame segment with a chisel shank simulated using discrete element and finite element methods and validate by experiment

Soil tillage machinery must be highly reliable during its operation. For a limited time following harvest, tillage machines must perform a significant amount of work, and any downtime has a significant negative impact on farm economics. For this reason, manufacturers of agricultural machinery aim to design machines that are both reliable and inexpensive. The development of technologies, especially electronics, has led to completely new possibilities for the design and optimisation of agricultural machinery. During work, a tillage machine may not only be loaded by its own weight, but also by the interaction of any tools interacting with the soil that transmit loads to itsframe. To analyse loads a numerical model of tillage machine was compiled. The stresses acting on the chisel shank during tillage were simulated using a numerical model. The frame of the agricultural machine was also simulated with particular emphasis on the locations where the stresses could be measured. Strain gauges were attached at the same locations in a real-life model, and predicted stress values verified experimentally. A discrete element method (DEM) model was used to create and optimise a comprehensive soil model, and its results were used in a finite element method (FEM) model for a transient analysis. The results from the experimental stress measurements and simulation data from the model showed good agreement. Therefore, the procedures of this study can therefore be used for the design and optimisation of tillage machinery. • Determination of stress on chisel shank and tillage machine frame. • Soil model penetration resistance was modelled using DEM. • Transient task analysis made by ANSYS using FEM. • Calibrated DEM and FEM results were validated by field tests.

Energy Consumption Evaluation of Active Tillage Machines Using Dynamic Modelling

Soil tillage is a very energy-intensive operation. A general expectation is to reduce energy consumption and reduce soil compaction with as few turns and interventions as possible. Thus, more and more attention is being paid to the use of active tillage machines. The aim of the present work is to test a new approach to optimize PTO-driven tilling machine operations regarding energy consumption. A real, active tillage machine, the MSS-140 type spading machine, was investigated in the Matlab® Simscape™ environment. The solid model of the spading machine was built using actual dimensions. The work done by a single spade is broken down into elementary processes. The acting forces on the implement, in each elementary process for different advancing speeds, were modelled and calculated. The model is suitable for illustrating the dynamics of loads and for calculating the mechanical work. The model was also tested in comparison with real fuel consumption. The consumed fuel quantity was measured and the energy requirement for the model calculated at three advancing speeds. A comparison between the measured and calculated energy consumption values was made: the calculated results are similar to the measured values; the mean difference is 9.91%, with a standard deviation 3.3%.

Substantiation of the Parameters of a Soil Tillage Machine Ripper

Introduction. Production of safe food requires the avoidance of using chemical means to bring weeds under control in cultivating crops. Existing tillage loosening and separating machine PRSM-5 Dokuchaevskaya optimizes the physical and mechanical state of the cultivated soil layer, while the weeds are carefully removed from the soil by combing out together with the whole weed root system and laid on the surface, where they dry up under the influence of climatic factors. During the operation of the tillage machine, about 30% of the total energy consumption is spent on the rotor drive. Therefore, this machine is not working satisfactorily in firm soils. Materials and Methods. The soil was considered as an elastic-plastic medium. The generalized Hookeʼs law model and a variant of the plastic flow theory were taken into account. To simplify the calculations, there was used the experimental study information on the position in space of the soil deformation surface. The intensity of stresses of polyplastic deformations of the soil layer was determined. For the numerical solution of the problem, the Ritz method was used. Results. In connection with the indicated disadvantages, the parameters of the rotor ripper are justified taking into account the reduction in energy consumption for its drive. As a result of solving the problem by the Ritz method, the geometric shape of the rotor ripper was determined. The energy performance of the section of the tillage machine was evaluated by the torque of the rotor drive of the loosening-separating device. The rotor drive torque was determined for rippers with flat, convex, and concave profiles and for the profile substantiated during the study. Discussion and Conclusion. The profile substantiated during the study provides the best conditions for transporting the soil at the initial moment of the rotor entry into the soil and the minimum energy consumption for its drive.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE IMPROVED CHIZEL-CULTIVATOR TO THE DETERMINED DEPTH

The development and application of energy-efficient, high-performance and high-quality pre-sowing tillage machines is a world leader. [1] “Today, the world spends $ 1.8 billion annually on sowing the seeds of agricultural crops. Given that the area is cultivated per hectare, the machines used in pre-sowing tillage should be energy-efficient, high-quality and productive. In this regard, it is important to improve the techniques used in pre-sowing tillage on a scientific basis. Targeted research is being carried out around the world to create resource-saving technologies for the preparation of fields for sowing of agricultural crops and new models of equipment, to develop scientific and technical bases for improving existing ones, to ensure resource efficiency in the work process. [2]

Contribution of Professor K. G. Schindler (1869–1940) in formation of agricultural mechanics, theory and practice of testing of the agricultural machines and tools in Ukraine

The article highlights the life and creative path of the outstanding domestic scientist, theorist, methodologist and practitioner of agricultural engineering K. G. Schindler, associated with the formation of agricultural mechanics in Ukraine. The methodological foundation of the research is the principles of historicism, scientific nature and objectivity in reproducing the phenomena of the past based on the complex use of general scientific, special, interdisciplinary methods. For the first time a number of documents from Russian and Ukrainian archives, which reflect some facts of the professional biography of the scientist, were introduced into scientific circulation. The main directions of fruitful pedagogical and scientific activities of K. G. Schindler, key segments of his creative search, which determined the further development of agricultural engineering, his leadership in the scientific community were described. It was proved that Professor K. G. Schindler has the primacy in founding the Station of Testing for Agricultural Machines and Tools at the Kiev Polytechnic Institute, which provided students of agronomic and mechanical faculties with the opportunity to get acquainted with the existing types and designs of tillage machines, systematically test its research methods. In addition, the station carried out scientific work on the study of certain issues of agricultural mechanization, development of methods and devices for research of agricultural machinery and implements. The seven functions of the agronomic-type research station developed by scientists for the first time in Europe at the beginning of the last century have become a reference point for many generations of researchers of agricultural machinery. K. G. Schindler was the first in the world to theoretically substantiate the need to improve the design of tillage equipment depending on soil and climatic conditions, made a significant contribution to the theory of soil deformation with the shelf of the plow body. In addition, he improved the Sakka dynamometer, developed a control dynamometer to check traction dynamometers and other devices, improved existing and developed new designs of tillage machines. K. G. Schindler was the first in Ukraine to teach a course in agricultural engineering.

АКТИВНА І ПАСИВНА РОБОТА ТРАКТОРА У СКЛАДІ ҐРУНТООБРОБНОГО АГРЕГАТА

Purpose of the study. Improving the efficiency of using a tractor as part of a tillage machine through scientific and technical substantiation of energy conservation. This goal is achieved by increasing the active (useful) and reducing the passive (not useful) work of the tractor. Research methods. The method of partial accelerations based on the reverse transition from the vector sum in the space of forces acting on the tractor to the vector sum in the space of accelerations is the basis for assessing the traction-energy and dynamic parameters of tractors in the composition of tillage machines. The results of the study. The unevenness of the movement significantly affects the decrease in the active work of the tillage unit and, accordingly, the increase in the passive work. A dependence is proposed for determining the additional energy consumption for oscillatory movements with an uneven movement of the tractor unit. It is proved that the additional energy consumption during the unstable movement of the tillage unit on the rut is 2-3 % (passive work) of the total energy consumption. The method of partial accelerations, which is based on the reverse transition from the vector sum in the space of forces acting on the tractor, to the vector sum in the space of accelerations, is the basis for assessing the traction-energy and dynamic parameters of tractors in the composition of tillage machines. On the basis of this method, the methodology for assessing the traction-energy and dynamic indicators of the tractor when performing the technological process without the use of dynamometric means has been substantiated. The modernized measuring and registration complex, developed with the participation of the authors of the article at the Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, P. Vasilenko Kharkiv National Technical University of Agriculture and the Kharkiv branch of L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT in the direction of software for assessing the resistance of aggregated machines, traction efficiency of the tractor, longitudinal acceleration of the unit. The use of this complex when testing tractors is aimed at implementing the methodology of L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT with the definition of traction indicators of tractors and standards of the Code 2 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Conclusions. The article contains a theoretical generalization and a new solution to the scientific problem of increasing the efficiency of a tractor as part of a tillage unit, based on a decrease in additional energy costs (passive work). The research results made it possible to formulate the main theoretical and scientific-practical conclusions. The scientific value of the study lies in clarifying the dependence of the tractor operation as part of the tillage machine in the direction of reducing the useless (passive) work on turns at the headland and on a turn on the rut. It has been proven that in order to ensure maximum operation of this unit, it must be operated with increased traction force and reduced travel speed. The dynamic model of the tractor as part of the tillage unit has been improved. The practical value of the study lies in the standard developed on the basis of the partial acceleration method for assessing the traction properties of the tractor SOU 71.2-37-046043080-017: 2015, which is recommended by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for use in testing and modernizing tractors.

Experimental tests of industrial-scale ripping of soil

Ripper attachments should ensure destruction of firm, frozen or rocky soil. Industrial rippers have the ability to forcibly penetrate the working body into soil in contrast to agricultural tillage machines. The ripper attachments have two-sided force closure. The resultant forces acting on the working tool from the side of soil depend on such ripping parameters as ripping depth and angle. Currently, these dependences are mainly studied experimentally. The article presents the experimental results on the ripping resistance force as a case-study of a tractor-mounted dozer–ripper manufactured at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The scope of the experiment covers three ripping depths and eight angles. It has been experimentally found that the dependence of the ripping resistance force on each of these parameters is quadratic. The authors propose to study the ripping process using a complex parameter which is a product of the ripping depth and the ripping angle. The use of the complex parameter in the two-factor analysis allowed reducing the degree of the studied dependence while preserving the required accuracy. The complex parameter reflects the relationship between the design parameters of the ripper tooth, ripping depth and angle. The article shows that the vertical penetration resistance linearly depends on the horizontal traction resistance. The authors obtained this dependence for loam of medium density. The authors’ approach makes it possible undertake optimization of ripping process subject to soil type.

SCIENTIFIC-TECHNIQUE TO ENSURE THE STABLE MOVEMENT OF WORKING BODIES CONNECTED BY THE RAMA AND PARALLELOGRAMM MECHANISMS OF SOIL TREATMENT MACHINES

The article presents the scientific and technical solutions developed to ensure the stable movement of tillage machines on the working depth of the working bodies of the tiller (hinged) connected by a parallelogram mechanism with a frame. This is based on the fact that the working bodies connected to the frame by means of parallelogram mechanisms sink to a certain working depth and stable movement at this depth is achieved by ensuring that their longitudinal traction operates horizontally or close to it.

OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUE OF DRIVING DISC PARAMETERS

Flat circular discs in powered operation mode create driving forces. These forces enable to decrease the wheel slippage of the energy saturated tractor of tillage unit and to reduce the specific energy consumption. The objective of this study was to develop a technique that enables to determine the driving disc optimal parameters for maximum efficiency criterion. The earlier developed mathematical model of soil-disc interaction was used for this purpose. Soil properties in the model are characterized by means of two empirical constants. The relative depth and the kinematic parameter determine the disc operation mode. It was shown that the driving disc can operate with high efficiency, if the disc operates at the optimal values of the parameters. The driving disc efficiency can achieve the value about fifty percent. The experimental results confirmed the adequacy of the technique. The discrepancy between the predicted and field experimental values of driving forces and applied moments was about 25%. The proposed technique can be modified to optimize the parameters of other powered rotary tools of tillage machines and units.

Energy expenditure measured for various tillage practices for various speeds of operation at different depths of cut in two different soil types

Tillage involves a lot of energy expenditure, generally in terms of fuel consumed by the tractor. The fuel consumption for the different tillage practices needs to be quantified and this paper presents quantification for the same. The experiment was carried out at the fields of two different soil types viz. sandy loam (S1) and silty loam (S2). Six tillage practices, designated as P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6, were undertaken in the present study. The six practices were one pass of harrow-cultivator-planker combination (P1), two passes of harrow-cultivator-planker combinations (P2), one pass of rotavator (P3), two passes of rotavator (P4), one pass of spading tillage machine (P5) and two passes of spading tillage machine (P6). Different implements have their own, i.e. different recommended speeds and depths of operation. For experimental study, two different depth of cut ranges, designated as D1 & D2 and two forward velocity ranges, designated as V1 & V2, suitable to every implement, were selected. The conventional tillage practices consumed more fuel and time as compared to multi-powered tillage tools practices but were found to move considerable volume of soil and shows lower rate of fuel consumption per unit of soil moved than other practices, whereas, rotavator and spading machine takes lesser time and fuel for tillage operation.

A study some growth characteristics for maize, Bohooth 106 variety under affecting mechanical for machine (moldboard plow type )

The effect of the practical speed and tillage distances on maize Bohooth 106 variety and soil physical properties, under impact some mechanical properties for type tillage machine( moldboard plow ), were tested two practical speed levels of 2.409 and 3.543km.hr−1 and three levels tillage distances of 60, 65 and 70cm. The experiments were conducted in a factorial experiment under randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the practical speed 2.409 km.hr−1was significantly better than the practical speed 3.543km.hr−1 as while tillage distances at range 60 cm was significantly superior to the other two levels 65 and 70 cm in all studied conditions. For practical speed 2.409 km.hr−1 and tillage distance 60cm, the fuel consumption, slippage percentage, machine efficiency, germination percentage, plant height, 1000–weight grain and the maize crop productivity, were 11.301, 10.153 L.ha−1, 10.240, 9.684%, 80.685, 82.002%, 90.803, 91.135%, 167.682, 169.163cm 223.341, 239.130 g, and 4.149, 4.258 t.ha−1. The best results have come from the overlap among the practical speed 2.409km.hr−1 and tillage distance of 60 cm, in all studied parameter.

VIBRATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE RESTORATION OF THE WORKING BODIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES

The paper deals with the use of vibration vibrations in the restoration of the working bodies of agricultural tillage machines operating under conditions of increased abrasive wear. The analysis of the existing methods of their restoration is carried out, the substantiation of the use of vibration hardening treatment in repair production is given. The research carried out on the choice of the optimal parameters of vibration strengthening of the cutting working bodies contributes to an increase in the wear resistance and reliability of soil cultivation equipment. According to the research results, the change in hardness along the depth of the surface layer of cutting elements of the following agricultural tillage machines: plow shares, opener discs of grain seeders and cultivator paws was established. Optimal values of the main parameters of vibration processing of cutting elements of the specified working bodies are experimentally determined and substantiated, which reduce the amount of their wear: amplitude A and vibration frequency of the processing tool n, hardening time t. The change in the magnitude of linear wear along the width of the cutting elements of these parts is shown, as well as data on the intensity of their wear. Experimentally obtained data on the absolute and relative wear of the diameter and thickness of the blade of the opener discs, which made it possible to choose a more efficient technology for their restoration. According to the research results, it was found that the specified parts of soil cultivation equipment had the least wear value; they were restored by welding tires, plates or segments from steel 45, followed by surfacing with sormite and strengthened by vibration deformation. The results of the work will be used to develop technological processes for the restoration of other working bodies of tillage machines by the method of vibration deformation. Annotation The paper deals with the use of vibration vibrations in the restoration of the working bodies of agricultural tillage machines operating under conditions of increased abrasive wear. The analysis of the existing methods of their restoration is carried out, the substantiation of the use of vibration hardening treatment in repair production is given. The research carried out on the choice of the optimal parameters of vibration strengthening of the cutting working bodies contributes to an increase in the wear resistance and reliability of soil cultivation equipment. According to the research results, the change in hardness along the depth of the surface layer of cutting elements of the following agricultural tillage machines: plow shares, opener discs of grain seeders and cultivator paws was established. Optimal values of the main parameters of vibration processing of cutting elements of the specified working bodies are experimentally determined and substantiated, which reduce the amount of their wear: amplitude A and vibration frequency of the processing tool n, hardening time t. The change in the magnitude of linear wear along the width of the cutting elements of these parts is shown, as well as data on the intensity of their wear. Experimentally obtained data on the absolute and relative wear of the diameter and thickness of the blade of the opener discs, which made it possible to choose a more efficient technology for their restoration. According to the research results, it was found that the specified parts of soil cultivation equipment had the least wear value; they were restored by welding tires, plates or segments from steel 45, followed by surfacing with sormite and strengthened by vibration deformation. The results of the work will be used to develop technological processes for the restoration of other working bodies of tillage machines by the method of vibration deformation.

Prospects and challenges of conservation agriculture in Bangladesh for sustainable sugarcane cultivation

Sugarcane is an industrial crop globally used for producing biofuels and bioproducts and is the only source of white sugar in Bangladesh. However, labour-dependent cultivation and climate change are responsible for the higher production costs and lower yield of sugarcane, and these factors are barriers to sustainable sugarcane farming in Bangladesh. In this paper, the prospects of existing sugarcane farming practices are described, and some improved cultivation and management practices addressing the principles of conservation agriculture (CA) in overcoming these barriers are evaluated. Excessive tillage, burning of trash after harvesting, and mono-cropping have been identified as crucial factors that increase sugarcane production cost, deteriorating soil health, and decreasing cane yields. Several improved conservation tillage machines used for cereals, pulse, and other crops are becoming more accessible to farmers in Bangladesh, but these machines are not used for sugarcane crops. Minimum tillage can also be a resource-saving tillage option for cultivating sugarcane but is limited in sugarcane production owing to the absence of suitable machinery. However, the irrational removal and burning of the residue in the sugarcane farming systems may have adverse effects on the environment. Intercropping not only increases economic benefits but also minimises the negative impact of mono-cropping. We suggest that minimum tillage, residue mulching, and intercropping should be applied as profitable and sustainable cultivation practices in sugarcane farming. Therefore, both research and extension activities addressing the use of appropriate CA technologies, including conservation tillage machinery improvements, could help to achieve sustainable sugarcane farming in Bangladesh.