Comparison of performance of moldboard plows and disk plows in upland soil conditions

Abstract

Comparison of the performance of moldboard plows and disk plows in upland soil conditions. The objectives were to evaluate the performance of the moldboard plow and disk plow and to compare the costs associated with soil preparation using these implements. The experiment utilized two 90 hp tractors operating at an engine speed of 540 rpm with the L2 gear setting to measure draft force. Each test was repeated three times. The moldboard plow used had two bottoms with a working width of 45 cm, while the disk plow had three disks with a working width of 90 cm. The test soil was sandy loam with a moisture content of 1.10%. The study found that the soil penetration resistance in the test plot was 5.98 MPa for the moldboard plow. The operating speed was 2.45 km/h for the moldboard plow and 2.41 km/h for the disk plow. The slip ratio was 7.77% for the moldboard plow and 9.29% for the disk plow. The specific draft force was 71.56 kN/m² for the moldboard plow and 38.49 kN/m² for the disk plow. The draft power was 6.57 kW for the moldboard plow and 5.80 kW for the disk plow. The plowing depth was 0.30 m for the moldboard plow and 0.25 m for the disk plow. Regarding weed control efficiency, the moldboard plow achieved 82%, while the disk plow achieved 70%. The field efficiency was 82.59% for the moldboard plow and 66.05% for the disk plow. The fuel consumption rate was 7.59 l/h for the moldboard plow and 7.20 l/h for the disk plow. The annual operating cost was 11,318.80 Baht/Y for the disk plow and 7,106.81 Baht/y for the moldboard plow.