The Effect of Different Disc Angles and Forward Speeds on The Field Performance of Disc Ridger in Heavy Soil

Abstract

Different disc angles (350 and 450 ) and forward speeds (0.38, 0.27, 0.55 and 0.77 m/sec) on the field performance of the disc ridger, the tested parameters were: draft force forward speed, specific resistance, energy utilization efficiency and ridge area. The current study has been conducted at the fields of Agricultural College- University of Basrah, Karmatt-Ali campus according to Random Complete Block design (RCBD). The soil type was heavy cultivated soil with bulk density of 1.5 g/cm3, and water content of 10.3%. Results of study revealed the significant differences among tested speeds, the forward speed of 0.77 m/sec showed the highest levels in the draft force, specific resistance, energy utilization efficiency and ridge area compared to the other speeds and reported the percent of 50, 45 and 0.12%; for the above-mentioned parameters, respectively. Whereas, the energy utilization efficiency was decreased at the percent of 47%, also, the disc angle of 450 was the most effective one compared to 350 in the specific resistance and ridge area and reported the percent of 14 and 11%, respectively, while, no significant difference has been seen in the draft force. The energy utilization efficiency was decreased by the percent of 47%. The interaction between disc angle and forward speed was significant and increase the specific resistance, draft force and ridge area, whereas, a decrease in the energy utilization efficiency was observed with forward speeds of 0.55 and 0.77 m/sec for both disc angles 350 and 450