Experimental evaluation of a modified bentleg plough: improving soil structure and water infiltration under South Mediterranean pedo-climatic conditions

K. Laiche¹, I. Guedioura¹, M. Babaousmail²*, M. Messaoudi², A. Khechkhouch³ and M. Amara†¹

¹Research laboratory for conservation, management and improvement of forest ecosystems, National higher school of agronomy, ENSA, El Harrach, 16200 Algiers, Algeria
²BABDA Laboratory, University of El Oued, Faculty of Nature and life sciences, Department of Agronomy, 39000, El Oued, Algeria
³NTD Laboratory, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
*Correspondence: mahfoud-babaousmail@univ-eloued.dz

Abstract:

This study evaluates a mechanically modified Bent leg plough (experimental tool, ET) for deep soil decompaction under low tractor power conditions typical of South Mediterranean cereal systems. The tool integrates a curved blade with a negative rake angle to enhance subsoil loosening while preserving soil horizon integrity and minimizing draft resistance.

A field experiment using a randomized complete block design compared four tillage systems: conventional (CT), minimum (MT), no tillage (NT), and ET. Soil physical properties (penetration resistance and water infiltration) and durum wheat yield were assessed. A second trial related forward speed to specific fuel consumption to derive a Relative Traction Index (RTI), enabling comparison of traction demand and energy efficiency with a mouldboard plough.

Results showed that ET significantly improved infiltration and reduced soil compaction compared to CT, MT, and NT. Mean infiltration rates under ET were 63% higher than CT, 115% higher than MT, and 165% higher than NT (p < 0.05). Additionally, penetration resistance was reduced by up to 72% relative to NT, indicating enhanced porosity and structural stability across all soil profiles. Although CT achieved the highest yield (22.5 Qt ha⁻¹), ET produced comparable productivity (18.7 Qt ha⁻¹) with greater soil conservation and lower energy demand. Regression and ANOVA analyses confirmed that ET maintained stable soil conditions over time, unlike CT and MT, which showed rapid reconsolidation.

In term of energy performance, The ET maintained lower fuel consumption (12.6–17.4 L ha⁻¹) at significantly higher speeds than the conventional plough, which required up to 26.7 L ha⁻¹. A Relative Traction Index (RTI) analysis revealed th.

Overall, the modified Bent leg plough enables effective deep loosening with reduced compaction and traction requirements, while maintaining competitive yield under rainfed South Mediterranean conditions.

Key words:

bentleg plough, conservation tillage, durum wheat, infiltration, soil compaction, South Mediterranean region, subsoiling

Plant remains distribution quality of different combine harvesters in connection with conservation tillage technologies

Z. Kviz*, F. Kumhala and J. Masek

Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Engennering, Department of Agricultural Machines, Kamycka 129, Prague 6 – Suchdol, 165 21, Prague, Czech Republic; *Correspondence: kviz@tf.czu.cz

Abstract:

Conservation tillage technologies are nowadays a part of modern agriculture. These technologies are used in plant production all around the world. Typical feature for these shallow soil tillage technologies is that all plant residues are left on the soil surface or in the treated (tilled) upper soil layer. The plant residues can significantly influence the next plant germination and growth, especially when they are unevenly placed on the field surface. Today’s modern combine harvesters are able to crush and distribute all plant remains quite evenly with satisfactory results but all their mechanisms have to be properly set and sometimes some small improvements have to be done. This paper describes and evaluates the husk and straw distribution quality – the distribution pattern, on two very commonly used combine harvesters – CASE IH and JOHN DEERE. The measurement was carried out on serially manufactured machines without any change on them and with a small improvement on distribution mechanisms. The measurement of husk and straw distribution pattern was carried out on CASE IH combine harvester with an axial threshing system and on John Deere with a conventional tangential threshing system. Thereby it was possible to compare two completely different systems of threshing process and to observe a possible influence on straw and husk distribution quality (distribution pattern). The most important outcome of the measurement of straw and husk distributors’ work quality on combine harvesters is that cross irregularity of husk and straw distribution depends on instantaneous material feedrate through the harvester.

Key words: