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