Experimental evaluation of the soil pressure distribution on plough parts

Ploughing is one of the most popular and energy-consuming process among conventional tillage treatments. Ploughing tool is worn down during the interaction with soil. This effect increases the tractor fuel consumption, tillage quality, and maintenance costs due to higher replacement rate of tool parts. In this paper a methodology for the measurement of the pressure distribution generated by the soil on plough components is introduced. Field tests were carried out with a four-furrow plough at different speeds and ploughing depths. Pressure on the different parts of the working body was measured with tactile sensors protected through a suitable PVC layer. The analysis of the results shows that the higher mean pressure values are located on the mouldboard and on the wear plate. Moreover, the vehicle speed affects the mean pressure values and in particular, each part of the plough has a different behaviour. The evaluation of the pressure produced by the soil on ploughs is useful for improving the comprehension of the soil cutting process and consequently to design ploughs with higher wear resistance.