Artigo
Dimensional analysis of soil properties after treatment with the rotary paraplow, a new conservationist tillage tool
Fecha
2011-09-01Registro en:
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research. Madrid: Spanish Natl Inst Agricultural & Food Research & Technolo, v. 9, n. 3, p. 693-701, 2011.
1695-971X
10.5424/sjar/20110903-329-10
WOS:000294796200005
1957087099988521
Autor
Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC)
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)
Resumen
This study examined a new conservation tillage tool, the rotary paraplow. Emphasis was placed on evaluating the tool's conservation potential using dimensionless graph analysis. The dynamic conditions of the soil were investigated in terms of physical soil properties. Having determined the variables to be measured, dimensional analysis was used to plan the experiments. Two variations were considered for each dependent variable (linear speed, working depth, and rotation velocity), totaling eight treatments, allotting in each an experimental strip with five data collection points. This arrangement totaled 16 experimental strips, with 80 data collection points for all variables. The rotary paraplow generates a trapezoidal furrow for planting with a very wide bottom and narrower at the top. The volumetric subsoiling action generates cracks on the sides of the band. Because of their specific geometry the blades of rotary paraplow generate a soil failure according to its natural crack angle, optimizing the energy use, while preserving the natural soil properties. Results showed the conservation character of the rotary paraplow, capable of breaking up clods for planting without changing the original physical soil properties.