Development and Evaluation of a Combined Two-Level Subsoiler for Strip-Tilling Sugarcane Fields

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Sina Latifaltojar
Abbas Hemmat
Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
In Khuzestan Province of Iran, the number of traffic passes made by heavy farm machinery in sugarcane land preparation varies depending upon field conditions, ranging from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 16 passes annually. To reduce the energy, time and cost, it is imperative to use conservation tillage as well as controlled traffic systems. The objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate a combined strip deep tillage machine equipped with a two-level deep tillage implement including a dual sideway-share and a winged subsoiler, cum with a set of discs. To optimize the dual-sideway-share subsoiler, the effects of share rake angle (7.5° and 15°) and length (150 and 200 mm) on the implement field performance were examined. Also, to optimize the winged subsoiler, it was tested with its wing having different lengths (0, 200, 250, and 300 mm). Finally, the performance of the developed combined strip deep tillage machine was compared with a conventional subsoiler used for deep tillage in the fields. The results showed that the optimized combined strip deep tillage machine should be equipped with the dual sideway-share subsoiler having a share with a 7.5° rake angle and 150 mm length, and the winged subsoiler with 250 mm length of wing. The results showed that the specific resistance of the developed machine decreased by 34% as compared to the conventional subsoiler. Therefore, the machine has higher efficiency and is an environmentally friendly implement for sustainable sugarcane production in southwest Iran.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 28, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 133-146