Abstract

The importance of evaluating the energy requirements of soil preparation operations is a concern of researchers specializing in agricultural equipment. To answer such a question, they have proposed several mathematical models for the evaluation of tensile strength. However, given the large number of parameters introduced in these models, the selection of one of these models under specific agro-pedological conditions often poses an issue. Knowing the difficulties of selecting a mathematical model from those proposed in literature, the work presented allows a judicious choice of the model to be used, taking into account the precise working conditions. The work employs the MERISE method (it is a method of analysis, design and management of IT projects) to realize this work. For these purposes, a computer program was designed to quickly determine the tractive effort from a system of information on predefined equipment and working conditions. This program is called DERT (Fr: Détermination de l‘Effort de Résistance à la Traction; En: Determination of Traction Resistance Effort) and grants the possibility to convert the traction effort into energy using the most appropriate mathematical model. This computer tool enables the establishment of a database on the tractive effort and energy requirements of mechanized agricultural work. Eighteen farms permitted testing the DERT program to evaluate the efforts using the appropriate models. A generalization of its use at the level of different farms will allow the creation of a national map of energy needs and thus the optimization of agricultural equipment and energy consumption.