Multipurpose technology for simultaneous preparation of primary and secondary tillage of the soil (first phase: prototype design)

Abstract

During the last decade in Mexico, the profitability of basic grain crops has decreased considerably due to low productivity caused by unfavorable soil and climatic conditions, which are aggravated by climate change. In addition, the variability of the international economic environment and the rise in fertilizer and fuel prices are factors that seriously affect the production of these food products. In this context, it is important to generate new practices and technological innovations that contribute to reducing these factors. There is an enormous technological lag in soil preparation. At present, the disk plow is still by far the most widely used implement for primary soil preparation in food production, causing high rates of soil loss due to erosion, hard layers, minimal use of moisture and, consequently, low productivity. On the other hand, it requires high power requirements, excessive operation times and high fuel consumption. The purpose of this research was to design a multipurpose prototype for the simultaneous preparation of primary and secondary tillage of the soil for crop establishment, with the objective of reducing operation times and fuel consumption, but without detracting from the quality of the labor soil and increasing yields. The results show the design of a Multipurpose prototype, as a mechanical equipment integrated by three sections (chisel plow + harrow + lump breaker), which are combined for the simultaneous preparation of primary and secondary tillage of the soil. This technology consists of a single step of soil conditioning (minimum tillage) for crop production, specifically basic grains.