Theoretical Research of the Potato Harvester Lifting Plowshare to Reduce Yield Losses and Soil Erosion

Abstract

Introduction. The potato harvester operation quality depends not only on the design features, but also on the method for harvesting of potatoes. Cultivation of potatoes involves the implementation of a set of measures aimed at improving and preserving the quality of commercial products when harvesting of potatoes. In this regard, to reduce yield losses and prevent wind erosion of soil, a unit and method for harvesting of potatoes is proposed. To reduce the number of clods commensurate with the size of tubers, there are installed ripper tines ahead of the potato harvester tool. The aim of the work is to conduct a theoretical research of the tool of the potato harvester to reduce yield losses and soil erosion. Materials and Methods. The lifting plowshare operation has been analyzed. Its angle to the horizon determines the least displacement of the lifting plowshare, the minimum resistance to the soil layer movement and optimal height of lifting soil mass. The optimal value of the plowshare inclination angle has been determined taking into account the condition that the back pressure of the soil layer should be minimal. Results. There has been proposed a mathematical dependence for determining the optimal value of the angle of plowshare inclination, which determines the minimum value of the soil layer back pressure acting along the plowshare. As a result of the research, there have been plotted graphical dependences of the optimal value of the plowshare inclination angle on the coefficient of soil friction on the plowshare and dependences of the height of a soil layer lifting with the plowshare on the inclination angle optimal value at a fixed plowshare length. Discussion and Conclusion. In carrying out the theoretical research of the potato harvester plowshare, the soil type and coefficient of a soil layer friction on the plowshare were taken into account. There has been determined the optimal angle of plowshare inclination to provide optimal breaking down of soil with minimum soil bulldozing, thus ensuring reduction in yield losses.