Reduction of total energy consumption of pulled tillage tools at constant work quality using adjustable tool parameters

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Herlitzius
• Subject Area: Plant Cultivation, Plant Nutrition, Agricultural Technology ; Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558721572

Two research projects and a patent are currently bringing together a range of experience and knowledge regarding the first use of variable tool geometries in soil cultivation and the interactions of draft force requirements and work results. The tests showed a reduction potential of up to 12.5 % in the draft force requirement for soil condition related angle optimisation. A control strategy for the rack angle was developed, implemented and tested under practical conditions. The reduction potential for the initially tested conditions was proven. The working result was recorded and evaluated using LiDAR surface structure measurement. Only minimal differences were found in terms of furrow depth and roughness. So far, the just the tine tools were the focus of the tests. In the real cultivator, additional interacting tool sections are used for levelling and compaction, which also have an influence on the draft force and eventually on the working result. The results and the level of knowledge provides an ideal basis for further work in collaboration with an application partner. A knowledge transfer project offers very good prospects of success for the application of basic research results. In the knowledge transfer project, reliable statements regarding the reduction potential of the draft force are to be determined for a wide range of soil parameters (especially soil type and soil moisture), while maintaining the quality of work. Based on the results obtained so far, a practical 3 to 5 m test implement (including post-processing tools) will be developed. On this basis an estimate of the costs and benefits of the reduction potential will be made. In addition to the parameters already mentioned, field emergence using highly automated image processing will also be considered as an additional indicator for changes in soil conditions that are invisible from the outside. At this stage, further research is necessary in order to validate the positive potential and to validate the concerns of manufacturers and farmers regarding changes to the existing system. Only then will it be possible to transfer the knowledge gained from basic research to application.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG