The use of tillage implements has long been a fundamental operation in agriculture. The action of the various types of implement has been of great interest both in relation to the soil disturbance produced but also from the viewpoint of the forces acting upon them. The latter are of critical importance in the design of components of appropriate strength but also from the need to be able to predict the draught requirements of particular equipment. A number of mathematical models has been developed over many years to predict the forces acting on tillage tools in relation to the tool geometry, the soil physical properties and the nature of the soil disturbance ahead of the tool. Such knowledge of the tool forces during soil working is an aid to producers of cultivation equipment in the design of the working elements and their supporting frames. In addition, an understanding of the mechanisms of tool-soil interaction is of use in designing the most effective elements for soil disturbance and implement penetration. The manner in which the physical properties of the soil affects how the tool interacts with it is important in understanding how to produce cultivation equipment which is effective over a wide range of soil types and conditions.
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