Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations
Manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of their products in terms of environmental, economic, and social issues. Many studies demonstrate that conservative tillage techniques can be more advantageous for the environment and farmer profits than conventional t...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/2/365 |
| _version_ | 1797622896480223232 |
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| author | Massimiliano Varani Michele Mattetti |
| author_facet | Massimiliano Varani Michele Mattetti |
| author_sort | Massimiliano Varani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of their products in terms of environmental, economic, and social issues. Many studies demonstrate that conservative tillage techniques can be more advantageous for the environment and farmer profits than conventional tillage techniques. However, conservative tillage tools have certain disadvantages, including challenging weed control and stagnation issues in humid conditions due to low soil porosity at depth. In this study, field tests were conducted comparing the performances of a conventional tillage technique, using a ripper and a rotary tiller, and the usage of an innovative rotary ripper (Rotoripper). The comparison was performed in terms of energy requirements, through data acquisition during tillage operations, tilled soil quality, through soil sieving and cone penetration tests, and ownership costs, through acquired field data and literature databases. The results indicate that increased porosity of the soil in the deepest layer and increased cost-effectiveness are the main advantages attainable with the use of the Rotoripper instead of conventional tillage equipment. However, because of the low soil segregation level achieved with the Rotoripper, additional tillage activities are required before planting. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T09:16:47Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3a276a9ae08147a98fff3ce1694bf624 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-4395 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T09:16:47Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Agronomy |
| spelling | doaj.art-3a276a9ae08147a98fff3ce1694bf6242023-11-16T18:33:31ZengMDPI AGAgronomy2073-43952023-01-0113236510.3390/agronomy13020365Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage OperationsMassimiliano Varani0Michele Mattetti1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, ItalyManufacturers are looking for innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of their products in terms of environmental, economic, and social issues. Many studies demonstrate that conservative tillage techniques can be more advantageous for the environment and farmer profits than conventional tillage techniques. However, conservative tillage tools have certain disadvantages, including challenging weed control and stagnation issues in humid conditions due to low soil porosity at depth. In this study, field tests were conducted comparing the performances of a conventional tillage technique, using a ripper and a rotary tiller, and the usage of an innovative rotary ripper (Rotoripper). The comparison was performed in terms of energy requirements, through data acquisition during tillage operations, tilled soil quality, through soil sieving and cone penetration tests, and ownership costs, through acquired field data and literature databases. The results indicate that increased porosity of the soil in the deepest layer and increased cost-effectiveness are the main advantages attainable with the use of the Rotoripper instead of conventional tillage equipment. However, because of the low soil segregation level achieved with the Rotoripper, additional tillage activities are required before planting.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/2/365tillagesoil looseningenergyfarming costsconservative tillage |
| spellingShingle | Massimiliano Varani Michele Mattetti Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations Agronomy tillage soil loosening energy farming costs conservative tillage |
| title | Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations |
| title_full | Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations |
| title_fullStr | Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations |
| title_short | Rotary Ripper: A Possible Solution to Increase the Efficiency of Tillage Operations |
| title_sort | rotary ripper a possible solution to increase the efficiency of tillage operations |
| topic | tillage soil loosening energy farming costs conservative tillage |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/2/365 |
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