Prediction of precise subsoiling based on analytical method, discrete element simulation and experimental data from soil bin

• Main Authors: Nelson Richard Makange, Changying Ji, Innocent Nyalala, Idris Idris Sunusi, Samwel Opiyo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-05-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90682-w

Abstract Prediction of a precise subsoiling using an analytical model (AM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) was conducted to explain cutting forces and the soil profile induced changes by a subsoiler. Although sensors, AMs and DEM exist, there are still cases of soil structure deformation during deep tillage. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a clear understanding of the deep tillage using prediction models. Experimental data obtained in the soil bin trolley with force sensors were used for verification of the models. Experiments were designed using Taguchi method. In the AM, the modified-McKyes and Willat and Willis equations were used to determine cutting forces and soil furrow profile respectively. Calculations were done using MATLAB software. The elastoplastic behavior of soil was incorporated into the DEM. The DEM predicted results with the best regression of 0.984 $$R^{2}$$ R 2 at a $$NRMSE$$ NRMSE of 1.936 while the AM had the lowest $$R^{2}$$ R 2 of 0.957, at a $$NRMSE$$ NRMSE of 6.008. All regression results were obtained at p < 0.05. The ANOVA test showed that the p-values for the horizontal and vertical forces were 0.9396 and 0.9696, respectively. The DEM predicted better than the AM. DEM is easy to use and is effective in developing models for precision subsoiling.