Design of effective and efficient cutting tools begins with the analysis of soil failure, to predict the forces and energy required by the implements. Soil compaction by heavy agricultural equipment is among the most important soil degradation agents on many farms around the world. The movement of heavy farm machinery and livestock progressively contributes to soil compaction on farms. Apart from soil compaction being caused by mechanically applied forces, drying and shrinkage can also cause it. The aim of this paper is to design tractor-mounted sub-soiler for soil loosening and to reduce soil compaction caused by heavy-duty agricultural machinery in conventional agriculture particularly to determine the total force required during sub-soiling operation without failure and enhance the theoretical understanding and practical application of tillage implement design.

Keywords: Soil compaction, Sub-soiler, Shank, Shear strength, Drought force.

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