International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

This article reviews domestic and international literature on the energy consumption of primary tillage operations in four farming systems: conventional (plough-based) tillage, simplified tillage, strip-till and no-till farming. The energy inputs of individual agrotechnical operations were analysed, with particular emphasis on fuel consumption, cumulative energy, CO₂ emissions and the impact on the physical and biological properties of the soil. The results of the review indicate that switching from ploughing to no-till farming reduces fuel consumption by 60–80%, energy inputs by 55–75%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 65–80%. At the same time, no-till systems promote the accumulation of organic matter in the topsoil, improve the stability of soil aggregates and protect against erosion. The limitations of no-till farming under Polish conditions were also discussed, including the risk of seed embedding in heavy soils, problems with weed control, increased reliance on herbicides, and economic and psychological barriers. An economic analysis of cultivation costs in individual systems was carried out for a model farm with an area of 100 ha.

Strips tillage machine with simultaneous fertilizing in the depth of processing is examined. The experiments were carried out by standard methods known as the theory of the experiment, at the same time is determined and the optimization task with which to establish the optimum setting of the machine. The results obtained show that the machine corresponds to all requirements, the best results are achieved at a speed of 9,0km / h and a depth of 0,25m.

The article concern to the scientific and research works related to the development of mechatronic control system of sowing unit in the tilling-and-sowing combined machine. The essence of the project is the use in the combined machine of innovative control system responsible for the seeding process. The system will control the work of seeding unit (drive) and will maintain a predetermined depth of seeds sowing. Grooved or pinned units used in seeding are characterized by variability in application rate as a function of the changing conditions of work (e.g. on the slopes). In the proposed solution, on the basis of the identification of the sensitivity of the sowing machine on the changing conditions of work, the control algorithm will be developed, which after application to a controllable propulsion system equipped with the necessary sensors will eliminate inaccurate dosing. Project/Grant No K.2/IN2/64/182979 is co-financed from the budget allocated for science. Patent No P395909 was made as a part of the grant.