Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2008

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

Abstract

Soil loss as a result of differential translocation of soil by tillage is widespread in regions with irregular topography. Tillage erosion models are based on field derived transport coefficients that are specific to the tillage tool being used. Variables like speed and depth of tillage can modify tillage erosion transport coefficients. Four treatments were established for this research: moldboard plow, chisel plow, tandem disk, and no-till drill. The primary research site was located in Rock County MN, 43° 39 '40.24 "N, and 96° 24' 17.25" W, with a fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Cumulic Endoaquolls (USDA, 2006). The objectives of this study were to measure tillage erosion coefficients for selected equipment. A method for estimating the movement of soil by tillage equipment was developed utilizing metallic washers and a magnetic sweep. This method had a high soil tracer (99%) retrieval rate for the plot treatments. A linear regression analysis model was applied to the mean weighted translocation distance for all the treatments. Additional studies to measure the variation on the depth of tillage were implemented for moldboard plow at two different depths, 10 and 20 cm. Internal plot variation in experimental technique was estimated by using two different colors of tracers. The bulk density average for all treatments was 1.37 g cm-3. Highly significant differences on depth of tillage were found between treatments. Tillage erosion coefficients (ktit) obtained for the treatments were moldboard plow 313 kg m-1, chisel plow 158 kg m-1, tandem disk 69 kg m-1, and no-till drill 4 kg m-1. Regression analysis of the internal replication values showed that depth of tillage had a greater impact on tillage erosion coefficient variability than factors related to tracer retrieval.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Tillage

Soil erosion

Tillage -- Equipment and supplies

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

143

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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