Work

Optimization of Leveler–Compactor Parameters in Combined Strip Tillage for Soil Preparation Under Plastic Film for Melon Crops

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Strip tillage combined with plastic film mulching is widely used to improve moisture conservation and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions; however, the quality of a prepared strip strongly depends on the secondary leveling and compaction of the loosened soil. The aim of this study was to substantiate the design and operating parameters of a skid-type leveler–compactor integrated into a combined machine for one-pass pre-sowing soil preparation of rainfed land with the simultaneous laying of drip irrigation hoses and plastic film for melon crops. The research combined theoretical modeling of soil–tool interaction with single-factor and multifactor field experiments and a two-year agronomic evaluation under farmer field conditions. The optimal parameter ranges were 24.0–26.0° for the lower compacting element, 151–155° for the upper leveling part, and 24.3–27.0 cm for the tool height. Under these conditions, the proposed system ensured a soil fraction < 25 mm of 87.2%, surface irregularities of 1.34 cm, and reduced fuel consumption, from 38.6 to 26.3 kg ha−1, compared with the conventional method. The field emergence increased to 91.6%, the total yield reached 50.7 t ha−1, and the water use efficiency increased to 17.4–18.9 kg m−3. The results demonstrate that optimization of the leveler–compactor significantly improves strip quality, agronomic performance, and resource use efficiency in melon production under plastic film.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16080809