Optimization of Fuel Consumption during Ploughing Operation on Tractor Tilled Area

Abstract

This study aims to optimize fuel consumption during ploughing operations on tractor-tilled areas to reduce operating costs and increase agricultural output. A 3 x 3 factorial design experiment with three replicates was carried out to examine the effects of ploughing depth and tractor forward speed on fuel consumption. The ploughing depths tested were 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 m, and the tractor forward speeds were 5, 7, and 9 km/h. Fuel consumption was measured according to their respective requirements. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), main and interaction effects, multiple linear regression model, standard error, coefficient of determination (r2), adjusted r2, prediction r2, and response optimizer, were performed using MINITAB 19 software to validate the model. The results of the statistical analysis indicated a significant impact of ploughing depth, tractor forward speed, and their interactions on tractor fuel consumption per tilled area at a 95% confidence level. The small standard error values confirmed the accuracy of the multiple linear regression model in predicting the experimental data, with r2, adjusted r2, and predicted r2 values all at 100%. The estimated multiple linear regression model accounted for 100% of the variability in the dataset, with an optimal fuel consumption of 6.08 L/ha achieved at a ploughing depth of 0.10 m and a forward tractor speed of 5 km/h.