Energy requirements of two tillage systems for irrigated sugarbeets, dry beans and corn.

ABSTRACT Achisel-based tillage system was compared with a moldboard plow-based tillage system for irrigated sugarbeets, dry beans and corn. Speed, travel reduction, and time, power, energy and fuel requirements were measured for each field operation for both tillage systems. Plant populations and yields were also sampled for the two years of study. The chisel-based system produced equal yields with approximately forty percent less energy, fuel and time for preplant tillage operations...