Diesel Fuel Consumption during Tractor Operations

Direct energy expenses (diesel, gasoline, propane, electricity) total more than $1 billion annually for Iowa’s farmers. Day-to-day farm management techniques such as adjusting tractor gear and throttle settings, making use of front-wheel-drive, and other strategies can reduce diesel fuel consumption for row crop production and general tractor operations. This study is being conducted over multiple years to measure the effects of energy management techniques on tractor fuel consumption during field operations.