A model for variations in load on a simple soil-working implement.

Abstract The variations in load on an agricultural cultivator tine are modelled by a Gaussian process, plus a marked point process which represents the effects of stones and other soil inclusions. Observed series of loads are split into the two components, from which parameter values are estimated. Good agreement is achieved between observed and simulated data, as measured by predicted fatigue damage using a welded joint fatigue analysis.