Biomimetic tool design improves tillage efficiency, seedbed quality, and straw incorporation during rototilling in conservation farming

Abstract

Rotary tillage facilitates conservation agriculture in rice-based crop farming systems through minimal soil disturbance for seedbed preparation and crop residue management. However, efficiency of rotary tiller blades is hampered by degraded paddy soils and excessive crop residue conditions. Biomimetics presents an edge in the optimisation design of cultivation tools and can be employed to improve the efficiency of rotary tiller blades. This study was designed to evaluate the adaptability and performance of biomimetic rotary tiller blades inspired by the geometric structure of a mole rat’s claw. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the blades’ torque and power requirements, soil fragmentation, displacement characteristics, and the rate of straw incorporation at three tillage depths (i.e., 40, 70, and 100 mm). Results revealed that the biomimetic blades minimised torque by up to 21.05%, had lower specific power requirements, and produced finer tilths with granular and more even clod sizes than conventional blades. It also achieved more redistribution of topsoil and improved the straw burial rate. The biomimetic rotary tiller blades are thus energy-efficient and can improve soil structure and the quality of seedbeds, besides managing crop residues through incorporation, and therefore advance conservation tillage in intensive farming systems.

Biomimetic Design of Soil-Engaging Components: A Review

“…Through testing, it was found that the average torque of the bionic rotary blade was reduced by 3.14 Nm. Similarly, Torotwa et al [ 29 ] also designed a bionic rotary tiller blade based on the claw toe of a mole rat, as shown in Figure 2 a. Results revealed that the biomimetic blade torque was reduced by 21.05%, the soil was cut into smaller clods, and the straw burial rate and the quality of the seedbed after operation were improved.…”

“… Low-resistance soil-engaging components inspired by mole rats. ( a ) Biomimetic tiller blade [ 29 ], ( b ) biomimetic disc [ 30 ], ( c ) biomimetic potato digging shovel [ 32 ], ( d ) biomimetic rotary tillage blades based on five fore claws of mole rat [ 34 ], ( e ) bionic inspired subsoiler [ 35 ]. …”

“…Compared with other organisms in the soil, badgers are very suitable as bionic prototypes for soil-engaging components due to their larger body size, which makes it easier to observe and measure features. Guan et al [10] established a three-dimensional surface model of the badger's [29], (b) biomimetic disc [30], (c) biomimetic potato digging shovel [32], (d) biomimetic rotary tillage blades based on five fore claws of mole rat [34], (e) bionic inspired subsoiler [35].…”

Simulation Analysis and Optimization Design of Paddy Field Mud Spreader Blades for Uniform Dispersion

“…et al [41] focused on the design and simulation analysis of blades for producing high-quality seedbeds in paddy field furrows, with a focus on enhancing agricultural productivity through improved soil preparation techniques. Torotwa, I. et al [42] investigated the adaptability and performance of bionic rotary tiller blades utilized in paddy fields, revealing that these biomimetic blades exhibited reduced power requirements while achieving finer and more uniform particle sizes. Pang, C. et al [43] designed a device that can achieve the continuous paving of rice seedling trays without silt blocking or interruption during the process of slurry delivery.…”