Numerical Method for Optimizing Soil Distribution Using DEM Simulation and Empirical Validation by Chemical Properties

Abstract

Manure distribution in soil creates a ground environment that is conducive to crop cultivation. However, the lumping and concentration of manure in the field can occur, hindering the fertilization of the soil for plant growth, and the randomization of nutrients under different soil depths accelerates it. To overcome the challenges associated with agricultural testing, such as high cost, inclement weather, and other constraints, computational analysis is often used. In this study, rotary operations are performed using the discrete element method (DEM) to ensure the uniform distribution of manure and four soil layers. DEM analysis was conducted with three experimental factors, and simulation sets were designed using the Box-Behnken central combination method. The DEM results were evaluated using the uniformity index (UI), and the field test of the rotary operation was performed with the set showing the most uniform distribution among the results. Due to undistinguishable particles in reality, the uniformity was validated by a comparison of the chemical characteristics of the L1 and L5 in terms of before and after the rotary operation. The DEM parameter of the soil was determined by performing field measurements at different soil depths (0–20 cm), and this parameter was calibrated by conducting a penetration test. The Box–Behnken central combination method was implemented using the following factors: tillage depth (X1), PTO revolution speed (X2), and forward machine velocity (X3). These factors were obtained using the UI regression model and the response surface method. In the results, it was indicated that the UI was affected by the factors in the following order: X1 > X2 > X3. The optimized factor values were X1 = 25 cm, X2 = 800 RPM, and X3 = 1.8 km/h, leading to a UI of 6.07, which was consistent with the analysis results. The operating parameters were maintained throughout the field test, and the acquired data were input into the measurement system. The lowest UI value of 6.07 had the strongest effect on decreasing the disparity between L1 and L5, especially in terms of pH, organic matter, P, Ca, and Mg. In summary, the results indicated that soil distribution can be controlled by adjusting mechanical parameters to ensure uniform chemical characteristics across various soil depths.

Keywords

• discrete element method
• rotary operation
• response surface method
• soil distribution
• uniformity index