The Techniques of Reducing Adhesion and Scouring Soil by Bionic – Review of Literature

Soil adhesion is a complicated multiple phase system influenced by many factors such as soil type, soil moisture content, contact material characteristics, working speed and external forces and environment. Adhesion of soil on the surfaces of soil-engaging components of various machines and equipment affects the quality of the work and in extreme cases; it does not allow the machine to move in moist sticky soil conditions. Moreover, adhesion of soil on the surfaces of ground engaging components of various machines and equipment increases the draft and energy consumption of these machines. Different techniques are employed to reduce adhesion of soil to the surfaces of these machines and equipment. This paper reviews some of the common techniques employed in reducing adhesion and scouring soil from the surface of agricultural machinery and equipment. It reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using these techniques and their limitations in practical field conditions. An ideal technique should be safe and simple, economical to manufacture, easy to use, synchronise with other components of the machine and tools, no requirement for extra controls and power, less energy consuming and efficient with scouring abilities 90% or higher. Some techniques such as air injection is useful but it adds on weight to the existing set up and in many cases makes the system more complicated to operate. Enamel coating is cheap and comparatively simple technique for reducing adhesion. It has poor wear resistance and cannot be used in abrasive soil conditions. The soil adhesion preventing mechanism of soil animal’s cuticles addresses some of these issues. The surface characteristics of soil animal’s cuticles have excellent scouring abilities and may be applied on the surfaces of soil engaging components of tillage tools. Ultra High Molecular Weight-Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) has better scouring characteristics and wear resistance. This could be applied for bionic modification of the surfaces of these tools for reducing adhesion and improving performance of a number of machines and equipment in sticky soil conditions. Key Words: adhesion; bionic; soil; osmotic; vibration; lubricatio