In modern agriculture, tillage machines perform an important function - they prepare the soil in such a way as to create optimal conditions for crop development. In addition, their role includes preserving soil fertility and providing a uniform environment for seed germination and emergence. Of particular importance is the economic efficiency of cultivation, which should lead to a reduction in production costs and an increase in yields. The mechanical impact of the working bodies on the soil aims to form a structure that meets the agrotechnical requirements for the specific crop, within a certain time interval and volume. Agronomically valuable soil is characterized by aggregates with sizes between 1 and 25 mm, while fractions below 1 mm lead to pulverization and an increased risk of erosion. The present study focuses on soil particles below 1 mm, which are critical for soil stability. A new model of tillage implement was tested on a stubble soil background to assess its effectiveness in reducing fines and creating a suitable soil structure. The optimal size of the aggregates creates favorable conditions for seed germination, root system development and improves the overall efficiency of crop growth. When assessing the efficiency of various tillage machines and technologies, the degree of fragmentation is often used as an indicator of the quality of tillage. The balance between appropriate particle size and preservation of the natural soil structure is essential for the sustainable management of soil resources.
Ключови думи: tillage, agronomically valuable soil, aggregate size, new model of tillage implement