International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Yalaka Nandini, Avinash Kumar, DM Kadam, Indraveer Singh, AK Shrivastava and Anil R Pimpale

abstract
A research investigation aimed to identify the optimal combination of commercially available L and J-shaped blades for soil cultivation in black cotton soil (Vertisol). The study maintained a constant cone index (600±30 KPa) and soil moisture content (14-16%) throughout all experimental runs. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) employing Box Behnken Design (BBD) was utilized to optimize the impact of operational factors, including forward speed (1, 1.5, 2 km/h), blade speed (75, 100, 125 rpm), and operating depth (3, 6, 9 cm), on the dependent variable, mean weight diameter (MWD), within an indoor soil bin setting. The findings revealed that J-shaped blades resulted in a lower mean weight diameter compared to L-shaped blades, specifically at a rotary speed of 110 rpm, forward speed of 1.5 km/h, and an operating depth of 8.25 cm for the J-shaped blade. The average MWD for J-shaped blades was 2.32 cm, indicating higher pulverization and effectiveness compared to L-shaped blades. Conversely, L-shaped blades yielded a higher MWD than their J-shaped counterparts.