Soil moisture content (MC) ranged from 12.6% to 15.7% dry basis for the study site (Table 1). Statistical differences were found in the fast treatment plots with the slow and normal plots being statistically similar. The MC for the KMC Fast treatment was lower compared to all other treatments at 12.6% which coincided with the higher cone index (CI) measurements.
Some statistical differences in dry bulk density (DBD) and Cone Index (CI) existed between treatments but were considered only small differences for this site. The actual depth of tillage (Tillage Depth) was significantly different between implements. The tillage depth for
the KMC was consistent over the three speed treatments averaging around 26.4 cm. Conversely,
the Paratill tillage depth resulted in statistical differences between the slow and normal treatments
versus the fast. The cause of this variability in tillage depth will be
discussed later. However, adjustment of the 3-point hitch depth
setting could have helped maintain a similar depth setting
between implements but would have required extensive setup
time to properly determine the correct settings. We conducted
preliminary testing in an attempt determine the correct 3-point
hitch depth setting but the different vertical forces, unknown at the
time and discussed later, generated these measured differences.
One must remember that the 3-point hitch system on this tractor
provides lift capacity and not down force. Overall, the soil
properties were considered consistent between plots.