Abstract
The focal objective of the current research is to apply artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) methods for modeling the performance attributes of a mechanization unit (tractor-chisel plow) during the plowing process under both different soil types and working variables. Two different parameters to represent working conditions and soil type were considered as potential input parameters. The first parameter represented soil type by calculating soil texture index as a combination of clay, silt, and sand. The second one was constructed into one dimensionless parameter, namely the field working index. This index linked most working variables such as plowing speed, plow width, soil moisture content, soil bulk density, tractor power, and plowing depth. The performance of the created ANN and MLR models was appraised by computing mean-absolute-error criterion for the testing dataset. The mean absolute error values for draft force, effective field capacity, fuel consumption, drawbar power, overall energy efficiency, rate of plowed soil volume, and loading factor, were 1.44 kN, 0.03 ha/h, 1.17 L/h, 2.28 kW, 0.68%, 73.97 m(3)/h, and 0.08 (decimal), respectively, when the ANN model was applied. In addition, coefficient of determination (R-2) acted as a criterion for judging the performance of the developed models, and their values when ANN was applied were 0.569, 0.384, 0.516, 0.454, 0.486, 0.777, and 0.730 for the same performance attributes, respectively. When the MLR model was applied, the corresponding values of R-2 were 0.239, 0.358, 0.352, 0.429, 0.511, 0.482, and 0.422, respectively, for the same attributes. The current study adds to the standing literature by contributing data and information regarding the performance attributes of a tractor-chisel plow unit under specific working variables and soil types. In addition, the models developed for plowing operations in different soil texture and under the field working index are recommended for use in budgeting for diesel consumption, in calculating operation cost, in matching mechanization units of tractor-chisel plows, in estimating energy requirements of tractor-chisel plow combinations, etc.