Two-decade Achievements in Modeling of Soil – Tool Interactions

Study of soil-tool interaction has been carried out since 1912, but it progressed significantly after 1980’s along with the development of computer and computing technologies. Researchers have been modeling these interactions using numerical methods since then. Models developed were for evaluating the performance of tillage operations, soil movement by tillage tools, soil profile and crop residue management, and manure injection, etc. Plenty of research achievements have been received over the past two decades. Variety of mathematical models have been developed, such as numerical models using finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics, analytical methods, empirical models, and others. To provide a clear overview of these models, this paper summarized these studies in the area of modeling of soil-tool interactions. Detailed review was focused on those models developed by the authors. Relative achievements from other researchers were also briefly discussed. Descriptions of these models included characteristics, determination of model parameters, validations, and suitable cases of applications. Limitations and potential improvements were also discussed.