Optimization of Leveler–Compactor Parameters in Combined Strip Tillage for Soil Preparation Under Plastic Film for Melon Crops

Abstract

Strip tillage combined with plastic film mulching is widely used to improve moisture conservation and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions; however, the quality of a prepared strip strongly depends on the secondary leveling and compaction of the loosened soil. The aim of this study was to substantiate the design and operating parameters of a skidtype leveler–compactor integrated into a combined machine for one-pass pre-sowing soil preparation of rainfed land with the simultaneous laying of drip irrigation hoses and plastic film for melon crops. The research combined theoretical modeling of soil–tool interaction with single-factor and multifactor field experiments and a two-year agronomic evaluation under farmer field conditions. The optimal parameter ranges were 24.0–26.0◦ for the lower compacting element, 151–155◦ for the upper leveling part, and 24.3–27.0 cm for the tool height. Under these conditions, the proposed system ensured a soil fraction < 25 mm of 87.2%, surface irregularities of 1.34 cm, and reduced fuel consumption, from 38.6 to 26.3 kg ha−1, compared with the conventional method. The field emergence increased to 91.6%, the total yield reached 50.7 t ha−1, and the water use efficiency increased to 17.4–18.9 kg m−3. The results demonstrate that optimization of the leveler–compactor significantly improves strip quality, agronomic performance, and resource use efficiency in melon production under plastic film.