Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

The design of soil-engaging farm machinery requires reliable information on soil physical and mechanical properties under the intended operating conditions. This study determined soil properties relevant to the design of a mini tractor-operated ridge trimming cum plastering machine. Soil samples were assessed for gravimetric moisture content, bulk density, cone index, liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit using the procedures described in the manuscript. Based on the reported values, soil moisture content ranged from 13.31 to 20.21% on a dry basis, with a mean of 16.79%, while bulk density ranged from 1.51 to 1.63 g cm⁻³, with a mean of 1.57 g cm⁻³. The reported cone index ranged from 1.43 to 1.55 kgf cm⁻², with a mean of 1.50 kgf cm⁻², equivalent to approximately 0.147 MPa. The liquid limit was reported as 26.67%, the mean plastic limit as 24.68%, and the resulting plasticity index as approximately 1.99%. The mean shrinkage limit was 20.25%. The results indicate comparatively low variability in bulk density and consistency-limit measurements, whereas soil moisture content showed greater spatial variation. These properties provide site-specific inputs for estimating soil resistance and for guiding the design and operation of the trimming and plastering components. Controlled machine-performance testing is still required to establish an optimum operating moisture range and to relate soil condition to draught, power demand, fuel consumption and ridge quality.