Mechanism Analysis of Soil Disturbance in Sodic Saline–Alkali Soil Tillage Based on Mathematical Modeling and Discrete Element Simulation

Min Liu, Jinchun Sun, Dongyan Huang, Da Qiao, Meiqi Xiang, Weizhi Feng, Daping Fu and Jingli Wang ()
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Min Liu: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Jinchun Sun: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Dongyan Huang: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Da Qiao: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Meiqi Xiang: College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
Weizhi Feng: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Daping Fu: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Jingli Wang: College of Engineering and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-19

Abstract: To elucidate the mechanism by which soil disturbance affects tillage performance during subsoiling remediation of northeastern primary sodic saline–alkali soil, this study established a mathematical prediction model linking subsoiler configuration parameters with draft force and soil porosity based on the soil dynamic equation and the fourth strength theory. Discrete element simulation and field experiments demonstrated the model’s accuracy in predicting draft force and soil looseness (error < 5%). Among three configuration patterns evaluated, the “W”-type arrangement was selected for further simulation testing and predictive analysis through parameter adjustment. The simulation results aligned with the prediction results. Particle flow analysis revealed a quadratic relationship between subsoiler spacing variation, draft force, and soil looseness. At the particle scale, soil particle movement patterns were found to govern macroscopic effects, where soil clogging and repeated disturbances emerged as primary drivers of nonlinear variations in draft force and soil porosity. Finally, field experiments and simulations were performed using the parameter combinations predicted by the mathematical model, confirming the accuracy of these parameters. Through a tripartite validation approach combining mathematical modeling, DEM simulation, and field trials, this study systematically elucidates the complete mechanism whereby subsoiler arrangement parameters influence the tillage performance of sodic saline–alkali soil via soil–tool interactions, providing theoretical foundations for optimizing subsoiling equipment design and reducing energy consumption in saline–alkali land cultivation.

Keywords: subsoiler; mathematical–analytical model; EDEM; sodic saline–alkali soil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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