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Understanding the Relationships between plants and soil is important in the development of methods of crop production. Although physical properties of soil conducive to plant growth can be recognized by experienced observers, many of these properties have not been defined satisfactorily in mathematical or physical terms. A method of measuring penetration resistance and energy exerted by a mechanical seedling (a steel probe simulating a seedling) as it moved upward through the soil surface under different levels of surface compaction and soil moisture was examined. Mechanical seedlings with 2.06, 3.19 and 4.65 mm tip diameters were tested at soil moisture levels of 13, 17, and 20%. The penetration rate of the mechanical seedling while moving through the soil was held constant at 10 mm/min. Results showed that the emergence energy increased directly with soil surface compaction pressure, initial soil moisture content, and mechanical seedling diameters.

During harvest time, producers lose valuable time due to combine breakdowns because of service problems and availability of parts. A survey was, therefore, conducted across the Province of Saskatchewan to determine problems associated with combine parts availability, combine repair and consumers opinion on combine parts, costs and quality. Out of 200 surveys 43% were returned. Saskatchewan is the major grain producer province in Canada. The survey conducted here will show trends in grain harvesting, combine ownership, parts and repairs, and dealership concerns. A total of 108 combines were reported. John Deere and CaseIH had equal percentages of the market although John Deere combines averaged 4 years newer than the CaseIH ones. Nearly 61% of the combines consisted of model years previous to 1985. Producers listed many repairs with the majority occurring on the farm and only 26% indicating any type of dealership repair.

In peak periods, producers lose valuable time due to tractor breakdowns because of parts availability and service problems. A survey of 200 producers was conducted across the Province of Saskatchewan to determine problems associated with service and availability of parts. The results show that the dealerships were becoming more responsive to the producers needs. The number of repairs per year and the cost of dealership repairs were high since 14% of respondents were using private mechanics. The number of tractors per producer nearly doubled from the 1960's estimate of two. The hydraulic components were a concern since the cost of repairs was high, and breakdowns were more frequent.

One of the major problem in an injection-type agricultural sprayer is measuring and controlling the flow rate of the concentrated chemicals. An electro-mechanical feedback system was designed to control the chemical concentrate flow rate in an injection-type sprayer. The system works well for a fluid with viscosity from 90 to 300 mPa.s and a flow rate from 3 to 20 mL/s (0.1 to 0.68 oz/s). A linear relationship was achieved between the flow rate and metering pump speed. The system also showed a good dynamic performance.