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FIELD TEST OF A LOCALLY DESIGNED INTER FURROW CULTIVATOR PROTOTYPE.

H. A. Abdel Mawla1 and N. S. Ali Elkaoud

2

comabil2002@yahoo.eng_n :mail-E

ABSTRACT

The main aim of this research was to evaluate and test the hand

steering cultivator for inter furrow cultivation. The hand machine frame

was provided with a single rubber wheel. The soil working tines

represented in the two augers attached to the back of the frame. The auger

tines mounted to the frame was inclined in position of both sides of the

frame. The cultivation unit is supposed to uproot and kill weeds at the

early stage of the crop growth along the furrow sides with minimum crop

seedlings damage. The cultivation unit also should agitate soil surface and

form of the furrows to facilitate easy irrigation. The cultivator was tested

in the Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut. The

experiments show that using small size auger tines may not mean lower

labor effort exerted for pushing. The direction of cultivation tine rotation

generates forces directed forward in the direction of motion. Therefore,

lower labor fatigue may occur when using auger tines of larger size

(suitable for cultivation) and more capable engine to drive it. Possible

forward speed for the labor to maintain continuous operation was

0.34 m/s for the labor of average health. This particular forward speed

was recorded corresponding to 160 rpm of the cultivation auger tine. The

6 cm lip height auger tine slowed efficient performance of the cultivator

from the point of view of soil agitation as well as weed uprooting. Using a

ridger efficiently opens the furrow to enable uniform irrigation. The auger

tine mechanism was also designed to provide the possibility of changing

operation width to match the working conditions of different crops. The

theoretical field was capacity 0.21 and 0.29 fed/h. Actual field capacity of

0.17 and 0.22 fed/h were obtained. Operation efficiency was 80.1 and

75 % for Corn and Cabbage, respectively. INTRDODUCTION

Mechanical weeding is a very important for increasing crop production.

Weeds directly reduce crops yield because of competing the plants in

respect of space, water and nutrients. Weeds harbor diseases and pests,

increase the cost of production and lower the quantity and quality of crop

1 Prof. and head of Ag. Eng. Dep., Fac. of Ag., AL-Azhar U. Assiut.

2 Assistant lecturer, Ag. Eng. Dep., Fac. of Ag., AL-Azhar U. Assiut.

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production. Soil cultivation is very important because to control weed

which may save a yield loss of up to 40% (Awady, 1986). Traditional

weed control methods, such as hand hoes and donkey pulled cultivators,

have still good weeding efficiency but not recommended to be used

because of it is high cost, more labor consuming and more human effort

done. So, the developed cultivator must have many advantages such as

being suitable for the small-scale farmers, solve the problems of common

cultivators, suitable for weeding operation in most types of crops and in

addition to simple construction. (Abdel Mawla et al., 2011). Between

63% and 83% of the area between crop rows can be hoed when

implement toolbars with attached hoeing units are equipped with accurate

and active transverse position control to guide hoeing parallel to crop

rows (Van Zuydam, 1999, Tillett et al., 2002, Griepentrog et al.,

2007). Abdel-Maksoud (2008) developed a self propelled harvesting

machine to be used as tiller inter-rows in maize field, determine the

optimum parameters affecting on the performance of the developed

machine, and compare the developed machine with the traditional

weeding methods. Salim et al., (2011) constructed and performance a

new sugar beet cultivator is an important production operation that assists

in soil loosening weeding between rows and ridge forming.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

(1) Cultivated crops.

The cultivator was tested in the field to cultivate field crop: corn and used

to cultivate vegetable crop: cabbage. The crops were planted on furrows

of inter-row spacing 70 and 100 cm respectively.

(2) Mechanical analysis of the test field soil.

Soil samples were collected from the experimental field at different soil

depths and mechanical analysis was carried out in Soil and Water

Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-azhar University-Assiut. The

average of the obtained data to distribution and soil textural class are

shown in the Table (1).

Table (1): Mechanical analysis of the experimental soil

Cultivated crops

particle size distribution, %

Texture

Real

density,

g/cm3

Sand Silt Clay

3

Corn 89.3 1.7 9 Sand loam 2.6

Cabbage 36.5 26.5 37.6 Clay loam 2.6

(3) Description of the hand steering cultivator.

The hand steering cultivator frame was provided with a single rubber

wheel. The soil agitation mechanism was powered by 5.5 horsepower

gasoline engine. The frame was fabricated to fit the requirements of

fixing the engine. The trapezoidal shaped frame of certain dimensions

also achieves the compatibility of the machine size to the agricultural

practices. The frame design is considered the suitable size of the machine

in relation to the power unit used, the hand steering by the labor and

maneuvers inside one furrow. To facilitate increasing the capability of the

machine for cultivating crops of wide range of furrow width's and depths,

the cultivation mechanism connected to the main power transmission

shaft with smart connection. An adjustable height furrow opener is bolted

at the end of the frame to reform the furrow after agitation. A photograph

of the cultivator is shown in Figure (1).

Fig. (1): The hand steering cultivator for inter furrow cultivation.

(4) Cultivation unit.

The cultivation unit consists of two augers, one on the right side and the

other on the left side inclined according to the angle of the furrow side

tilt. The maximum width of the main power transmission shaft was 120

cm. and the minimum width was 90 cm. The two augers were inclined

with constant angle ɵ = 360 at the position of bevel gear connection. A

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universal joint was connected between the end of each auger and the

bevel gear shaft to allow cultivation width valuation. The cultivation unit

drawings are shown in Figure (2).

Fig. (2): Components of the cultivation unit.

(5) power transmission.

The power is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox through a v-belt

and from the gearbox to the main power transmission shaft through pair

of sprockets. A pair of bevel gears is connected with the main power

transmission shaft. These two bevel gears transmit the motion to the auger

by universal joints with a different angle as illustrated in Figure (3).

Fig. (3): Power transmissions from the engine to the cultivation unit.

(6) furrow opener.

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The beam was fabricated from rectangular cross section steel 30 × 30

mm. Holes were drilled on the beam to allow furrow depth adjustments.

A photograph and engineering drawing of the designed ridger are shown

in Figure (4).

Fig. (4): A photograph and engineering drawing of the designed ridger.

Methods.

To evaluate performance and test the cultivator under the previous range

of variable and actual field conditions of weed control between row crops.

(1) Cultivation depth variation.

The 6 cm lip height auger tine slowed more improved performance of the

cultivator from the point of view of soil agitation as well as weed

uprooting. The rest of the experiments were completed using the 6 cm lip

height auger tine.

(2) Kinematic index (λ).

λ V

nr..2 where:

λ = Kinematic index, n = auger's different rotation speeds (rps), r = radius

of auger's rotation (m) and V= Forward speed (m/s). The cultivation unit

was tested under three kinematic index values as shown in the Table (2) at

three auger's different rotation speeds 230 rpm, 160 rpm and 115 rpm.

Table (2): Kinematics index (λ) at radius of auger's rotation (r = 8.4 cm)

Kinematic

index (λ)

The different auger's

linear speeds (N)

(m/s)

The averages of wheel's

linear speeds (v).

(m/s)

Speed

ratio

6

λ1 2.0232

0.34

5.95

λ2 1.4074 4.14

λ3 1.0116 2.97

(3) Furrow profile.

The furrow profile was drawn before and after cultivation. The cross

section was drawn by using a straight wood piece marked every 5cm and

a water level was used to adjust the longitudinal line at the furrow bottom.

Average readings were computed to draw furrow profile. Furrow profile

replicates were taken ten times for each experiment.

(4) Soil pulverization.

Standard sieves were used for mechanical analysis of soil after cultivation

to determine soil agitation. Samples were collected after cultivation at

surface level of soil (cultivation zones). The sieves apparatus was used to

measure the clod size distribution. It consists of seven sieves (2.5, 2, 1.25,

0.8, 0.63, o.425 and 0.125 mm).

(5) Theoretical field capacity.

The theoretical field capacity was determined using the following

equation:

T.F.C. 2.4

SW where:

T.F.C. = The theoretical field capacity (fed/h).

W = The theoretical width (m).

S = Average forward speed (km/h).

(6) Actual field capacity.

The actual field capacity was determined using the following equation:

A.F.C. = 1/T where A.F.C.= The actual field capacity (fed/h), T = Actual

time (min).

(7) Field efficiency.

The Field efficiency was determined using the following equation:

ηf ...

...

CFT

CFA × 100 where:

A.F.C. = The actual field capacity (fed/h).

T.F.C. = The theoretical field capacity (fed/h).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

(1) Performance of the cultivation unit.

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Possible forward speed for the laborer to maintain continuous operation

was 0.34 m/s regardless of the differences of laborer health. This may

mean that at this particular forward speed, corresponding to 160 rpm of

the cultivation auger tine. The 6 cm lip height auger tine slowed more

improved performance of the cultivator from the point of view of soil

agitation as well as weed uprooting. Using a ridger efficiently opens the

furrow to enable a uniform irrigation and provide the possibility of

changing size to suit the working conditions of different crops.

(2) Safety margin width.

The theoretical safety margin widths for cultivated crops are 5 and 10 for

corn and cabbage respectively. The values of the actual safety margin

width are 10.6 and 19.1, for corn, and cabbage respectively.

(3) Soil agitation.

The specifications of the experimental soil are shown in the Table (3). Samples were collected after the cultivation.

Table (3): Main specifications of the experimental soil.

Cultivated

crops

the existing soil

moisture content %

bulk density

g/cm3

real density

g/cm3

Porosity

%

Corn 14.8 1.55 2.6 40.4

Cabbage 19.3 1.15 2.6 55.8

Figure (5) shows the soil mechanical analysis of the cultivated soil which

was done directly after the first cultivation for corn crop. About 55% by

weight of the soil sample was of cloud sizes less than 2.5 mm at rotation

speeds 115 rpm (λ3), About 70% by weight of the soil sample was of

cloud sizes less than 2.5 mm at rotation speeds 160 rpm (λ2) and about

75% by weight of the soil sample was of cloud sizes less than 2.5 mm at

rotation speeds 230 rpm (λ1).

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First cultivation for corn crop

at soil moisture content 14.8 %

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

> 2.5 > 2 > 1.25 > 0.8 > 0.63 > 0.425 > 0.125 < 0.125

Diameter of clods, mm

Wei

gh

t p

erce

nt

%.

ʎ1 = 5.95

ʎ2 = 4.14

ʎ3 = 2.97

Fig. (5): Mechanical analysis of the cultivated soil.

Figure (6) shows the soil mechanical analysis of the cultivated soil which

was done directly after the first cultivation for cabbage crop. About 45%

by weight of the soil sample was of cloud sizes less than 2.5 mm at

rotation speeds 115 rpm (λ3), About 55% by weight of the soil sample

was of cloud sizes less than 2.5 mm at rotation speeds 160 rpm (λ2) and

about 60% by weight of the soil sample was of cloud sizes less than 2.5

mm at rotation speeds 230 rpm (λ1).

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First cultivation for cabbage crop

at soil moisture content 19.3 %

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

> 2.5 > 2 > 1.25 > 0.8 > 0.63 > 0.425 > 0.125 < 0.125

Diameter of clods, mm

Wei

gh

t p

erce

nt

%.

ʎ1 = 5.95

ʎ2 = 4.14

ʎ3 = 2.97

Fig. (6): Mechanical analysis of the cultivated soil.

The results explained that the increase the percentage of soil agitation in

general for cabbage crop. This may be due to difference in the percentage

of moisture content.

(4) Furrow profile.

Shape of furrow profile was drawn before and after cultivation to observe

the effect of using a cultivation unit on shape of furrow profile at the

existing soil moisture contents 14.8 and 19.3 % for corn and cabbage

respectively. Figures (7) and (8) illustrate the effect of using the

cultivation unit on shape of furrow profile for corn and cabbage,

respectively. Figures (7) and (8) indicated that importance of using ridger

that was mounted behind the augers in reshaping the furrow profile and

efficiently open the furrow to enable a uniform irrigation. M. C. = 25.8 %.

-8

-4

0

4

8

12

16

20

24

28

32

-35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Furrow profile After cultivation

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Fig. (7): Effect of cultivation on furrow profile for corn crop. M.C. = 18.8 %.

-8

-4

0

4

8

12

16

20

24

28

-50 -45 -40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Furrow profile After cultivation

Fig. (8): Effect of cultivation on furrow profile for cabbage crop.

(5) Cultivator productivity.

The cultivation unit was tested in the field to cultivate several crops. The

experiments included cultivating field crops such as corn planted on

furrow width 70 cm and it was also used to cultivate vegetable crops such

as cabbage of furrow width 100 cm. All experiments were done at

possible forward speed for the labor to maintain continuous operation

0.34 m/s using auger tines of 6 cm. blade depth and λ2 = 4.14 as a ratio of

forward speed to the linear speed of the auger tine tip. Field performance

of the cultivator is shown in Table (4). It includes the effect of time lost in

the field due to adjusting the width of cultivation unit, the turns at the end

of the furrow and refilling the fuel tank.

Table (4): Field performance of the cultivator.

Crops Oper. time

h/fed.

Lost time

h/fed.

Field capacity

fed/h Eff.

(%) Theor. Actual

Corn 5 1 0.2 0.167 82

Cabbage 3.5 1 0.29 0.22 76

CONCLUSION

The main purpose of this research is to develop and test an implement for

inter-row hoeing of some crops planted on furrows. The obtained results

can be concluded as follows:

1- The optimum kinematic index λ2 (λ2=4.14 which were 160 rpm auger's

rotation speeds on 0.34 m/s forward speed) increases soil agitation

consequently the quality of weeding efficiency was improved.

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3- Using the cultivation unit consists of two augers with ridger was

superior to used the cultivation unit consists of two augers alone. The

ridger that was mounted behind the augers reshapes the furrow profile

and efficiently opens the furrow to enable a uniform irrigation.

4- Theoretical field capacity 0.21 and 0.29 fed/h for Corn and Cabbage

respectively was achieved within the cultivation unit width.

5- The actual field capacity 0.17 and 0.22 fed/h for Corn and Cabbage

respectively.

6- The efficiency of the cultivator for Corn and Cabbage are 80.1 and 75

% respectively.

REFERENCES

Abdel-Maksoud, Y. S. A. (2008). Development of a mechanical weeding

system inter-rows in Egyptian field. Zagazig J. Agric. Res., Vol. 35

No. (1)2008.

Awady, M. N. (1986). Mechanization of soil cultivation appropriate to

Egyptian Agriculture. 1st Tec. Rep. Misr J. Ag. Eng., 3(2): 27-37.

Blasco, J., Aleixos, N., Roger, J. M., Rabatel, G. and MoltóE, (2002).

Robotic weed control using machine vision. Biosys. Eng, 83: 149-

157.

Melander, B., Rasmussen, G. and Barberi, P. (2005). Integration

physical and cultural methods of weed control: examples from Euro.

Res. Weed Sc., 53: 369-381.

Melander, B., Rasmussen, G. and Barberi, P. (2005). Integration

physical and cultural methods of weed control: examples from Euro.

Res. Weed Sc., 53: 369-381.

O'Dogherty M. J., Godwin, R. J., Dedousis, A. P., Brighton, J. L. and

Tillett, N. D. (2007). A mathematical model of the kinematics of a

rotating disc for inter and intra-row hoeing. Biosys. Eng., 96: 169-

179.

Simmons C. H. and Maguire, D. E. (2004). Manual of Engineering

Drawing – to British and International Standards (2nd

. Ed.).. Elsevier

Newnes, Burlington.: 298 pp.

Tillett, N. D., Hague, T. Grundy, A. C. and Dedousis, A. P. (2008).

Mechanical within-row weed control for transplanted crops using

computer vision. Biosys. Eng., 99: 171-178.

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Wisserodt, E., Grimm, J., Kemper, M., Kielhorn, A., Klein-Hartlage

H., Nardmann, M., Naescher, J. and Trautz, D. (1999).

Gesteuerte Hacke zur Beikrautregulierung innerhalb der Reihe von.

Pflanzenkulturen. [controlled Hoe for weeding within Crop Rows].

Tagung Landtechnik 1999/VDI-MEG. VDI-Verlag, Düsseldorf,

Germany.: 155-160.

المخلص العربي

.لخطوطاعسيق بين لل الحقلى لنموزج أولى مصمم محليرتخبار اإل

ى.د/ حعي ػبد الساشق ػبد الوولا1

ىبل شؼباى هحوود ػل م/ 2

البحذ إلى إخخباز وحدة ػصك لوماوهت الحشائش للوحاصل الوصزػت ػل خطوط حخوزص الوحزدة

بصغس الحجن لخعزلل هزي ػوللزا داخزل ال طزوط و حصزغ هزي خاهزاث هحلزت هخزواوسة وز العزوق

الوحلز. حؼوزل ػلززى إشالزت الحشزائش برلززل ازسز للباحززاث الوصزوػزت وخزرلت حولززد ال زظ لخعززلل

. حن اإلخخباز هواوع البحزذ بزالحموا الوجزاوزة لةلزت الصزاػزت جاهؼزت اش زس جساى ها السي

برظوط هغ هحاصل الرزة و الةسب وخاج أ ن الخائج الوخحصل ػللا :

لفت/دلمزت 160م/د هغ ظسػت دوزات 0.34حؼول الت بةفاءة ػالت ػد هخوظظ ظسػت حمدم -1

ظلحت الؼصك البسوت الشةل.

ظن.6ححمك الت أػل عبت لةفاءة الؼصك ػد اظخ دام بسواحاى ػصك ذاث ػوك ػصك -2

اظخ دام الفجاج خلف البسوخي حمك آداء أوضل لللت. -3

وداى/ظاػت لوحاصل الرزة والةسب ػل الخسحب. 0.29و 0.21هؼدا اداء الظسي للت -4

وداى/ظاػت لوحاصل الرزة والةسب ػل الخسحب. 0.22 0.17هؼدا اداء الفؼل للت -5

% لوحاصل الرزة والةسب ػل الخسحب. 75و 80.1خفاءة الت -6

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وسع اظوط. خلت الصزاػت جاهؼت اش س –اظخاذ وزئط لعن اللدظت الصزاػت -1

خلت الصزاػت جاهؼت اش س وسع اظوط. –معن اللدظت الصزاػت هدزض هعاػد ب -2