A New Solution for Conservative Cultivation Concept; A New Multi-Tool Stabble Strip Tillage and Seeding Machine Design

Abstract

In this study, a new multi-tool machine prototype is designed manufactured in order to perform strip tillage and feeding for main and second crop agriculture. That machine is designed for work on field with stubble just after harvesting previous crop. The machine consists of 4 rows tillage tool and a pneumatic feeding unit for feeding in prepared strips. The developed prototype machine has two carrying wheels and it is trailed by a tractor. Carrier wheels cylinder, feeding machine holding cylinder, marker cylinder and feeding machine vacuum fan motor are driven by tractor’s hydraulic system oil pressure. Oil flow direction through cylinders is controlled by a 4 way hydraulic switch. The performance of this machine evaluated with planting second crop corn. In evaluation stage, the corn products which are planted with three different feeding methods (strip tillage, reduced tillage and zero tillage) are compared and the results are evaluated with statistical analysis (DUNCAN test). The obtained results are indicating the advantages of strip tillage technique; therefore the main goal of the machine is achieved. Approximately %40 fuel save, approximately %50 labor cost save and approximately %80 field work time save can be achieved by that machine. In addition these advantages there are also effects on nature conservation, such as; caused to less carbon release to atmosphere during feeding operation and field preparation stages, less damage on soil structure and reducing effect on soil erosion. Comparison of early and after harvesting soil analysis shows that all fertilizer decomposed by microorganisms and all organic substances used by plants in prototype machine trial area section. Operation of machine is very easy and requires less maintenance. Developed machine does not need an expert operator therefore it can be use by every tractor driver and it can be use in wide range of soil types on different geographical surfaces.

Keywords: strip tillage, multi-tool machine, conservative cultivation