Development of Single-row weeder-cultivator for soybean production
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Date
2024
Authors
Lynell G. Duque and Louse Nicole V. Pulintan
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Abstract
The demand for effective weed control mechanisms in soybean production has prompted the development of single-row weeder-cultivator to cater the needs of the production of the soybean. This study outlined the iterative process of designing, fabricating, testing and evaluating and cost analyzing a single-row weeder-cultivator tailored for optimizing weed management in soybean fields. The objectives encompassed the design and fabrication of a precision single-row weeder-cultivator capable of addressing weed proliferation within soybean rows. Experimental evaluations demonstrated promising outcomes. Weeding efficiency observations revealed a progressive trend: 90.85% at 1kph, 84.12% at 1.5 kph, and 79.74% at 2kph. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among all treatments, advocating slower speeds of 1kph or 1.5kph to maximize weeding efficiency. Conversely, higher speeds correlated with decreased weeding efficacy, potentially compromising crop health. Simultaneously, percent plant damage assessment depicted values of 1.83% (1 kph), 3.71% (1.5 kph) and 7.47% (2kph). While 1kph and 1.5 kph exhibited statistical equivalence in percent plant damage, significant disparities were noted when compared to the 2kph speed. This underscores the recommendation to operate the weeder-cultivator at slower speeds to minimize plant damage, aligning with acceptable thresholds. Fuel consumption findings revealed consumption rates of 1.13 li/hr (1kph), consumption rates of 1.13 li/hr (1kph), 1.08 li/hr (1.5kph), and 0.91 li/hr (2kph). Statistical comparisons indicated no significant difference between 1kph and 1.5kph speeds but significant divergence when compared to the 2kph speed. This unexpected trend highlights the need for cautious consideration of operational speeds concerning fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the study delved into the economic viability of the single-row weeder-cultivator. Cost analysis revealed an investment outlay of Php 15,126.00, with operational cost calculated at Php 3,296.17/ha. An intriguing prospect emerged when considering the weeder’s potential as a rental service, indicating a feasible payback period of 0.43 years or 48 working days, assuming 110 days/year operation. To maximize returns, collaborative rental schemes involving 15 one-hectare farms within a cropping cycle were exposed. The implications of this study underscore the substantial benefits the proposed weeder-cultivator offers to the soybean production industry. Its capacity to curtail labor costs, reduce labor intensity and potentially augment soybean population underscores its potential significance.