Development and Performance Evaluation of a Push-Type Mechanical Weeder
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Date
2023-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Adeleke University Journal of Engineering and Technology [AUJET]
Abstract
Weeds posed a significant threat to crop yields and causing substantial losses. The
traditional method of weed control is not only labor-intensive but also timeconsuming.
On the other hand, chemical weeds control has raised concerns due to its
negative impact on the environment and human health. As the agricultural sector
strives to meet consumer demands for high-quality, safe food products, there is a
growing need for non-chemical weeds control solutions. Therefore, manually
operated weeder was designed, fabricated, and tested in an experimental field to
operate on deltaic terrain. The weeder is powered by a 1 hp petrol engine with an
operating speed of 1130 rpm and equipped with 4 L-shaped standard cutting blades.
The depth and width of the cut of the blades are 30 and 350 mm, respectively. During
the machine test, the field location had well-drained soil classified as sandy loam with
compositions of 76% sand, 7.28% silt, and 15.95% clay. The moisture content was
18%wb. Field tests conducted showed that the weeder had a field capacity of
0.016h/hr. and a weeding efficiency of 80.51%. The performance evaluation of the
weeder at the tested average operating speed of 0.036m/s. The machine was designed
to be simple and easy to maintain, and its overall cost of fabrication was ₦154,500,
making it affordable for ordinary Nigerian farmers.