Development and Performance Evaluation of a Push-Type Mechanical Weeder
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Date
2023
Journal Title
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Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Adeleke University Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
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 time consuming. 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.
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Citation
Busari R. A,, Adebayo R. K,, Alabi, K. P., Alonge, K. A. and Saadudeen, L. A. (2023). Development and Performance Evaluation of a Push-Type Mechanical Weeder, Adeleke University Journal of Engineering and Technology, 6 (2) 96 – 102.