Title :
Evaluation of a dual-purpose chemical applicator for paddy fields
Author :
Abubakar, M.S. ; Ahmad, D. ; Jamarei, O. ; Samsuddin, S. ; Norhisam, M.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Biol. & Agric. Eng., Univ. Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
Abstract :
A dual-purpose chemical applicator for flooded paddy field was developed to boost agricultural mechanization in rice production and also to overcome the safety concern of hazardous spray drift during chemical application by the paddy farmers. The dual purpose applicator was mounted on a high clearance tractor and could also be used with remote-controlled buoyant vehicle which was propelled by electric motors within the flooded paddy field. The machine performances for both granular and liquid chemical application were reported. Results from the experimental tests suggest that the average effective field capacity for the equipment with a prime mover was found to be 0.89 ha/hr or 7.12 ha/man-day for a 8 hour working day.
Keywords :
agricultural machinery; agriculture; agrochemicals; labour resources; occupational safety; agricultural mechanization; dual purpose chemical applicator; electric motors; equipment; granular chemical application; hazardous spray drift; high clearance tractor; liquid chemical application; paddy farmers safety; paddy fields; prime mover; remote control buoyant vehicle; rice production; Agricultural machinery; Applicators; Blades; Chemicals; Compaction; Soil; Wheels; Dual purpose; chemical applicator; flooded; paddy field;
Conference_Titel :
Mechatronics (ICOM), 2011 4th International Conference On
Conference_Location :
Kuala Lumpur
Print_ISBN :
978-1-61284-435-0
DOI :
10.1109/ICOM.2011.5937188
