Field Evaluation of two- wheeled based tractors

in KENYA

Hawassa - Ethiopia

9-13 February 2015

Presentation Outline

1. Objective 1 outline and Progress to-date

2. Field evaluations

3. General observations of the equipment

4. Tes Results

5. Challenges

6. Conclusions

Progress Summary

No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs

Output

1.1

Most promising 2WT- based technologies identified and acquired

1.1.1 Biophysical and socio-

economic site characterization

(desk study)

Site-specific report detailing

biophysical (e.g. major soil

types, main crops) and

socioeconomic (e.g labour

availability, cultural setting,

proportion of women-headed

households) context

Completed and report

submitted

1.1.2 Focus group discussion in

each innovation platform on

the current knowledge and

skills on 2WT-based

technologies

Report on the current

knowledge and skills on 2WT-

based technologies in each

innovation platform

Completed

1.1.3 Farm survey with focus on

farm power and drudgery,

disaggregated by gender

Baseline report for each site

Cross-site database available

through the knowledge

platform

Completed and report

submitted

1.1.4 Inventory and characterization

of most promising 2WT-based

technologies available in each

country

Country-specific report Report submitted

Progress Summary

No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs

Output

1.2.

Best bet 2WT-based technologies evaluated on-station and on-station

component technology research

1.2.1 Training of researcher

teams in the calibration,

operation, repair and

maintenance of 2WT and

ancillary equipment

Research teams trained Training conducted

18 participants drawn

from

Laikipia/Meru/Bungom

a/Kakamega

1.2.2 Development of protocols

for on-station testing

On-station evaluation

protocols

Protocols developed

1.2.3 Researcher-managed

field evaluation of most-

promising 2WT-based

technologies

Technical report on the

comparative performance

(e.g. field capacity, ease of

operation, fuel consumption)

of the equipment and on

their adaptation to suit local

circumstances; and

recommendations for on-

farm evaluation.

Both on-station and

on-farm trials started.

Two seasons of testing

done so far. See

results elsewhere

Progress Summary

No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs

Output

1.3.

Best bet 2WT-based technologies evaluated on-station and on-station component

technology research

1.3.1 Identification of at least five

farm-sites per innovation

platforms for participatory

evaluation of 2WT-based

technologies

Farm-sites identified and

characterized

Sites identified based

on number of

equipment on trial

1.3.2 Development of protocols for

on-station testing

On-farm evaluation protocols Protocols developed

1.3.3 Training of innovation

platform members on basic

calibration, operations and

maintenance of tractors and

ancillary equipment

Innovation platform members

trained

Training conducted

1.3.4 Participatory evaluation and

adaptation of best bet 2WT-

based technologies

Technical report on the

performance of the best bet

technologies (e.g. range of

crops that can be successfully

sown, residue handling capacity,

performance under a range of

typical soil textures, moisture

contents and bulk densities)

Ongoing

Progress Summary

No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs

Output

1.4.

Exploration of short term incentives and long-term impact of 2WT-based

technologies on farmer livelihoods through farm bio-economic models.

1.4.1 Development of farm

typology, based on farm

power availability and

constraints

Prototype farms for simulation Pending

1.4.2 Selection (or development) of

a farm-scale model,

calibration and validation

Model ready for simulation, for

each farm type

Pending

1.4.3 Identification of realistic

scenarios of change in

available farm power and

simulation of these scenarios

Outputs of simulation runs

(e.g. expected labour input, cash

flow) of various realistic

modelling scenarios

(incorporating adoption rate of

different 2WT-based

technologies)

Pending

1.4.4 Participatory workshops

discussing simulation outputs

within each innovation

platform

Workshop report for each

innovation platform

Pending

Field evaluations of equipment

Methodology

● Researcher managed trials – 3 replicates of each treatment on

randomized block design

● Each equipment calibrated to deliver plant population of

approximately 40,000 plants per hectare

● Variable row spacing based on equipment capability but plant

population maintained

● Diammonium phosphate fertilizer applied at the rate of 50kg/ha

● Topdressing with urea at the rate of 100kg/ha (hand application)

applied approximately 4 weeks after plant emergency

On-farm operations

● What they liked about the equipment/machine

● What they didn’t like

● Ancillary equipment they would like to be availed with the 2WT

● Handling and operation

Figure 1: Field layout showing treatments layout in Ngushishi, Laikipia – LR20143 1 2

T6 T7 T4

T3 T4 T6

T5 T2 T1

T1 T3 T2

T4 T1 T5

T7 T6 T3

T2 T5 T7

Treatments:

T1- Gongli Africa; T2 - National Zero-Till; T3 - 2BFG-100; T4 – Morrison CA seeder; T5 - Fitarelli single row; T6 - Fitarelli two row; T7 –Conventional

Data collected

● Cover (Measured using transect method)

● Depth of seed placement

● Time taken to cover each plot

● Fuel used

● Germination count

● Plant height

Other

● Input associated data (e.g. weeding, planting etc)

● Breakages

● Repairs undertaken and costs incurred

General observations

Features considered to be desirable:

● Configuration of soil engaging tools must allow for satisfactory operation in both high residue and low residue conditions.

● Seed metering system needs to be able to reliably deliver single seeds for row crops, as well as continuous distribution metering for close drilled crops. There must be a system of gear changes or suchlike to allow easy adjustment for changes in plant population or seed rate.

● Convenient fertilizer metering system with a system of gear changes or suchlike to allow easy adjustment for changes in fertilizer rate.

● Adjustment available for depth of planting from wet to marginally dry conditions.

● Suitable easy adjustment of row spacing to allow for row width of 50-90 cm (row crops)

● Robust construction.

Features considered to be desirable

● Reliable operating mechanism under adverse conditions.

● Requirement for seat or operator stand.

● Provision of convenient adjustment to allow quick travel between distant fields or adjacent farms.

● Mechanical (or other) lift system for effortless raising and lowering of the soil engaging tools when turning during sowing.

● Convenient steering and short turning circle.

● Appropriate operator position when unit is operating ( whether walking or riding)

● Provision for press wheels or alternative in-row soil firming and/or covering devices.

● Ground following ability in undulating soils

● Quick coupling/attachment to the 2WT to reduce time spent in setting up for operation

● Affordable price.

Results and discussions

Fitarelli two-rawConfiguration:

● Trailing – Two sets of double disc openers -14 inch diameter

● Cast iron angled press wheels which also act as depth control wheels.

Row spacing 60-90 cm.

Seed metering system. Horizontal flat plate -3 speeds of rotation.

Fertilizer metering system. Vertical notched gear system –Speed of rotation fixed. Adjustment by insertion or removal of alternative notched gears.

General comments:

● Seed placement and cover satisfactory in soft soils.

● Disc penetration is poor in hard soils.

● Extra weight is sometimes required for adequate penetration.

● The manual lift system is arduous and can be tiring.

● Seeds sometimes get stuck in seed plate cells with uneven seed samples and the horizontal plate metering.

● Possibility of fertilizer leakage around joints if not assembled properly.

● Large turning circle compared to other seeders.

● There is limited ground following ability, although the disc openers are in line with the wheels.

● Steel press wheels may pick up wet soil in some situations.

● Alternative press wheel configuration may be required in some soils,

● Price –Approx. (ex works) $US2900.

Fitarelli single row Configuration.

● Mounted single row; swiveling 15 inch coulter, steel gauge/drive wheel.

Row spacing; as required

Seed metering system.

● Horizontal flat plate -3 speeds of rotation.

Fertilizer metering system.

● Vertical notched gear system –Speed of rotation fixed.

General comments:

● Operator stand provided (in newer models)

● Extra weight necessary in majority of conditions.

● Machine may tilt to one side because of the single side gauge wheel.

● Steel press/drive wheel is barely satisfactorily. (A rubber wheel would be superior).

● General seed placement is good.

● Possibility of seeds being stuck in seed plate cells with uneven seed samples and the horizontal plate metering.

● Steel drive/press wheel may skid if frictional pressure in seed metering plates occur due to ill-fitting plates or stuck seeds.

● Fertilizer may leak around joints if not assembled properly.

● Struts provided to rear of implement are a good feature.

● Price –Approx. (ex works) $US850

2BFG-100 Rotary tillage seed drillConfiguration:

● Mounted 100cm rotary tillage seed drill. It can be set up as 100% tillage unit, or in strip till mode.

Row spacing:

● Up to six rows can be planted spaced at 20cm to one meter. Maximum row width for wide rows – 85cm.

Seed metering system.

● Fluted roller with adjustable quadrant. Dual range fluted roller arrangement also available.

Fertilizer metering system.

● Fluted roller with adjustable quadrant.

General comments:

● Overall light weight construction.

● Poor clutch system on the seed and fertilizer drives.

● Standard fluted roller seed meter unsuitable for spaced plants.

● Dual range fluted roller satisfactory.

● Furrow opener for seed and the mounting for same flimsy.

● Insufficient depth adjustment for the furrow opener.

● Potential for poor planting depth and/or breakage of components in adverse situations.

2BFG-100

● No pressing system for newly planted seeds in the seed row.

● Short life of tiller blades and tiller lugs in stony soils.

● Excessive vibration of tiller shaft in some situations when strip tilling due to tiller blade arrangement.

● Residue can wrap around tiller shaft in some circumstances, eventually causing blockages.

● Operator seat and depth/transport wheel available as an option

● Rear roller (press roller?) fails to rotate under certain soil/field conditions due to its small diameter. A larger diameter roller would be desirable.

● Rotovator blades sometimes kicks soil to the operator

● Price –Approx. $US600 ex-works

Morrison CA Seeder-1000

● Configuration: single angled row cleaner-coulter-tine-press wheel semi-mounted.

● Row spacing: as required

● Seed metering system. Dual range fluted roller. -adjustable

● Fertilizer metering system. Fluted roller - adjustable

● General Comments.

● Good seeding depth adjustment and placement

● If single angled row residue cleaner is used it causes seeder to pull to one side.

● Coulter exerts too little pressure to properly cut some residue.

● Coulter drives seed and fertilizer meters by Vee belt, and is easily plugged when operating in wet conditions (soil clogs up Vee belt pulley pushing belt off the groove)

● No struts provided to attach seeder to tractor handlebars. It is difficult to lift on turns with current attachment system. Semi-swinging drawbar makes machine difficult to turn sharply.

● Dual range seed meter satisfactory for maize.

● Fertiliser metering satisfactory.

● Seed and fertilizer delivery tubes need to be length adjustable. The tubes are not long enough when tine set to deep planting.

● Extra weight necessary when operator not riding

● Operators stand good.

● Price. $US1800 (ex works)

●

National Agro – No-till planter

Configuration:

● Seed/fertilizer box and tines to add-on to existing rotavator.

Row spacing:

● Up to 4 rows – maximum width 60 cm (depending on rotavator width)

Seed metering system:

● Inclined plate with various alternative plates available.

Fertilizer metering system:

● Fluted roller-adjustable

General comments:

● Very difficult to fit to existing tractor/rotavator unit.

● Extremely poor operation of controls. Tractor controls fouled by seed boxes. Operator cannot properly walk behind seeder and requires outstretched arms to reach handlebars.

● Seeds from some samples sometimes catch in cells in inclined plate meters.

● No alternative sprockets supplied to change seed rate.

● Too heavy and unwieldy.

● Side rear support wheels too small and fails to rotate in certain soil conditions

● It is difficult to change for road transport or variation for depth as wheel support shafts easily jams inside the holding tubes.

● Floating side drive wheel has too little range of movement for uneven soils.

● No pressing system for newly planted seeds.

● Short life of tiller blades and tiller lugs in stony soils.

● Residue can wrap around tiller shaft in some circumstances, eventually causing blockages.

● Price: $US1100 (ex works)

Gongli Africa

● Configuration: Coulter-tine-press wheel on rigid three row tool bar.

● Row spacing: 2 rows from 25cm to 85cm spacing.

● Seed metering: Vertical 18 spoon singulating seed meter (Chinese)-adjustable

● Fertilizer metering: Fluted roller.-adjustable

● Comments:

● Poor residue handing ability in standard configuration in high residue conditions.

● Better residue handling when optional cutting coulters fitted.

● Range of adjustment for planting depth and row spacing excellent.

● Seed placement good on level soils.

● Uneven planting depth in undulating soils.

● Excellent metering of maize with vertical spoon seed meters.

● Installation and separation of implement from the tractor requires partial assembly and disassembly of major components.

● An operator platform is supplied in standard configuration.

● Press wheel operation good.

● Some traction difficulty when operator is standing on rear platform when planting. Further work needed with weight distribution to overcome this deficiency

● Price: $US800 (estimate only)

T6(Fitare

lli 2-row)

T5(Fitarelli

single row)

T3(2BFG-

100)

T4(Morrison

CA seeder-

1000)

T2(National

Agro)

T1(Gongli

Africa+)

Work rates

(Hrs/ha)

4.1

4.9

7.2

12.2

9.8

11.6

5.5

15

9.9

11

-

10

7.0

10.0

11.1

15.7

6.85

7.8

6.1

17.6

4.25

-

6.7

-

7.1 10.5 10.3 10.95 9.6 5.5

Fuel consumption

Litres/ha

9.5

5.5

12

5.6

5.07

10.5

-

16.7

6.2

8.5

-

8.9

7.8

8.5

10

7.2

8.7

9.5

-

12.8

5.65

-

6.7

8.15 10.76 7.87 8.4 10.3 6.2

Depth (cm) 3-8 5-8 4-6 5-8 5-8 3-5

Equipment parameters

T6(Fitare

lli 2-row)

T5(Fitarelli

single row)

T3(2BFG-

100)

T4(Morrison

CA seeder-

1000)

T2(National

Agro)

T1(Gongli

Africa+)T7(Conventional)

Laikipia (LR2014)

Germination

(plants/ha)37,600 43,600 26,533 39,467 42,533 32,667 65,600

Plant height(cm) 25 30 14 26.7 15.3 15 16

Laikipia (SR 2014)

Germination

(Plants/ha)38,250 39,844 *- 38,476 43,135 39,450 *-

Plant height(cm) 127.0 105.5 *- 106.9 107.5 114.7 *-

Bungoma (LR

2014)

Germination

(Plants/ha)36,748 38,845 33,276 38,336 39,238 - 42,378

Plant height(cm) 28.3 32.7 15.5 29.2 16.9 15.7

Bungoma

(SR2014)

Germination

(Plants/ha)32,843 29,650 31,200 36,360 38,840 *- 46,875

Plant height(cm) 30.5 32.3 17.5 31.0 18.4 23.6

Crop parameters

Feedback from on-farm evaluations

We are yet to do comprehensive on-farm evaluations but preliminary investigations indicate the following:

● Most sought after ancillary attachments were the trailer, sprayer and sheller

● Easy of attaching the equipment to the 2WT is very important

● Easy of operation and handling

● A seat or operator stand

● Ability to easily move from one field to another

Challenges

● Record keeping hard for most operators

● Unsecured trial sites (external/internal interference)

● Availability of spare parts

Conclusions

● While further evaluations and adaptations should continue, it is possible to make some choices at this point (from engineering context)

● Need to give feedback to manufacturers on basis of experiences gained so far.

ASANTE SANA