Agrotechnical evaluation of the KS-0.3P machine for rubbing out and scarifying legume grass seeds

   Production of high-quality seed material from perennial grasses ensures high yields of crops intended for cattle fattening. Previously, the authors developed the KS-0.3P clover grater-scarifier, which includes a frame, a housing with a rotating drum inside, an oval-type deck with scarifying plates, a receiving hopper, a feeding device, a pneumatic separation channel, a cyclone, and a fabric dust collector.

   The purpose of this study is to determine the agrotechnical indicators of the KS-0.3P clover grater.

   Along with the agro-evaluation of the clover grater for rubbing out seeds from clover wad and scarifying Caucasian goat’s rue (Galega orientalis) seeds, the authors conducted an energy assessment of the machine. Clover wad seeds met the technical requirements: moisture content – 3.7 %, free clover seeds – 1.12 to 2.81 %, crushed seeds – 0.02 to 0.30 %, coarse straw impurities – 0.1 to 0.3 %. Caucasian goat’s rue seeds met the “reproductive seeds” category according to GOST R52325-2005. In three experiments, the feed rate of clover wad was 0.28, 0.39, and 0.46 t/h, and for Caucasian goat’s rue seeds – 0.28, 0.37, and 0.49 t/h. As a result of the tests, the agrotechnical indicators of the KS-0.3P clover grater were determined. For rubbing out seeds: productivity – 0.39 to 0.46 t/h, rubbing-out degree – 95.4 to 95.6 %, seed crushing – 0.1 to 1.0 %, effect of separating light impurities – 73.6 to 77.7 %. For scarification: productivity – 0.37 to 0.49 t/h, scarification degree – 95.8 to 96.5 %, seed crushing rate – 0.3 to 0.8 %. The specific electricity consumption in three experiments for seed rubbing out was 3.28; 3.79; and 4.75 kWh/t; for scarification – 4.32; 4.62; 6.12 kWh/t (according to the technical specification, not more than 12.0 kWh/t). All indicators met the technical requirements. The safety assessment of the clover grater design showed the absence of non-compliance with requirements. Noise level and dust concentration in the working area air were 80.0 dBA and 3.8 mg/m³, which do not exceed regulatory values. The KS-0.3P machine is recommended for use in agricultural production.

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