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Effect of field configuration and topographical features on the performance of the seeding unit of the Tselot farm (Eritrea)

https://doi.org/10.26897/2687-1149-2024-2-33-41

Abstract

It is difficult to choose an optimal energy means and a suitable set of technological equipment due to the diversity of production conditions (size and configuration of fields, energy intensity of technological process, presence of stones, obstacles and a headland) and specific natural and climatic factors. In order to assess the influence of topographical features of the fields of the Celot farm (Eretria) on the performance of a seeding unit, including a pneumatic seeder Nardi Dora (DORA 600) and a tractor New Holland T6090, the authors studied 23 plots of about 107 ha. They analyzed variations of the seeding unit efficiency index depending on the size and shape indices of the plot (area, convexity, perimeter-to-area ratio, compactness index, square perimeter index, rectangularity and roughness of the field surface profile). Field area was determined with ArcGIS10.7.1, Locus GIS offline land survey was used to obtain spatial information. The obtained data were exported to the Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS software for further processing. The relationship between indices was studied using the multivariate regression analysis. A bivariate study of parameters responding to these indices was carried out to find out the effect of field size and shape indices on the seeding unit performance. The conducted experiment showed variation in the shift time efficiency ratio from 30.1 to 65.7% for low and variable shift time indices. Topographical features of the field significantly affect the field time efficiency factor. When designing fields it is recommended to take into account topographical features to provide suitable turn lanes for maneuvering and eliminate obstacles within the working area.

About the Authors

A. G. Levshin
Russian State Agrarian University – Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation

Aleksandr G. Levshin, DSc (Eng), Professor

49 Timiryazevskaya Str., Moscow, 127434



T. A. Medhn
Russian State Agrarian University – Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation

Tesfit A. Medhn, postgraduate student

49 Timiryazevskaya Str., Moscow, 127434



I. N. Gasparyan
All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Agrochemistry; D.N. Pryanishnikov
Russian Federation

Irina N. Gasparyan, DSc (Ag), Professor

31 Pryanishnikova Str., Moscow, 127434



S. G. Teklay
St. Petersburg State Agrarian University
Russian Federation

Simon G. Teklay, MSc student

196601, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Peterburgskoe Ave., 2



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For citations:


Levshin A.G., Medhn T.A., Gasparyan I.N., Teklay S.G. Effect of field configuration and topographical features on the performance of the seeding unit of the Tselot farm (Eritrea). Agricultural Engineering (Moscow). 2024;26(2):33-41. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26897/2687-1149-2024-2-33-41

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ISSN 2687-1149 (Print)
ISSN 2687-1130 (Online)