Development and Performance Evaluation of Locally Manufactured Tractor-Drawn Plastic Mulch-Laying Implement Using Disc Plow at Different Forward Speeds

Abstract

The plastic mulch-laying implement was locally developed for the mechanical application of plastic mulch. The implement was developed using locally available materials, resulting in a lower cost of production. It was evaluated to test the soil covering performance using a disc plow at different forward speeds. The implement was evaluated at five forward speeds. The effect of the forward speeds on actual field capacity, field efficiency, and unsecured mulch was studied. The results of the experiment showed that the average actual field capacity is 0.14 ha/hr (1.12 ha/day). At low speed, the actual field capacity decreased, and unsecured mulch increased by an average of 13% and 6%, respectively, compared to the forward speed. The highest field efficiency of 46.14% was achieved at a forward speed. By means of benefit-cost ratio analysis, the plastic mulch-laying implement showed that it is economically viable. The results of this study showed that the plastic mulch-laying implement is reliable and efficient for plastic mulch application. Hence, it recommends using the plastic mulch-laying implement to make raised beds and lay plastic mulch at a forward speed.