A method of Increasing the Area of the Herbage on Mountain Forage Lands

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The present study reveals that up to 60 percent of mountain grasslands are strewn with stones. Their removal can significantly expand forage land and decrease animal injuries. It has been found out that there are no small-sized units capable of removing stones on sloped terrains. (Research purpose) The research aims to develop and construct a laboratory prototype of a stone removal unit adapted to the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor, specifically for use on slopes. This unit is intended to facilitate the rehabilitation of mountain regions that are otherwise unsuitable for livestock farming, and enhance soil resistance to both water and wind erosion. (Materials and methods) The technology has been substantiated and the unit prototype has been constructed. The tests were conducted in the mountainous area of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. The stones were removed from a section of the northern slope with a steepness of 13 degrees in the village of Dargavs. Technical expertise, bench and field tests of the unit were performed in accordance with agrotechnical standards and technical specifications. (Results and discussion) As a result a laboratory prototype of a stone removal unit adapted to the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor was produced. It is determined that the laboratory prototype meets the agrotechnical standards and technical specifications. The unit proves to effectively remove stones larger than 30 millimeters with an efficiency rate of 91-93 percent. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the first year of using the unit results in a 90-95 percent increase in the productivity of forage lands. (Conclusions) The use of this unit on mountain slopes significantly enhances the usable area and improves the water-air and nutrient regimes. This adjustment also alters the species composition of the vegetation, increasing the legume component to 16.7 percent and the cereal component to 47.3 percent. Our findings underscore the potential benefits and feasibility of further developing and deploying this prototype on densely stoned forage lands with slopes of up to 13 degrees.