MECHANICAL SOWING ON SIUTABLE RIDGE SIDE

Abstract

A combined machine for ridging and sawing maize on suitable ridge side was developed. The experiments of this research were divided into two groups. The first group was done to study the influence of the developed former and the ridger in ridge construction. Four experimental factor were 1- tractor forward speed, (m/sec) 2- ridger depth, (cm) 3- ridge former side angle, (degree) 4- former height, (cm) and two measurements were recorded there were 1- cross section area2- soil profile, the optimum cross section area was 673.44 cm2 and the best soil profile was gained at opener depth 9cm, forward speed 0.55 m/sec, ridge former side angle 60 degree and former height -6 cm. In the second experimental group two experimental factors were investigated there were 1- hill spacing 2- sowing depth and three measurements were recorded there were 1- longitudinal scattering, (C.V., %) 2- lateral scattering, (%) 3- emergence, (%).The lowest value of longitudinal scattering (C.V., %), was (21.26%) was obtained at theoretical hill spacing 28 cm and sawing depth 5 cm. In general data showed that Increasing sawing depth and hill spacing tend to decrease in the lateral scattering. Emergence % increased with increasing sowing depth and hill spacing.