Mechanization Assessment of Field Operations for Production of Sugar Cane in the White Nile Area-Sudan

Abstract

There are many types of machines and implements used for field operations and production of field crops such as sugar cane in the White Nile area of Sudan. Therefore the main objective of this study is to assess the mechanization used in the field operations for production of sugar cane crop. This study was based on data collected from the field operations and recorded information from the two sugar companies in the area. The field operations included, the up-rooting, harrowing, reharowing, leveling, ridging, planting, fertilization, spraying and harvesting. The measured parameters were the work rate of machinery, power requirement and the cost of mechanization of field operations. The actual field data was compared with the calculated ones. Some correjation regression analysis was carried out. The results showed that the calculated rate of work was positively correlated to the actual rate of work, speed and width of cut (r = 0.99). The highest calculated rate of work was for spraying operation as 36.2 fed/hr, while the lowest was for harvesting as 2.1 fed/hr. Most of the calculated rates of work were lower than the actual ones. Power requirements were found to increase with the weight of machines. Generally the calculated power requirements were lower than actual ones and the correlation between the machine weight (KN) and the actual power (kW) used for field operation was positive (r = 0.83). The highest calculated power requirement was recorded for the harvester as 350 kW whereas the lowest was for the fertilizer as 32.7 kW. The highest mechanization cost was for harvesting field operation as 253.4 $/hr and was mainly due to the higher cost of power requirement, while the lowest was for leveling operation as 25.8 $/hr. It was concluded that although most of the field operations are well mechanized, yet the power source and requirements for some operations to be reviewed to match the size and type of machinery used, to reduce costs of field operations and production and to protect the enviroment.