Performance Evaluation of Tractor driven Round Baler in Residue Management

Abstract

The increasing use of combine harvesters in Nepal has led to a surge in straw burning, causing environmental pollution, soil degradation, and other adverse effects. To address this issue, a 4-wheel tractor-driven round baler was tested and evaluated in Nepal.
 Field testing was conducted to gather information on straw, machine, and bale parameters, as well as baling costs. The machine's field capacity, efficiency, straw recovery, fuel consumption, and baling time were determined. The baling process, including drying and bale formation, was also assessed.
 Results: The round baler demonstrated a field capacity of 0.75 ha/h, 95% efficiency, 92% straw recovery, 5 liters/hr fuel consumption, and 1.3 hrs/ha baling time. The bales, with 20% moisture content, measured 0.64 m in diameter, weighed 16 kg, and had a cost of NRs 4600/ha. The machine exhibited an average baling capacity of 30-35 bales/hr for rice straw and 35-40 bales/hr for wheat straw, with better efficiency in baling wheat straw.
 The tested round baler showed promising results in addressing the residue burning issue, promoting the "earn, do not burn" concept. It offered a viable solution for efficiently baling rice and wheat straw, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and economic viability in the agricultural sector.