Optimizing cultivator-fertilizer performance with Tractor-Mounted Configuration in Northern Kazakhstan

One of the most promising configuration schemes for cultivator fertilizer involves a fertilizer hopper mounted directly to the tractor frame. This configuration reduces the energy cost of overcoming the traction resistance generated by the cultivator fertilizer and increases its field capacity.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the developed cultivator fertilizer with a tractor with an effective engine power of 300hp under the soil and climatic conditions of the northern region of Kazakhstan. The main scientific achievement of this work is the identification of patterns of change in energy and operational indicators depending on the operating modes of the cultivator-fertilizer device with an attached tractor in the soil and climatic conditions of the northern region of Kazakhstan.

Scientific methods such as physical modeling, analysis and synthesis were used in experimental research. Based on the criteria of maximum field capacity and minimum specific fuel consumption, the optimum operating speed for the cultivator fertilizer was 9km/h. At this operating speed, the specific fuel consumption was 9.4kg/ha and the field capacity was 5.7ha/h.

The agronomic evaluation indicators (soil crumbling, stubble preservation, deviation of the actual depth from the specified value and uneven fertilizer distribution) ensure the qualitative execution of the technological process in accordance with the specified requirements when operating in the justified mode.

Compared to the comparable model, the use of the new cultivator-fertilizer resulted in a positive economic effect, including a 22% reduction in direct costs and a 15% reduction in labor costs and specific fuel consumption. This study was designed to achieve this goal.

Summarizing the results of the research carried out, we come to the following conclusion:

1. Based on the criterion of maximum field capacity and minimum specific fuel consumption, the rational operating speed for the cultivator-fertilizer is v=9.0 km/h. At this operating speed, the specific fuel consumption is g_sp=9.4 kg/ha and the field capacity of the machine is C=5.7 ha/h.
2. In the types of operation studied, the soil crumbling of the cultivated layer was 66.2-68.4%, the stubble conservation was 62.1-66.7%, the actual average cultivation depth was 15.6-17.3cm (at the specified depth of 16cm) and the non-uniformity of fertilizer distribution was 6.1-6.9%. The actual values of these agrotechnical indicators correspond to the specified agrotechnical requirements;
3. Compared to the comparable model, the use of the new cultivator fertilizer with a tractor with an effective engine power of 300hp enabled a 22% reduction in direct costs and a 15% reduction in labor costs and specific fuel consumption;
4. The annual economic effect of using the developed cultivator fertilizer amounted to 22.9 thousand euros. The objective of the research was achieved.