Development and performance of a toolframe for mechanical sugarcane stool destruction

Abstract

A toolframe on which a pair of disc gangs, two mouldboard plough bottoms and four disc coulters could be attached, was designed and fabricated. The design was based on estimated draught and power requirements as given by ASAE Standard: ASAE D230.4 (Agricultural Machinery Management Data). ASAE Standard : ASAE 5217.10 (Three-point free-link attachment for hitching implements to agricultural wheel tractors) was used to design the hitch system of the tool frame. A comparative study was conducted on the performance of the developed Cane Stool Destruction (CSD) Implement against two mechanical methods of cane stool destruction. A method of destroying sugarcane stools by use of a chemical by the trade-name "Roundup" was also included in the trials. The study was carried out in Sandy Loam, Sandy Clay Loam and Loamy Sand soil types. The efficiency in destruction of the sugarcane stools, the attainable field capacities and the operation costs for the different methods compared, were the main aspect investigated in the study. The developed prototype CSD Implement, in its state, was the most effective method in Sandy Loam and Loamy Sand soil types. Based on the field evaluation conducted, it is argued that the CSD Implement has a potential as a mechanical device for sugarcane