Effects of disc speed and height of flow mechanism of a solid manure spreader on uniformity of spreading and swath width

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of disc speed and height of flow mechanism of a solid manure spreader in order to maintain uniformity of spread and swath width for optimum crop growth. The study was done using complete randomized design with three factors considered: tractor forward speed, height of flow mechanism (broadcasters) gate opening rates, (15, 30, 45cm) and disc speed (150, 300, 450rpm) applied according to SAE S341.2, 1999 test code. Results obtained and compared with an imported spreader shows that the developed spreader recorded the highest application rate of 4082.1kg/ha against that of the imported spreader of 1875.3kg/ha while the swath width was 9.5m compared to 9.0m of the imported. Results obtained also shows that the spreader gave a more uniform spread pattern of manure at a lower openning of 15cm height of flow mechanism and lesser disc speed of 150rpm. Disc speed and height of flow mechanism were found to be the major determining factor influencing spreading uniformity and swath width of cow dung manure for optimum crop growth.