Development of Sugarcane Small-sized Combined Machine for Ratooning

Abstract

A compact combined machine for ratooning sugarcane was developed. The developed machine, attached to a 15kW class tractor, can shave stubble, apply fertilizer and spray herbicide at the same time. This has allowed sugarcane farmers to undertake ratooning earlier and at a more appropriate time. The stubble shaving device and fertilization apparatus are attached to the rear of the tractor and the tank for herbicide attached to the front of the tractor. The developed machine had been made smaller and lighter, thereby maintaining the stability of the tractor along the front-back axis. The fertilizer discharge rate is continuously adjustable due to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). In addition, applying fertilizer under the ground prevents run-off. An inexpensive bilge pump is used in the herbicide sprayer allowing it to work effectively as a power sprayer.

The working efficiency of the developed machine is 1.48h/10a. The necessary labor was 55% compared to that using conventional machine. Extraneous matter on the stool is removed during ratooning practice, which increases the effectiveness of the herbicide. Hilling up the soil after stubble shaving allows the stools to be covered more effectively than without stubble shaving.