Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effects of labor saving technology on the cultivation of ‘Kanakabu’ turnip, a domestic variety cultivated using a slasburn method in Akita Prefecture. Power tillers were evaluated on a test field with a 10-meter elevation difference and a 14.0 degrees average gradient. Work rates were 47 h/10a in conventional blocks using a hoe and 6 h/10a in power farming blocks using power tillers, representing an 87% labor saving rate. The power-farming block showed increased germination of 36 hills/m2, compared to the conventional block. However, the power-farming block, with increased plant density, showed 28% lower yields, with a processing rate that was 22% lower than that of the conventional block. Power tiller 2, which has crawler-type wheels, has a longer tread than power tiller 1. Because of this, power tiller 2 was found to be more useful, maintaining a stable center of gravity on slopes of up to 30 degrees. The power-farming block showed a reduced workload on farmers : The workload was only 92% of that of the conventional block, which the reduction rate was greater than that on non-sloped fields. Working postures required for the power-farming block were 100% at AC1, which required no improvement of working posture. Farmers who participated in the study found the new power tiller to be as useful and as comfortable as the conventional power tiller. However, from the standpoint of work safety, both power-farming and conventional methods should be used in combination.
