Pengembangan Mesin Pengelola Tanah, Penanam dan Pemupuk Terintegrasi untuk Budidaya Jagung (Development of an Integrated Machine for Tillage, Corn Seed Planting and Fertilizer Application on Corn Cultivation)

Abstract

Objectives of this research were: a) to design an integrated machine for tillage, planting and fertilizing in a single action for com cultivation, b) to test the prototype of the machine in corn planting. Three main components were designed, i.e. 1) tilling and furrowing unit, 2) seed planting unit, and 3) fertilizer application unit. A prototype of the machine was fabricated and tested In the test, the machine was pulled and driven by a hand tractor and could tilt the soil, form furrows, plant com seeds, and apply chemical fertilizers simultaneously. The tractor and the machine could be operated easily and stable. Field test result showed that, soil tillage performance was good and the furrow could be formed in the desired shape and size. The seed planting was effective and resulted 1-2 seeds per planting hole and about 23 cm seed spacing. The application of urea, TSP and KC1 could be carried out well, in a proper dosage. Theoretical field capacity of the machine was 0.13 ha/hour, and effective field capacity was 0.11 ha/hour at a working speed of 0.48 m/s. The planting result was good and produced one or two plants per clump in 19-28 cm plant spacing.