An Integrated Potato-Planting Machine with Full-Film Mulching and Ridged Row Soil Covering

Jianwei Li, Wei Sun (), Hucun Wang, Juanling Wang and Petru A. Simionescu
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Jianwei Li: College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Wei Sun: College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Hucun Wang: College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Juanling Wang: Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China
Petru A. Simionescu: Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: This paper presents the design of an integrated potato-planting machine capable of full-film covering, creating micro-ditches on ridges, and covering seed rows with soil. The machine addresses the challenges of traditional methods, allowing for mechanized planting with complete film coverage and individual seed row soil covering. The key components of the prototype were analyzed and designed. This includes the seeding system, the pointed wing-shaped trencher for creating micro-ditches, and the straddling film-mulching device. Additionally, the operating mechanism of these core components was analyzed. Field trials demonstrated an 85% success rate for seed depth placement under the film. The machine also achieved a 90% qualified index for seed potato spacing, with a 6% repetitive seeding rate and a 3% missed seeding rate. Furthermore, the qualified rate for covered soil width on seed rows was 94%, and the qualified rate for covered soil thickness was 93%. The adjacent row spacing achieved an 88% success rate. The degree of mechanical damage to the exposed surface of the mulch film was minimal, at only 30.2 mm 2 /m 2 . These results meet all the national and industry standards. The successful field trials confirm the effectiveness of the machine in performing integrated fertilization, sowing, ridging, full-film covering, and seed row soil covering. Compared to traditional methods, this machine significantly reduces labor intensity for farmers and enhances the economic value of potato planting.

Keywords: full-film cover; seed row mulching; potato planter; machinery; trials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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