Rajko Bernik

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR INCLINED ROTORS USED FOR MANURE DISPERSAL ON BROADCAST SPREADERS FOR SOLID MANURE

The process of manure spreading is an important step in cultivating land for agricultural production. For this reason, the technical process of manure spreading was studied using various methods of scientific research and analysis. The focus was primarily on improving the working principles of manure spreading, using so-called wide-angle manure spreaders. Results of the analysis of material transport along the rotor revealed the most relevant parameters of manure spreading. It was found that friction is not the most important parameter. The initial position of pieces of manure and the rotational frequency of the rotor are far more important. The coefficient of friction between the rotor and pieces of manure has a minimum influence on the tangential speed of a piece on the rotor, which in turn also means a minimum influence on the range of spreading. The initial position of the piece on the rotor has an influence on the tangential speed and travel of the piece on the rotor. The tangential speed of the piece as it departs from the rotor is influenced by the size of rotor and the rotational frequency of the rotor. Included are recommendations regarding the process of constructing a new spreading device or improving existing methods of spreading manure.

Side-delivery spreading of manure

The optimum use of natural resources is even more vital in areas with limited possibilities for agricultural production. A better use of those resources yields improved production; however, improved production requires fertilization. Optimum coverage with stable manure on sloping terrain can be achieved by spreading in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spreader. A mathematical model and simulations were devised in order to serve as a basis for recognizing the key parameters of spreading. The rotors rotational speed, the loading area for manure pieces onto the rotor, and the outlet area emerged as the most important parameters for this side-delivery spreader. A special spreading device was designed on the basis of the acquired data. It features greatly improved spreading properties and quality of spreading, together with considerably safer handling. The prototype was tested according to European Standard EN 13080.

Tuber Position in the Ridge in Relation to the Planting Depth with the Technology of Simultaneous Planting and Final Ridge Formation

Simultaneous planting and final ridge formation using a deeper planting depth is necessary in order to achieve good soil cover of tubers and fewer green tubers. Three planting depths were used: planting depth 1 (the shallowest), planting depth 2 (the medium), and planting depth 3 (the deepest). Planting depth 3 led to the largest minimum distance of tubers from the ridge side, and the smallest percentage of tubers in the upper layer of the ridge (0 to 5 cm). However, the highest yield and percentage of green tubers and the smallest marketable yield occurred at the shallowest planting depth (1). The tuber cluster covers 80 to 90% of the area of the ellipse. Empty spaces surrounding the tuber cluster in the ridge also affect the percentage of green tubers in the ridge, which predominantly occur at planting depth 3 and are the rarest at planting depth 1.ResumenEn la siembra simultánea y la formación de las crestas finales se necesita una mayor profundidad de la siembra para lograr cubrir bien los tubérculos y los tubérculos menos verdes con la tierra. Se utilizaron tres profundidades de plantación: la profundidad de plantación 1 (la más superficial), la profundidad de plantación 2 (el medio), la profundidad de plantación 3 (la más profunda). La distancia mínima más grande de los tubérculos desde el borde de la cresta y el porcentaje más bajo de tubérculos en la capa superior de la cresta(de 0 a 5 cm) se ha alcanzado en la profundidad de plantación 3. Por otra parte en la profundidad de plantación 1 se produjo el máximo rendimiento y el porcentaje de tubérculos verdes, así como el menor rendimiento comercial. El cúmulo que rodea los tubérculos cubre el de 80 a 90% del área de la elipse. Los espacios vacíos alrededor del cúmulo que rodea los tubérculos en la cresta también afectan el porcentaje de los tubérculos verdes y predominan en la profundidad de siembra 3, siendo los más raros en la profundidad de siembra 1.

The analysis of technical suitability of the equipment for application of plant protection products in Southeastern Slovenia

Technical testing of the equipment for the application of plant protection products (PPP) was performed in Southeastern Slovenia in the period from 2004 to 2013. The technical conditions of boom or orchard sprayers was examined in details and the following parts were checked: drive, anti-drip valves, nozzles, filters, pipes and tubes, manometers, all valves, pressure regulators, agitator, pump, liquid discharge, spray solution reservoir and spray boom or fan system. The analysis revealed a poor condition of most devices in the initial years. However, technical suitability improved drastically until 2013. Technical condition was not directly related to the region of inspection although the lowest number of defective sprayers was recorded in the Posavje region. This can be linked to higher frequency of use and maintenance of the sprayers in this region as it stands out as the area with larger farms. Occasional technical disorders of the equipment can be recorded each year. It is therefore essential to continue with regular technical inspection to ensure optimal and accurate functioning of the sprayers.

Causes of Accidents with the Agricultural and Forestry Tractors

Agricultural and forestry tractors are very often involved in accidents with overturning because of their high centre of gravity and stability loss. Such accidents are caused by drivers, vehicles or/and driving conditions. The number of deaths in accidents with agriculture and forestry tractors was gathered from several European countries. The topographic features of countries were estimated by the coefficient of the relief, and the development of the country was evaluated by the GDP. The calculation of correlations showed us that neither the shape of the relief of the country nor the development of the country does influence on the number of deaths in such accidents. The essential influence is the legislation for tractors and drivers. The comparison of three countries (Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia) showed the influence of the implementation of the legislation in this region and the time needed for reducing the number of deaths on half.