CULTIVATION AND WEED

CONTROL EQUIPMENT
by

Engr. Alexis T. Belonio

Department of Agricultural Engineering and
Environmental Management
College of Agriculture
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City
 Definition of Cultivation
 It is an operation that requires some kind of tool
that will stir the surface of the soil to a shallow
depth in such an manner that young weed will
be destroyed and crop growth promoted.
 Operations
 Pre-Planting – This is being done prior to
planting after the seed bed has been
prepared.
 Post- Planting – This is being done in
some crops after planting before the crops
emerges.
 Post-Emergence – This is being done
usually after emergence of crops since
weeds generally emerge at the same time
with the crop.
 Objectives of Cultivation
 Retain moisture by killing
the weeds, loose mulching
on surface and by retaining
rainfall.
 Develop plant food
 Aerate the soil to allow
oxygen to penetrate the soil
 Promote activity of
microorganism in the soil.
 Factors to Consider in Selecting the
Type and Size Needed for Cultivator
 Area of the farm
 Kind of crop grown
 Soil type and condition
 Rainfall
 Type of farming practice
 Kind of power available
Field Cultivator
 Classifications of Tractor Mounted
Cultivator
 Central-Forward Tractor Mounted Cultivator – They are
available in one, two, four, six, and eight-row sizes. They
can be mounted on both four-wheel and three-wheel
tractors. The one row cultivator are suitable for small
farm and terraced field with curving rows. Two rows are
suitable for medium-size farms and field that have rows
either straight or with gradual curves.
 Rear Tractor Mounted Cultivator - They are usually unit
assemblies attached to tractors equipped with a three
point hitch as a single unit. Each gang are provided a
gauge wheel to control the depth of cultivation. The
gang are attached to a tool bar or frame bar.
 Gangs for Cultivators
 The gang or rig consists of a beam to
which is attached a shank or standard that
has an adjustable foot set at an angle so
as shovel or sweep can be bolted to it.
The type of gang assemblies depend on
the kind of crops, soils, and farming
practices. The number and type of soil
stirring members usually determine the
gang style.
 Shovel and Sweeps
 There are numerous types
and shapes of shovels and
sweeps used for stirring and
killing weeds:
– Shovels are available in
widths up to about 3-1/2 in.
– Sweeps can be obtained in
width ranging from 6 to 24 in.
 Factors to Consider in the Selection of
type of shovel or sweep used:
– Type of soil
– Crops
– Weeds
Cultivator Shovels and Sweeps
 Speed and Duty of Cultivators
 Average speed of horse cultivation is 4
kph.
 Tractor mounted cultivator 4 to 4.8 kph
 Beet and Bean Cultivator
 They require shovel and sweeps for shallow
cultivation. Gage wheel control the depth of
penetration of shovel. Sizes of the cultivator
range from two to six rows, four rows being the
most popular in size. Attachment are available
for the application of fertilizer as a side dressing.
 Lister Cultivator
 They are particularly adapted to the cultivation
of a listed crop in its early stage of development.
Listed crops are those planted in the furrow or
trench or below the general level of the ground.
For the first cultivation, the disks are set to
throw the soil away from the row of the plants.
For all later cultivation, the disks are set to
throw the soil toward the plants.
 Rod Weeders, Field Cultivators,
Subsoil, and Chisel Cultivators
 These cultivators are generally use to
control weed growth on fallow lands.
 Rotary-Hoe Cultivators
 It is a cultivating implement used to cultivate and estroy
weeds and grass around young plants.
 When rain cause a hard rust to form over the soil an
hinder the emergence of young seedlings, the rotary hoe
is an excellent tool for pulverizing the crust.
 Problems on Weeds
 Reduction of profit by reducing the yield
of the crops
 Reduction in the quality of the crops
 Harbors insects that damages the crops
 Reduce value of the land
 Methods for Controlling Weeds
 Cultivation by stirring the soil
 Use of flame
 Use of chemical
 Laying of plastic strips over the row
Rice Weeder
 Safety Precautions
 Power driven implements.
– Ensure all guard are in place
– Do not make adjustments to moving parts or clear
blockages while the machine is running
– Always disengage the pto drive when work ceases
even if only temporarily
– Even when the pto is disengage, it is safer to stop the
tractor engine before working on the machine.
 Do not work under implement held in the raised
position by the tractor hydraulic.
 Never leave the driving seat while outfit is in motion.
 Always attach trailed implements to the proper drawbar
and never to a high position on the rear of the tractor.
 Always use proper draw pin with a locking device
 Never leave self-lift implements in the raised position.
 Allow adequate headlands especially when using trailed
implements near bank, river, and ditches.
 Ensure that tractor is jacked securely when altering
wheels for row-crop work.
 Avoid the temptation to clear tooth harrows by lifting
them manually, when the outfit is in motion and never
leave such harrows inverted in the field after use.
 References
 Lovegrove, H.T. 1976. Crop Production
Equipment. A practical guide for farmers,
operators, and trainees. Hutchinson & Co. Ltd.
3 Fitzroy Square, London Wi. 406pp.
 Smith, H. P. 1977. Farm Machinery and
Equipment. Sixth Edition. Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company Ltd. New Delhi. 488pp.
 Stone, A. A. and H. E. Gulvin. 1967. Machines
for Power Farming. Second Edition. John Wiley
and Sons. New York. 559pp.