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Project 2

The document outlines the design and fabrication of a plastic mulching machine aimed at reducing costs and labor in agricultural practices. This machine will perform multiple tasks such as bed formation, laying drip pipes, and covering mulch paper simultaneously, thereby optimizing water usage and improving crop yields. The project emphasizes the importance of efficient machinery in modern agriculture to enhance profitability and conserve resources.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
117 views32 pages

Project 2

The document outlines the design and fabrication of a plastic mulching machine aimed at reducing costs and labor in agricultural practices. This machine will perform multiple tasks such as bed formation, laying drip pipes, and covering mulch paper simultaneously, thereby optimizing water usage and improving crop yields. The project emphasizes the importance of efficient machinery in modern agriculture to enhance profitability and conserve resources.

Uploaded by

hbhemanthkgowda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 32

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

ABSTRACT

The current methods and operations with the individual costing compared to conventional
methods. Reducing the input cost and increasing the output is the main motto of agriculture
now a days. But due to rainfall problem and draught in some areas, it is essential to conserve
the water and make optimum use of it. Hence, the best way of optimization of water is the
Mulching and Dripping method. Mulching is the effective method to reduce the rise of weeds
around the plants and make optimum use of water by conservation of moisture.

The initial cost of mulching and dripping by manually is very high and it should be reduced.
For that purpose, we are designing and fabricating such a machine that it will perform several
operations like- bed formation, drip pipe laying on bed, mulch paper laying, covering the
mulch paper and finally making holes on the mulch paper simultaneously in one pass of the
machine.

To meet the growing needs of the farmers who wish continuously to improve the profitability
of their farming by using more efficient materials and machinery. The use of mulching paper
in agriculture is increasing day by day to growing the importance in increasing the crop yield.
It is also one of the best methods to cover the soil and maintain the required atmosphere
around the crop. The working and parameters of mulch paper laying machine for minimizing
the human efforts and increasing productivity of crops.

In modern agriculture, the focus is on reducing input costs while increasing output. Water
conservation is particularly crucial in areas prone to rainfall shortages and droughts.
Mulching and dripping are effective methods for optimizing water usage. Mulching
suppresses weed growth around plants and conserves moisture, making it essential for
maximizing crop yields. However, the initial cost of manual mulching and dripping can be
prohibitively high. To address this challenge, we are designing and fabricating a machine
capable of performing multiple tasks in a single pass. This machine will streamline
operations such as bed formation, laying drip pipes, spreading mulch paper, covering the
paper, and creating holes simultaneously.
Key words: Mulching paper, Automatic mulch and drip laying machine, Drip irrigation,
Portable machine, Weed control.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 1


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE.NO

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 INRTODUCTION .................................................................... 5


1.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ............................................. 7
1.3 SELECTON OF MULCHES ................................................... 8
1.4 METHOD OF MULCHING .................................................... 9

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 LITERATURE SURVEY… ..................................................10

3. OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................... 12

4. DESIGN AND FABRICATION

4.1 METHODOLOGY ................................................................ 13


4.2 WORKING PRINCIPLE......................................................14
4.3 COMPONENTS .................................................................... 17
4.4 COST ESTIMATION ...........................................................24

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION


5.1 RESULTS ............................................................................ 25
5.2 DISCUSSION ...................................................................... 25

6. FUTURE SCOPE AND CONCLUSION..............................................26

7. REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 27

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

LIST OF FIGURES

SL FIGURE TITLE PAGE


NO NO
NO
1 1.1 CONVENTIONAL METHOD OF PAPER MULCHING 5

2 1.2 TYPES OF MULCHE PAPER 7

3 1.3 LAYING OF MULCHES MANUALLY 8

4 4.1 MODEL OF MULCHING MACHINE 13

5 4.2 ACTUAL MODEL 14

6 4.3 CAD MODEL OF MULCHING MACHINE 15

7 4.4 3D MODELING OF MULCHING MACHINE 15

8 4.5 PHOTO SESSION WITH HOD, MENTOR 16

9 4.6 FABRICATION OF MODEL 16

10 4.7 ARC WELDING PROCESS 17

11 4.8 TRAILING THE MOVEMENT OF MACHINE 17

12 4.3.1 PETROL ENGINE 18

13 4.3.2 FRAME 19

14 4.3.3 WHEELS 20

15 4.3.4 HUB 20

16 4.3.5 AXLE WITH WHEEL 21

17 4.3.6 SPOKES 22

18 4.3.7 MULCHING PAPER 22

19 4.3.8 SHAFT 23

20 4.3.9 HOLE MAKING PART 23

21 4.3.10 HOEING BLADE 24

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

LIST OF TABLES

SLNO TABLE NO TITLE PAGE


NO
1 4.1 ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS 16

2 4.2 FRAME SPECIFICATIONS 17

3 4.3 PAPER SPECIFICATION 20

4 4.4.1 COST ESTIMATION 23

5 5.1 RESULT ANALYSIS 26

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This project will provide less effort to be taken by farmer due to reduction in the capital
cost and time for laying the mulching paper using the most convenient method. To
accomplish these tasks it is essential to fabricate the machine and get the required results
in less effort. It is very effective technique to improve the yield and germination of plants
but, the conventional method of mulch lying is very costly and is not easy to handle.

The rare certain problems while handling the mulch paper like tearing of mulch paper,
skirring away the paper due to wind. Hence to overcome this problem the automatic mulch
and drip laying machine is fabricated. Drip irrigation is the type of micro irrigation which
has the potential to save water by evaporation and to give extra nutrients to plant. The water
directly into root zone and minimizes evaporation. The objective of this project is to design
and manufacture a small sized portable mulching and drip laying machine withhole making
mechanism in it. This machine can be operated manually or externally powered.

Natural mulches do not always provide sufficient weed control, they may also carry weed
seeds and repeatedly slow down the soil warming in the spring season and such condition
can delay the growth and ripening in warm season vegetables. To meet the growing needs
of the farmers and to increase the profitability by using more efficient types of machinery
in the least capital cost, the manual mulching machine can be the one. The use of plastic
mulch in agriculture gives benefits such as an increase in soil temperatures, easy of weed
management, moisture conversation, reduction of certain insect pests, high crop yields, and
more efficient use of soil nutrients.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

Fig .1.1. Conventional method of paper


mulching(manual)

1.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Agriculture has been vital to humanity for thousands of years. Over the millennia, farmers have
had multiple encounters with the devastation caused by erosion, soil depletion and
desertification. While modern gardeners and landscape professionals have learned to avoid
these unpleasant consequences by using natural mulch, the technique has an interesting and
long-lived history. At Wholesale Wood Products, we provide bulk mulch and compost to
property owners and landscape designers in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding metro area
communities. We enjoy helping our local customers discover the amazing benefits of wood
mulch and would love to share more information with you. Have you wondered about the
development of mulch? Here are some fun facts to satisfy your curiosity.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

The earliest known example where the use of mulch as an agricultural technique was discussed in
written record comes from China, around 500 BC. However, there is evidence of widespread use
of mulching throughout various regions of the ancient and classical world. Many societies used
green manuring, which involves cutting down crops for the sole purpose of mixing the material
into the soil to provide additional nutrients. Examples of this practice include Sunn hemp form
India and Seaweed in Ireland and Scotland. While these materials may have been used primarily
for supplying nutrients and building the soil, and less for aesthetics or weed suppression, it
performed many of the same functions that wood mulch provides modern day property owners.

1.3 THE SELECTION OF MULCHES

The selection of mulches depends upon the ecological situations and primary and secondary
aspects of mulching.

1. Rainy season - Perforated mulch


2. Orchard and plantation - thicker mulch
3. Soil solarization - Thin transparent film
4. Weed control through solarization - Transparent film
5. Weed control in cropped land - Black film
6. Sandy soil - Black film
7. Saline water use - Black film

Fig.1.2 Types of mulching paper

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

1.4 METHODS OF MULCHING

1. This can be used in Orchard/Fruit/Established trees.

2. The mulching area should preferably be equivalent to the canopy of the plant.

3. The required size of mulch film is cut from the main roll.

4. Clean the required area by removing the stones, pebbles, weeds etc.

5. Till the soil well and apply a little quantity of water before mulching

6. Small trench could be made around the periphery of the mulching area to facilitate
anchoring of the mulch film.

7. Cover the film to the entire area around the tree and the end should be buried in the
ground. Semicircular holes could be made at four corners of the film in order to facilitate
water movement.

8. The position of the slit/opening should be parallel to the wind direction 7 • Cover the
corners of the film with 4-6 inches of soil on all sides to keep the film in position.

9. In hard soil, make a trench of 1’x1’x2’ depth on four corners of the mulching area and
fill it up with gravel or stones, cover the trenches with the mulch film and allow the water to
pass through the mulch to the trenches via semicircular holes on the film.

Fig.3.Laying of mulches manually

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1LITERATURE SURVEY

[1]. Swapnil Sutar, Rajesh Yamgar, Pavan Patil, Sangram Bhosale & Prof. U.Y. Siddha
they Concluded The design of all the components is according to the proposed plan. The
components are designed so as to obtain the required results. The machine thus designed can
successfully lay mulching paper, lay drip line and punch hole simultaneously and efficiently.
Time required to laying the mulch paper is 2.5 hours per acre for our machine. Hence, we are
reduced time required to lay the mulch paper by 80% and 72% as compared to conventional
method and tractor attachment respectively. The operational cost of our machine is Rs 350 per
acre and hence we reduce operational cost required to lay the mulch paper 93% and 87% as
compared to manual method and tractor attachment respectively.

[2]. AmayTipayale, Mayur S. Salunke, Samadhan U. Thete, Tushar S. Thete, Sandip B.


Thete they suggested in this paper, we designed a “Advance Mulching Paper Laying Machine”
application which is in a Agriculture, which is going to Laying a paper with reducing human effort and
also cost required for employee for laying Mulch Paper on Bed. This system does not need more human
labour, Mulch paper avoid the waste water, and Stop the growth of grass. Also this method we use
some Mechanical Mean so the working time is less as compared to the conventional method.

[3]. Ashutosh Bhagat, Parth Lokhande, Suraj Bhakare, Wable Rohit, Prof. S.S. Gholap,
this process leads to preparation of raised seed bed, spread mulch film and anchoring of edges
of film. If this process done manually then it requires number of persons for laying the plastic
over the soil bed and also for shovel the soil onto the edges of the mulch and then this overall
manual process tends to be very time-consuming, labour intensive, tedious and costly. So
working through this machine is more efficient to do Above discussed parameters will
definitely provide the basic ideas associated with mulching laying machine.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 9


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

[4]. Chandan BS, Cholaraju S Mohan Raju, Dhanush MP, Dinakar MK, Asha Rani A.
They suggested that laying of plastic mulch film entails considerable time, labour expenditure
and is extremely tiring. Laying of plastic mulch film by means of machines increases
efficiency and results in less expenditure on labor. The increasing demand for horticultural
produce and health consciousness among people has become imperative for us to produce
more as well as good quality produce to sustain in the international market. Plasticulture is
crucial to Indian agriculture in view of the changing technological scenario for boosting crop
yields and productivity.

[5]. Anil S. Maheshwari Vaibhav D. Shinde, Nikhil K. Kshirsagar, Mahesh D. Malkar


Juned F. Deshmukh They proved laying of plastic mulch film entails considerable time,
labour expenditure and is extremely tiring. Laying of plastic mulch film by means of machines
increases efficiency and results in less expenditure on labour. The increasing demand for
horticultural produce and health consciousness among people it has become imperative for us
to produce more as well as good quality produce to sustain in the international market.
Plasticulture is crucial to Indian agriculture in view of the changing technological scenario for
boosting crop yields and productivity. To minimize the time consumption and capital
requirement during laying operation and to increase the efficiency, with low cost, it demands
appropriate technology.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 10


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 3

3.1 OBJECTIVES

1. Design a machine that can lay plastic mulch, place drip pipes, and punch holes
simultaneously.

2. Make sure it's fast to save time for farmers.

3.Keep costs low so small farmers can afford it.

4. Ensure all tasks are completed in one go for efficiency.

5. Develop machines to work without electricity for easy use in rural areas.

6. Create a prototype that solves design challenges and is practical for real-life farming
situations, helping farmers save effort and money.

3.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

To design and fabricate economical, automatic, multipurpose paper mulching machine. The
machine aims to streamline agricultural operations by reducing manual labor, saving time, and
optimizing resource utilization.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 11


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 4

4.1 METHODOLOGY
• The methodology used for the whole processing of design and development of mulch paper
laying machine is given below. This methodology gives way about how work is carried out
in a systematic way. It is the standard process of describing process how it is done in the
simplest manner.

SELECTION OF MATERIAL

TESTING

CONCLUSION

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 12


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

4.2. WORKING PRINCIPLE

Fig. 4.1 Model of mulching machine

• The basic idea behind this machine is plastic mulch and drip pipe will be placed under the
press wheel assembly before going to start the plastic mulch laying operation.
• The plastic mulch laying equipment consist of plastic mulch roller assembly, drip roll carrier
assembly, soil covering devices and press wheel assembly.
• When the machine is moved in the forward direction the mechanism is done so that plastic is
layed on the ground and the back wheels will drop soil on the side of the plastic.
• The soil covering assembly will be adjusted properly to cover the soil over the adjust of the
plastic mulch to make a tight plastic mulched soil bed.
• The spiked wheel will be free to rotate and will be used to drill the hole.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• Other components mounted on the main frame which are drip roller, drip line director roller,
mulch paper roller, paper pressing roller and joining arrangement to tractor.
• When machine is pulled forward dripline and mulch paper start to unwound as both are
anchored at other end.
• Drip line guided below the paper by drip line director and at the same mulch paper is placed
over the bed by paper pressing rollers.
• The working of this machine is very simple just like pulling the machine in a straight line in
the farm.
• This machine has a very simple operation, and no skilled operator is required, and it makesthe
work simple and effortless. Now a days the farmer lays the mulch paper by hand, and thiswill
not maintain the uniformity and no proper distance maintain between the mulch films.

Fig:4.2. Fabricated model

COMPONENTS
1. Wheel
2. Frame
3. Shaft
4. Engine
5. Roller support

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 14


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

Fig :4.3 CAD model of mulching machine

Fig :4.4 3D model of mulching machine

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 15


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

Fig :4.5 Photo session with HOD and Mentor

Fig: 4.6 Fabrication of model

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 16


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

Fig: 4.7 Arc welding process

Fig :4.8 Trailing the movement of machine

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 17


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

4.3 COMPONENTS
a) Engine(petrol)
b) Main frame
c) Ball bearing
d) Shaft
e) Wheels
f) Hoeing blade
g) Punching wheel
h) Drip pipe roller

• ENGINE
The engine powers the machine’s various components, including the wheelsand the
mud closer plate.

Fig.4.3.1 Petrol Engine

Table 4.1: Engine Specifications


Engine Single cylinder engine
Displacement volume (I/cylinder) 0.567
Bore(mm) 88
Stroke(mm) 88.3
Connecting rod length(mm) 149
Compression ratio 15.9:1

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• FRAME
➢ The metal frame is generally made of mild steel bars for machining, suitable for lightly
stressed components including studs, bolts etc. It can be case hardened to improve wear
resistance. They are available in bright rounds, squares, and flats, and hot rolled rounds.
Suitable machine allowances should therefore be added when ordering.
➢ It does not contain any additions for enhancing mechanical or machining properties.
Bright drawn mild steel is an improved quality material, free of scale, and has been cold
worked (drawn or rolled) to size. It is produced to close dimensional tolerances.
➢ Straightness and flatness are better than black steel. It is more suitable for repetition
precision machining.
➢ This is made of mild steel material. The whole parts are mounted on this frame structure
with suitable arrangement. Boring of bearing sizes and open bores done in one settingto
align the bearings properly while assembling. Provisions are made to cover the bearings
with grease.

Fig: 4.3.2 Frame

Table:4.2 Frame specifications

Size 1.5*2 m
Weight 11 kg
Shape Rectangular
Material Iron

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• WHEELS
Guiding Wheels and Punch Wheel A bicycle tire is a tire that fits on the wheel of a bicycle or similar
vehicle. They may also be used on wheelchairs and hand cycles, especially for racing. Bicycle tires
provide an important source of suspension, generate the lateral forces necessary for balancing and
turning, and generate longitude.

Fig: 4.3.3 Wheel

• HUB
A hub is the center part of a bicycle wheel. It consists of an axle, bearings and a hub shell. The hub
shell typically has two machined metal flanges to which spokes can be attached. Hub shells can be
one-piece with press-in cartridge or free bearings or, in the case of older designs; the flanges may be
affixed to a separate hub shell. diagonal forces necessary for propulsion.

Fig: 4.3.4 Hub

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• AXLE

The axle is attached to dropouts on the fork or the frame. Quick release - a lever and skewer that pass
through a hollow axle designed to allow for installation and removal of the wheel without any tools
(found on most modern road bikes and some mountain bikes). Nut - the axle is threaded and protrudes
past the sides of the fork/frame. (Often found on track, fixed gear, single speed, BMX and inexpensive
bikes) Bolt - the axle has a hole with threads cut into it and a bolt can be screwed into those threads.
(found on some single speed hubs, Cannondale Lefty hubs) Thru axle - a removable axle with a
threaded end that is inserted through a hole in one fork leg, through the hub, and then screwed into
the other fork leg. Some axles have integrated cam levers that compress axle elements against the
fork leg to lock it in place, while others rely on pinch bolts on the fork leg to secure it. Diameters for
front thru axles.

Fig:4.3.5 Axel wheel

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• SPOKES

The rim is connected to the hub by several spokes under tension. Original bicycle wheels used
wooden spokes that could be loaded only in compression, modern bicycle wheels almost
exclusively use spokes that can only be loaded in tension. There are a few companies making
wheels with spokes that are used in both compression and tension. One end of each spoke is
threaded for a specialized nut, called a nipple, which is used to connect the spoke to the rim and
adjust the tension in the spoke.

Fig: 4.3.6 SPOKES

• MULCHING PAPER

The bearings are pressed smoothly to fit into the shafts because if hammered the bearing may
develop cracks. Bearing is made up of steel material and bearing cap is mild steel. Ball and roller
bearings are used widely in instruments and machines in order to minimize friction and power
relations given the application's importance for mobility.

Table:4.3 Paper specification

Length 400 M

Thickness 17 GSM

Colour Black

Material Plastic Fig: 4.3.7 Mulching paper

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• SHAFT
The bearings are pressed smoothly to fit into the shafts because if hammered the bearing
may develop cracks. Bearing is made up of steel material and bearing cap is mild steel. Ball
and roller bearings are used widely in instruments and machines to minimize friction and
power loss.

Fig: 4.3.8 Shaft

• DRILLER

It is major part of machine it is used to make the holes on paper, and it is operated by lever, and
it can create 47 holes per minute.

Fig: 4.3.9 Hole making part

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

• HOEING BLADE
It is used for loosening the soil and for removing weeds. Draw hoe is used for removing
undesired vegetation, which is grown along with crops. A sweeping hoe is used for slicing and
Sweeping of the weeds on the surfaces.

Fig: 4.3.10 Hoeing blade

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

4.4 COST ESTIMATION

Table 4.4.1: Cost estimation

SL NO COMPONENTS QUANTITY COST

ENGINE 1 8000
1
SHAFT 2 2500
2
BEARING 4 1500
3
WHEEL 4 4000
4
FRAME (CAST IRON) 25 KG 6000
5
MULCHING PAPER 10 M 1000
6
DRIP PIPE 10 M 700
7

8 MUD CLOSER PLATE 2 600

9 OTHER 5000

TOTAL 29300

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 25


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 RESULTS

• Our machine lays mulch paper in 2.5 acre per hour, reducing time by 80% compared to
conventional method.
• Operational cost is Rs 350 per acre, reducing costs by 93% compared to manual methods
and 87% compared to conventional methods.
• To reduce the soil erosion from wind or water up to 97% compared to conventional methods.

• To control weed growth under mulch film.

• Mulches develop a microclimate underside of the sheet.

• Mulches maintain a warm temperature of about 27degree Celsius, even during nighttime which
enables seeds to germinate.
• Improves productivity 23% compared to traditional methods.

• Multifunction like Drip and Hole Making attachment.

Table: 5.1 Result analysis

SL NO OPERATION CONVENTIONAL METHOD CURRENT MODEL COST SAVING

1 BED PREPARATION 3500

2 DRIP PIPE LAYING 6720

3 MULCH PAPER LAYING 800

4 HOLE MAKING 800 5500 6320

TOTAL 11820 5500 6320

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 26


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

5.2 DISCUSSION

➢ The plastic mulch laying machine revolutionizes agricultural technology by addressing


challenges such as time consumption, labor intensity, and cost inefficiency associated
with manual mulch laying.
➢ By automating the process, it significantly enhances efficiency and productivity,
reducing time per acre and operational costs compared to traditional methods.
➢ Its versatility is showcased through its ability to lay mulch paper, drip lines, and punch
holes simultaneously, demonstrating its practicality in modern farming practices.
➢ The machine's contribution to water conservation, weed control, and soil health
underscores its importance in promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
➢ Farmers stand to benefit from higher crop quality, increased yield, and improved
profitability with the adoption of this technology.
➢ Further research and development efforts can refine the machine's capabilities and
adaptability to diverse agricultural settings.
➢ Overall, the plastic mulch laying machine represents progress in sustainable farming
practices, offering a viable solution for enhancing efficiency and
productivity in agriculture.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 27


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

1. Plastic residues are distributed in agricultural field soils due to plastic film mulching.

2. Up to 30 cm depth plastic residues are present in the plastic film mulched fields.

3. The availability of plastic residues is increasing with the duration of mulching.

4. The rhizosphere soil microbial activity was not affected by plastic film mulching.

5. Soil organic matter was significantly influenced by mulching which in turn resulting in
improvement of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties upon decomposition.

6. Pesticides, organic mulches act as a nutrient reserve to the soil which upon mineralization
adds up to the soil fertility in turn resulting in higher crop yields.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

6.2 FUTURE SCOPE

The future scope for this project includes incorporating additional operations to further enhance
its functionality and efficiency in agricultural practices. Some potential enhancements could
involve:

• Seed Planting Mechanism: Integrating a mechanism to plant seeds directly through


the mulch paper, facilitating a seamless process from bed preparation to seeding.

• Fertilizer Application: Developing a system for precise fertilizer application along


with the mulch laying process, ensuring optimal nutrient distribution and plant growth.

• Weed Management System: Implementing technology for automatic weed detection


and removal, reducing the need for manual labor and herbicides.

• Smart Irrigation System: Integrating sensors and actuators to enable automated


irrigation based on soil moisture levels, thereby optimizing water usage and crop
health.

• Data Analytics and Monitoring: Incorporating sensors and software for real-time
monitoring of crop health, soil conditions, and machine performance, enabling data-
driven decision-making for farmers.

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Exploring renewable energy sources such as


solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.

By incorporating these advancements, the mulch laying machine can evolve into a
comprehensive agricultural solution, offering farmers greater efficiency, productivity, and
sustainability in their operations.

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 29


DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

CHAPTER 7

REFERENCES

1.[1]. Swapnil Sutar, Rajesh Yamgar, Pavan Patil, Sangram Bhosale & Prof. U.Y.Siddha Department
of Mechanical Engineering Adarsh Institute of Technology, Vita. Shivaji University, Kolhapur
“Advanced Mulching Paper and Drip laying Machine”, Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
(IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-10, 2017

2.[2]. AmayTipayale, Mayur S. Salunke, Samadhan U. Thete, Tushar S. Thete, Sandip B. Thete
Department of Mechanical Engineering JIT College/ Sappu, India. “Advance Mulching Paper Laying
Machine” IJSRDhnologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org i871International
Journal for Scientific Research &Development.Vol. 5, Issue 03, 2017.

3.[3]. Ashutosh Bhagat, Parth Lokhande, Suraj Bhakare, Wable Rohit, Prof. S.S. Gholap , Department
Of Mechanical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College, Loni, India. “Mulching paper laying
machine” Volume:06/Issue:04/April-2024.

4.[4]. Chandan BS1, Cholaraju S Mohan Raju , Dhanush , Dinakar , Mrs. Asha Rani A. Department of
Mechanical Engineering, Sir MVIT, Bangalore, “Design and Fabrication of Solar Powered Mulch Laying
Machine” 2023 JETIR May 2023, Volume 10, Issue 5.

5.[5]. Anil S. Maheshwari1 Vaibhav D. Shinde, Nikhil K. Kshirsagar, Mahesh D. Malkar , Juned F.
Deshmukh5.Mechanical Engineering Department, Sandip institute of Engineering and Management, Sandip
foundations, Nasik, Maharashtra India “design and manufacturing of manual mulching machine” Vol-5 Issue-
3 2019 IJARIIE-ISSN(O)-2395-4396.

6.[6]. P. Zemanek, Z. Abraham, P. Burg, “Economic effectiveness of mulching machines operations”,


American society for horticultural science, Volume 6, Issue 2 November 2012.

7. Chitra Madhu Sudhan Gowd, Prof. B. Durga Prasad, “Design and development of plastic mulch
laying machine in agriculture”, International Journal of Technical Innovation in Modern Engineering
& Science (IJTIMES), Volume 3, Issue 11 November 2017.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

8. M. J. Lawrence, D. R. Buckmaster, W. J. Lamont, Jr., “A pneumatic dibbling machine for plastic


mulch”, American society of agricultural and biological, Volume 2, Issue 16 November 2016.

9. Vijay P. Veer, Pramod R. Thete, Dipak A. Shinde, Krishna S. Vanve, Mr.S.D.Ratnakar:


International Journal of Science Technology Management and Research: Vol-2,
Issue 3, (March 2017).

10. Tapani Haapala, Paullina Palonen, Antti Tammine and Jukka Ahokas, Department of agricultural
science University of Helsinki, Finland “Effects of different mulches on soil temperature and yield of
cucumis sativus L in the temperature zone” volume-24, 2015

11. Swapnil Sutar, Rajesh Yangar, Pawan Patil, Sangram Bhosale & Prof. U. Y. Sidhha: Imperial
Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR): Vol-3, Issue, (2017).

12. Harshvardhan Dattatray Jadhav, Jitendra Jalindar Kadam, Anil Dada Karche, Hanumant Prakash
Kharat, WasnikMonish BE Student, Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering S.
B. Patil College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule pune university, India Review Paper on “Automatic
Mulch Laying and Hole Generation in Farm”, 2017 IJESC Research Article Volume 7 Issue No.4.

13. Abhishek Navghare, Anshul Tambekar, Harshit Pandey, Vicky Navghade, Prof. Ranjeet Mane:
International Journal of Engineering Science and Computing (IJESC) Vol-7, Issue 3,(march 2017).

14. Amay Tipayale, Mayur S. Salunke, Samadhan U. Thete, Tushar S. Thete, Sandip B.Thete,
“Advance Mulching Paper Laying Machine”, IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research
& Development| Vol. 5, Issue 03 2017.

15. Chitra Madhu Sudhan Gowd, Prof. B. Durga Prasad, “Design and development of plastic mulch
laying machine in agriculture”, International Journal of Technical Innovation in Modern Engineering
& Science (IJTIMES), Volume 3, Issue 11 November 2017.

16. M. J. Lawrence, D. R. Buckmaster, W. J. Lamont, Jr.[1], “A pneumatic dibbling machine for


plastic mulch”, American society of agricultural and biological, Volume 2, Issue 16 November 2016.

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DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PLASTIC MULCHING MACHINE 2023-24

17. P. Zemanek, Z. Abraham, P. Burg, “Economic effectiveness of mulching machines operations”,


American society for horticultural science, Volume 6, Issue 2 November

18. Chitra Madhu Sudhan Gowd & B. Durga Prasad, Amay Tipayale Design and fabrication of
manual mulching machine by, Vol-5 Issue-3 2019, IJARIIE-ISSN(o)-2395-4396.

19. Siddesh Marihonnappanavara and M. Veeranagudda, Development and evaluation of tractor


operated plastic mulch laying equipment, Volume-10, Issue 02, Ocober-2017, ISSN: 0976-7223.

20. sheenc. Moses, Design, and development of manual plastic mulch laying machine Ashish Kumar
Kerketta, 6 (6): 48-53 ISSN: 2320-7051 (2018).

DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PESCE MANDYA. Page 32

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