AE 56 – Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery Management Laboratory Report

Name: Lyn Heart Auman Date Given: Feb. 17, 2024

Lecture Instructor: Mrs. Michelle Baltazar Date Due: Mar. 8, 2024

Laboratory Exercise 3

OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE OF TILLAGE EQUIPMENT

I. Introduction

Tillage is the mechanical manipulation of soil for any desired purpose Tillage can be
classified into primary and secondary. Primary tillage constitutes the initial major soil- working
operation, normally designed to reduce soil strength, cover plant materials, and rearrange
aggregates while secondary tillage follows primary tillage, which are designed to control weed
growth and to create specific soil surface configurations before seeding.
Primary tillage implements displace and shatter soil to reduce soil strength and to bury or
mix plant materials, pesticides, and fertilizers in the tillage layer. Primary tillage is more
aggressive, deeper, and leaves a rougher soil surface relative to secondary tillage. Secondary
tillage implements till the soil to a shallower depth than primary tillage implements, provide
additional pulverization, mix pesticides and fertilizers into the soil, level and firm the soil, close
air pockets, and eradicate weeds. Seedbed preparation is the final secondary tillage operation.
(PAES106:2000)

II. Objectives

At the end of the exercise the student must be able to:

1. Calculate the Theoretical Field Capacity of farm tillage implements used.
2. Calculate the Actual or Effective Field Capacity of the machine
3. Calculate the Field Efficiency of the machine

III. Materials
Measuring tape, Stopwatch, Tillage implements

IV. Methods

A. Performance of the machine

1. Using a measuring tape, measure the perimeter of the plot and determine its area.
2. Observe the operation of the machine by the technician.
3. Determine the speed of the machine by measuring the time it covers to make
a single pass from one end to the other end of its length.

B. Operating the machine

1. Operate the machine covering the entire area selected.

2. Record the time it takes to cover the entire area.
3. Do these three to five times depending on the instructor’s direction.
4. Solve for the average and calculate the actual field capacity (Ha/hr).
5. Calculate the theoretical field capacity (Ha/hr).
6. Calculate the field efficiency.

C. Relevant observation
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 AE 56 – Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery Management Laboratory Report

1. Operate the machine covering the entire area selected.

2. Identify the factors that affect the rate of operation.

V. Results and/or Discussion

Table 5.1. Plot Information

Location: Agricultural Experiment Center
Description: AEC is where the students from CMU conduct their studies/activities.
Length (m): 15m Width (m): 13.8m Area (m2): 207m²

Table 5.2. Machine Specification

Name of Machine: Turtle

Power Source: Diesel Rated Power 14Hp

(Hp):
Width of Cut (m): 1m Speed (m/s): 1.66 m/s

Calculation for Speed:

Table 5.3. Performance of the Machine

Trial Time (s)

1 10.03s
2 9.72s
3 7.34s
4
5
Average 9.03s

⮚ Calculation of Actual Field Capacity

1ℎ𝑎
A = 207m² x 𝐴𝐹𝐶 =𝐴/T Trial 1 = 5:10min
10,000m² 𝐴𝐹𝐶 = 0.0207/0.07 Trial 2 = 3:43min
Trial 3 = 3:40min
A = 0.0207 ha 𝑨𝑭𝑪 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟎 𝐡𝐚/𝐡𝐫 5.10 + 3.43 + 3.40
T=
3

1ℎ𝑟
= 3.98 x
60min

T = 0.07 hr
Where,
𝐴𝐹𝐶 = 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝐴 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

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AE 56 – Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery Management Laboratory Report

⮚ Calculation of Theoretical Field Capacity

𝑇𝐹𝐶 = 𝑆𝑊𝐸𝑓𝑓/10

TFC = (5.98𝑘𝑝ℎ)(1𝑚)(.80)/10

𝑇𝐹𝐶 = 4.78/10

𝑻𝑭𝑪 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟖 𝒉𝒂/hr

Where, 𝑇𝐹𝐶 = 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

𝑆 = 𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒
𝑊 = 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒

⮚ Calculation of Field Efficiency

𝐹𝐸 = 𝐴𝐹𝐶/𝑇𝐹𝐶

FE= 0.48 ha/hr

0.30 ha/hr

𝑭𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟑 𝒐𝒓 𝟔𝟑%

Discussion Questions:

1. Is the tillage equipment easy to operate? Why or why not?

In my experience, it was little bit nervous cause I don't know how to operate it
since I'm still a student. But on our midyear class I already experienced operating
the turtle machine and it was fun done it in muddy paddy. It was fun and yet totally
nervous but the operator was there assisting us whenever to get in trouble and
guiding us, explaining what to do next, and gratefully it was done safely.

2. On a personal level, do you think that agricultural machines can improve farming
operations? Why or why not?

In my opinion as a student, it really help on improving the farming operations.

Truly in advantages side, machinery and equipment help the farming operations
easier and less in labor finances because in doing it with machine only 3 or less can
operate the farm for example in turtle it. It can help the farm in higher yield and more
productive, more resting time and less in labor.

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 AE 56 – Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery Management Laboratory Report

3. What are the factors affecting the rate of operating the tillage equipment?
Explain.

The main factors affecting the rate of operating tillage equipment include soil
moisture levels, soil type, equipment size and type, tractor and speed, depth of tillage,
and field conditions. Soil moisture content affects equipment efficiency, while soil type
determines resistance levels. The size and type of equipment, as well as tractor power,
influence operating speed. Depth of tillage and field conditions such as rouch terrain also
impact the rate of operation.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing farm operations and operating in the field offers a unique
and valuable perspective on the practical aspects of agriculture. It provides insight into the
challenges and rewards of working the land, highlighting the importance of factors such as
soil health, equipment efficiency, and weather conditions. Through hands-on experience,
individuals gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and hard work required in
farming. Operating in the field fosters a connection to the land and a sense of fulfillment in
contributing to the food production process. Operating in the field of agriculture provides
valuable insights into sustainable practices, crop management, and the dedication needed
for success. Challenges include navigating unpredictable weather, managing resources
efficiently, and balancing academic studies with hands-on farm work. Overall, agriculture
offers a practical learning experience that requires problem-solving skills, dedication, and a
holistic approach to farming practices.

VII. Citation
PAES 106: 2000. Agricultural Machinery – Soil Tillage and Equipment – Terminology

VIII. Appendices

- Attach at least two pictures of yourself doing the exercise (a picture with proper
caption)
-Locate in the Google earth the area and print the information

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AE 56 – Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery Management Laboratory Report

Image 1. Photo of me with my friend operating the machine in AEC.

Image 2. Photo of me after operating the machine.

Image 3. CMU Agricultural Experiment Center location in Google Earth.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. The activity must be submitted INDIVIDUALLY (Minus 20 pts if not followed)
2. Submit a soft copy in the google classroom in PDF Form (Minus 20 pts if not
followed)
3. It must be submitted on time (Minus 20 pts if not

followed) DEADLINE – MARCH 1, 2024 (Close submissions

after due date)

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