Field Capacity and Efficiency of a Turmeric Rhizome Planter in Response to Machine Speeds and Some Selected Crop Parameters

Abstract

This study present variation in field capacity and efficiency of a turmeric rhizome planter in response to the machine speed and some selected turmeric parameters (dimension); turmeric rhizome length and diameter. This was done with a view to ascertaining the best condition under which the planter could perform optimally. The land area covered in a specific duration by the planter depends largely on the field capacity. The turmeric rhizome planter consists of trapezoidal hopper, grooved cylindrical metering devise, ground wheels made of mild steel, chain/sprocket drive system, three linkage point and frame. The experiment was randomized in a factorial design of three levels of rhizome lengths of 30, 45 and 60 mm, diameter of 25, 30 and 35 mm and operational speeds of 8, 10, and 12 kmh-1. The result of the study shows that increase in planter operational speed resulted in an increase in field capacity and efficiency of the planter, and had a significant effect on them. The turmeric rhizome lengths and diameter were found to have insignificant effects on the field capacity and efficiency of the planter.