Impacts of automatic and parallel driving systems on the productivity of machine-tractor units in the northern region of the Republic of Kazachstan

Abstract

Precision farming systems are being intensively introduced into the agricultural production of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to developers and dealers, precision farming can reduce the cost of fertilizers, seeds, PPA, fuel and lubricants by 20% on average. At the same time, the efficiency possibilities resulting from the utilization of precision farming systems under certain conditions have not been fully studied. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of parallel and automatic driving systems on the technical, operational and economic indicators of units for sowing, chemical processing, harvesting, and autumn deep tillage using comparative tests in the northern region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For these purposes, comparative tests were conducted for a seeder for sowing wheat; self-propelled sprayer for chemical weeding of wheat and flax; combine harvester for harvesting wheat; and unit for deep, subsurface tillage in Northern Kazakhstan. The comparative tests determined the impacts of GPS navigation systems, automatic and parallel control systems, and seeding control systems on agricultural, energy, operational, technological and economic performance of units.