Development and evaluation of an engine-powered sugarcane single-bud cutter
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.6443Keywords:
cutter, engine, mechanized farming, single bud, sugarcane, sustainable agricultureAbstract
The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an innovative method of sugarcane cultivation that aims to minimize the use of seeds, water, fertilizers and land while maximizing yields. One of the SSI's key principles is the single bud chip technique, which helps produce uniform tillers, increases the number of tillers and results in more millable canes per plant. To support this, an engine-powered single-bud sugarcane sett cutter was developed. The machine comprises a main frame, engine, rotary shaft, cutting discs, stacker, delivery chute, frequency counter, vibration mounts and transport wheels. The machine's performance was tested at four cutting disc speeds (1400, 1800, 2200 and 2600 rpm) and two disc diameters (200 mm and 250 mm), while three different sett cut lengths (30, 35 and 40 mm) were also evaluated. The highest number of single bud setts was achieved with the cutting discs set at 2200 rpm and a 200 mm diameter, resulting in a cutting rate of 1700 setts per hour. For optimal germination, a sett length of 35 mm was recommended. The cost of cutting setts with this machine was 1000 INR per hectare, compared to 6250 INR per hectare for using a traditional bud chipper, offering savings of 84 % in cost and 94 % in time. Additionally, the machine demonstrated impressive germination results, with a 95 % germination rate in a pro-tray nursery and a 90% germination rate under actual field conditions.
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- 15-04-2025 (2)
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