MODELLING OF ENERGY REQUIREMENT DEMAND FOR TILLAGE OPERATIONS IN MAIZE PRODUCTION
MODELLING OF ENERGY REQUIREMENT DEMAND FOR TILLAGE OPERATIONS IN MAIZE PRODUCTION
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015-01
Authors
YUSUF, ABDUSSALAM OMUYA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
While mechanization is known to enhance production and reduce drudgery, powering
agricultural machinery entails energy consumption withattendant financial and
environmental costs. Financial costs in agricultural mechanization is exacerbated by
the rising energy prices due to ongoing energy sector liberalization and this has negative
impact on the profitability of agricultural business. An optimum path is needed which
ensures efficient level of production and minimum energy consumption.This study was
conducted with the objective of developing a mathematical model for predicting the
energy input to tillage operations for maize production in southern guinea savanna belt of
Nigeria in relation to the level of mechanization. A theoretical model relating energy
demand with the soil and tillage operation parameters were evolved from dimensional
analysis using Buckingham pie theorem.
Using a 3x5 factorial Randomized Complete Block Design experimental layout, field
investigation was carried out on a sandy loam soil at Gui village, Abuja for three years
(2010-2012) to determine the influence of degree of mechanization on the energy demand
as well as provide data to validate the model. The study established thattheoptimum
diesel consumption for ploughing , harrowing and ridging operations were found to be 20,
23 and 24 litres per hectare when working at the respective speed of 5.6, 7.8 and
4.8km/h and at depth of 10cm, 15cm and 20 cm respectively.
A mathematical model was developed for predicting tillage energy at different depth and
speeds. The model was implemented using MS Excel visual basic macros and was
applied for predicting energy demand for different field scenarios. The predicted values
showed good correlation with the measured.Based on the study, 15% fuel saving is
achievable through tillage depth and speed management.
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE
STUDIES,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD
OFA
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
MODELLING,, ENERGY REQUIREMENT DEMAND,, TILLAGE OPERATIONS,, MAIZE PRODUCTION,