The results of experimental evaluation of the operating conditions of the machine for contact weed control

Abstract

Abstract. The article presents the results of research carried out during the creation of a machine for contact weed control and clarification of the parameters of its operation. The purpose of the research, the results of which are set out in the article, is to prove experimentally the hypothesis put forward in the course of creating a machine for contact weed control about the effect of acceleration of the cut of the stem on which the working solution is on the value of unproductive losses of the working solution. Methods. To achieve the goal of the work, experimental studies have been carried out. The experimental results were processed according to the method of a mathematical full-factor experiment on the MathCAD v.14 software product. Results. In the course of experimental studies, it was found that the operation of the machine at a height of less than 0.2 m is inappropriate, because the accelerations during the oscillatory process of the stem reach significant values and lead to the dropping of the working solution from the stem of the plant. Based on the results of experimental studies, a regression equation was obtained, which reveals the dependence of the efficiency of weed control on the installation height of the machine, the diameter of the weed stems, and the cut angle. Conclusions. In the process of experimental studies, it was found that the acceleration of the edge (cut) of the stem, on which the applied working solution is located, significantly affects the amount of unproductive losses of the working solution. A sharp increase in the acceleration of the tops of the stems when they move from the deflected position to the initial position leads to the discharge of the applied drop of herbicide from the cut of the stem. This is unacceptable for two reasons. First, the herbicide enters the soil and, as a result, leads to its pollution. Secondly, the effectiveness of weed control is significantly reduced due to losses and leads to the need to increase the doses of herbicides. This leads to increased financial costs for weeding. It has been experimentally established that it is advisable to cut plants at a height of at least 0.2 m. The introduction of the established requirement for the height of the machine location allows avoiding the indicated undesirable consequences.