Research Article
Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Tractor Drawn Raised Bed Wheat Row Planter
Husen Bona*,
Adem Tibesso,
Rebira Wirtu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
52-61
Received:
13 May 2025
Accepted:
3 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: An integrated tractor-drawn wheat and fertilizer planter was fabricated in Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center workshop and evaluated at Omo Nadda district of Oromia region at a farmer’s field. The experiment was conducted to develop and evaluate the performance of a planter capable of sowing seeds and applying fertilizer at predetermined row spacing and depths. The developed planter consisted of a frame, seed hopper, seed metering devices, seed tube, and adjustable furrow opener. The performances were evaluated in terms of seed and fertilizer rate, row spacing, depth, field capacity, field efficiency, labor cost, and economics of owning and operating. Randomized complete block design with each of three levels speeds (3, 4, and 5 km/hr) hopper fill (H0.5, H0.75, and H1) was used. There were no mechanical seeds damaged by the planter at all speed and it indicated that there was no reduction in percent germination of the seeds when compared with the recommended germination percentage. The seed and fertilizer rate was calibrated at 125 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha respectively for 20 cm row spacing and 5 cm depth as per wheat agronomic requirement. The planter was evaluated at speeds of 3, 4, and 5 km/hr and hopper filling levels of H0.5, H0.75, and H1. Both forward speed and hopper filling had a significant effect on seed and fertilizer rate at p < 0.05. The mean effective field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption were 0.45 ha/hr, 91.84%, and 2.95 l/hr at a speed of 3 km/hr. Based on the performance evaluation results, it is concluded that the developed planter can be efficiently, effectively, and economically used by the farmers.
Abstract: An integrated tractor-drawn wheat and fertilizer planter was fabricated in Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center workshop and evaluated at Omo Nadda district of Oromia region at a farmer’s field. The experiment was conducted to develop and evaluate the performance of a planter capable of sowing seeds and applying fertilizer at predetermine...
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Review Article
Investigate the Behavior of Mechanical Properties of Concrete with Coconut Fiber
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
62-70
Received:
30 May 2025
Accepted:
16 June 2025
Published:
28 August 2025
Abstract: This study explores the mechanical behavior of coconut fiber-reinforced concrete (CFRC) as an environmentally friendly alternative in the construction industry. Coconut fiber, a natural and sustainable material, possesses high tensile strength and ductility, making it a promising additive to enhance the toughness and crack resistance of concrete. The primary objective of this research was to investigate how different proportions of coconut fiber-specifically 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% by weight of cement-affect the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete. A total of 90 standard cylindrical specimens were prepared and tested following ASTM C39 and ASTM C496 protocols, with 45 cylinders used for compressive strength tests and 45 for split tensile strength tests after 28 days of curing. The experimental findings indicate a general decrease in compressive strength as coconut fiber content increases. At 1.00% fiber content, the compressive strength showed up to a 61.7% reduction compared to plain concrete. This decline is attributed to the irregular distribution of fibers and the increased voids within the concrete matrix. However, tensile strength exhibited a more nonlinear pattern. While low fiber content (0.25% and 0.50%) resulted in moderate strength reductions, some specimens at 0.50% fiber content approached the tensile performance of plain concrete. Higher fiber percentages (0.75% and 1.00%) caused more significant tensile losses, likely due to fiber clumping and disruption of matrix integrity. Despite reductions in strength, the inclusion of coconut fiber improved post-cracking behavior and energy absorption capacity, making CFRC a viable option in applications where ductility and resistance to dynamic or impact loads are prioritized over compressive strength. Moreover, the use of coconut fiber aligns with sustainable construction practices by utilizing agricultural waste and reducing the environmental impact of concrete production. This study concludes that while excessive coconut fiber content can negatively impact strength, optimized dosages can offer performance benefits in specific applications, supporting the potential of CFRC in eco-friendly and cost-effective construction solutions.
Abstract: This study explores the mechanical behavior of coconut fiber-reinforced concrete (CFRC) as an environmentally friendly alternative in the construction industry. Coconut fiber, a natural and sustainable material, possesses high tensile strength and ductility, making it a promising additive to enhance the toughness and crack resistance of concrete. T...
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,
Abhijit Nath Abhi
