Design and Development of Semi-automatic Mulching Machine for Agriculture

Abstract

Aims: To design and develop a semi-automated mulching machine and evaluate its performance in reducing labour requirements and operational time and improving mulching efficiency in agricultural fields. Study Design: An experimental study was carried out involving the design, fabrication and field testing of a semi-automated mulching machine. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Paavai Engineering College, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2025 to May 2025. Methodology: The semi-automated mulching machine was fabricated using locally available materials. The machine consisted of a frame, wheels, mulch roll holder, press wheels, shaft, bearings and handle arrangement. Field tests were conducted to evaluate machine performance under actual farming conditions. Parameters such as field capacity, field efficiency, labour requirement and time required for mulching were recorded and analysed. The results were compared with those of the conventional manual mulching method. Results: The developed machine performed satisfactorily during field testing. The theoretical field capacity was 0.24 ha h⁻¹ and the effective field capacity was 0.167 ha h⁻¹, with a field efficiency of 69.58%. The machine covered one hectare of land in about 6 h with a labour requirement of 12 man-hours ha⁻¹. Compared with the traditional method, the developed machine reduced labour requirements and operational time while providing uniform mulch placement. Conclusion: The semi-automated mulching machine was found to be an effective and economical solution for mulching operations. It reduced labour dependency, saved operational time and improved field efficiency. The machine can be recommended for small- and medium-scale farmers to improve productivity and support agricultural mechanisation.