Farmers' participation in evaluation of two- wheeled based tractors in Kenya

1. Field Evaluation of two- wheeled based tractors
in KENYA
Hawassa - Ethiopia
9-13 February 2015

2. Presentation Outline
1. Objective 1 outline and Progress to-date
2. Field evaluations
3. General observations of the equipment
4. Tes Results
5. Challenges
6. Conclusions

3. Progress Summary
No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs
Output
1.1
Most promising 2WT- based technologies identified and acquired
1.1.1 Biophysical and socio-
economic site characterization
(desk study)
Site-specific report detailing
biophysical (e.g. major soil
types, main crops) and
socioeconomic (e.g labour
availability, cultural setting,
proportion of women-headed
households) context
Completed and report
submitted
1.1.2 Focus group discussion in
each innovation platform on
the current knowledge and
skills on 2WT-based
technologies
Report on the current
knowledge and skills on 2WT-
based technologies in each
innovation platform
Completed
1.1.3 Farm survey with focus on
farm power and drudgery,
disaggregated by gender
Baseline report for each site
Cross-site database available
through the knowledge
platform
Completed and report
submitted
1.1.4 Inventory and characterization
of most promising 2WT-based
technologies available in each
Country-specific report Report submitted

4. Progress Summary
No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs
Output
1.2.
Best bet 2WT-based technologies evaluated on-station and on-station
component technology research
1.2.1 Training of researcher
teams in the calibration,
operation, repair and
maintenance of 2WT and
ancillary equipment
Research teams trained Training conducted
18 participants drawn
from
Laikipia/Meru/Bungom
a/Kakamega
1.2.2 Development of protocols
for on-station testing
On-station evaluation
protocols
Protocols developed
1.2.3 Researcher-managed
field evaluation of most-
promising 2WT-based
technologies
Technical report on the
comparative performance
(e.g. field capacity, ease of
operation, fuel consumption)
of the equipment and on
their adaptation to suit local
circumstances; and
recommendations for on-
farm evaluation.
Both on-station and
on-farm trials started.
Two seasons of testing
done so far. See
results elsewhere

5. Progress Summary
No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs
Output
1.3.
Best bet 2WT-based technologies evaluated on-station and on-station component
technology research
1.3.1 Identification of at least five
farm-sites per innovation
platforms for participatory
evaluation of 2WT-based
technologies
Farm-sites identified and
characterized
Sites identified based
on number of
equipment on trial
1.3.2 Development of protocols for
on-station testing
On-farm evaluation protocols Protocols developed
1.3.3 Training of innovation
platform members on basic
calibration, operations and
maintenance of tractors and
ancillary equipment
Innovation platform members
trained
Training conducted
1.3.4 Participatory evaluation and
adaptation of best bet 2WT-
based technologies
Technical report on the
performance of the best bet
technologies (e.g. range of
crops that can be successfully
sown, residue handling capacity,
performance under a range of
typical soil textures, moisture
contents and bulk densities)
Ongoing

6. Progress Summary
No Output/Activities Milestones Outputs
Output
1.4.
Exploration of short term incentives and long-term impact of 2WT-based
technologies on farmer livelihoods through farm bio-economic models.
1.4.1 Development of farm
typology, based on farm
power availability and
constraints
Prototype farms for simulation Pending
1.4.2 Selection (or development) of
a farm-scale model,
calibration and validation
Model ready for simulation, for
each farm type
Pending
1.4.3 Identification of realistic
scenarios of change in
available farm power and
simulation of these scenarios
Outputs of simulation runs
(e.g. expected labour input, cash
flow) of various realistic
modelling scenarios
(incorporating adoption rate of
different 2WT-based
technologies)
Pending
1.4.4 Participatory workshops
discussing simulation outputs
within each innovation
platform
Workshop report for each
innovation platform
Pending

7. Field evaluations of equipment
Methodology
● Researcher managed trials – 3 replicates of each treatment on
randomized block design
● Each equipment calibrated to deliver plant population of
approximately 40,000 plants per hectare
● Variable row spacing based on equipment capability but plant
population maintained
● Diammonium phosphate fertilizer applied at the rate of 50kg/ha
● Topdressing with urea at the rate of 100kg/ha (hand application)
applied approximately 4 weeks after plant emergency

8. On-farm operations
● What they liked about the equipment/machine
● What they didn’t like
● Ancillary equipment they would like to be availed with the 2WT
● Handling and operation

9. Figure 1: Field layout showing treatments layout in Ngushishi, Laikipia – LR2014
3 1 2
T6 T7 T4
T3 T4 T6
T5 T2 T1
T1 T3 T2
T4 T1 T5
T7 T6 T3
T2 T5 T7
Treatments:
T1- Gongli Africa; T2 - National Zero-Till; T3 - 2BFG-100; T4 – Morrison CA seeder; T5 - Fitarelli single row; T6 - Fitarelli two row; T7 –
Conventional

11. Data collected
● Cover (Measured using transect method)
● Depth of seed placement
● Time taken to cover each plot
● Fuel used
● Germination count
● Plant height
Other
● Input associated data (e.g. weeding, planting etc)
● Breakages
● Repairs undertaken and costs incurred

12. General observations
Features considered to be desirable:
● Configuration of soil engaging tools must allow for satisfactory
operation in both high residue and low residue conditions.
● Seed metering system needs to be able to reliably deliver single
seeds for row crops, as well as continuous distribution metering
for close drilled crops. There must be a system of gear changes or
suchlike to allow easy adjustment for changes in plant population
or seed rate.
● Convenient fertilizer metering system with a system of gear
changes or suchlike to allow easy adjustment for changes in
fertilizer rate.
● Adjustment available for depth of planting from wet to marginally
dry conditions.
● Suitable easy adjustment of row spacing to allow for row width of
50-90 cm (row crops)
● Robust construction.

13. Features considered to be desirable
● Reliable operating mechanism under adverse conditions.
● Requirement for seat or operator stand.
● Provision of convenient adjustment to allow quick travel between
distant fields or adjacent farms.
● Mechanical (or other) lift system for effortless raising and lowering
of the soil engaging tools when turning during sowing.
● Convenient steering and short turning circle.
● Appropriate operator position when unit is operating ( whether
walking or riding)
● Provision for press wheels or alternative in-row soil firming and/or
covering devices.
● Ground following ability in undulating soils
● Quick coupling/attachment to the 2WT to reduce time spent in
setting up for operation
● Affordable price.

14. Results and discussions

15. Fitarelli two-raw
Configuration:
● Trailing – Two sets of double disc openers -14 inch diameter
● Cast iron angled press wheels which also act as depth control
wheels.
Row spacing 60-90 cm.
Seed metering system. Horizontal flat plate -3 speeds of rotation.
Fertilizer metering system. Vertical notched gear system –Speed of
rotation fixed. Adjustment by insertion or removal of alternative
notched gears.
General comments:
● Seed placement and cover satisfactory in soft soils.
● Disc penetration is poor in hard soils.
● Extra weight is sometimes required for adequate penetration.
● The manual lift system is arduous and can be tiring.
● Seeds sometimes get stuck in seed plate cells with uneven seed
samples and the horizontal plate metering.
● Possibility of fertilizer leakage around joints if not assembled
properly.
● Large turning circle compared to other seeders.
● There is limited ground following ability, although the disc openers
are in line with the wheels.
● Steel press wheels may pick up wet soil in some situations.
● Alternative press wheel configuration may be required in some
soils,
● Price –Approx. (ex works) $US2900.

16. Fitarelli single row
Configuration.
● Mounted single row; swiveling 15 inch coulter, steel
gauge/drive wheel.
Row spacing; as required
Seed metering system.
● Horizontal flat plate -3 speeds of rotation.
Fertilizer metering system.
● Vertical notched gear system –Speed of rotation fixed.
General comments:
● Operator stand provided (in newer models)
● Extra weight necessary in majority of conditions.
● Machine may tilt to one side because of the single side
gauge wheel.
● Steel press/drive wheel is barely satisfactorily. (A rubber
wheel would be superior).
● General seed placement is good.
● Possibility of seeds being stuck in seed plate cells with
uneven seed samples and the horizontal plate metering.
● Steel drive/press wheel may skid if frictional pressure in
seed metering plates occur due to ill-fitting plates or stuck
seeds.
● Fertilizer may leak around joints if not assembled properly.
● Struts provided to rear of implement are a good feature.
● Price –Approx. (ex works) $US850

17. 2BFG-100 Rotary tillage seed drill
Configuration:
● Mounted 100cm rotary tillage seed drill. It can be set up as
100% tillage unit, or in strip till mode.
Row spacing:
● Up to six rows can be planted spaced at 20cm to one meter.
Maximum row width for wide rows – 85cm.
Seed metering system.
● Fluted roller with adjustable quadrant. Dual range fluted
roller arrangement also available.
Fertilizer metering system.
● Fluted roller with adjustable quadrant.
General comments:
● Overall light weight construction.
● Poor clutch system on the seed and fertilizer drives.
● Standard fluted roller seed meter unsuitable for spaced
plants.
● Dual range fluted roller satisfactory.
● Furrow opener for seed and the mounting for same flimsy.
● Insufficient depth adjustment for the furrow opener.
● Potential for poor planting depth and/or breakage of
components in adverse situations.

18. 2BFG-100
● No pressing system for newly planted seeds in the
seed row.
● Short life of tiller blades and tiller lugs in stony
soils.
● Excessive vibration of tiller shaft in some situations
when strip tilling due to tiller blade arrangement.
● Residue can wrap around tiller shaft in some
circumstances, eventually causing blockages.
● Operator seat and depth/transport wheel available
as an option
● Rear roller (press roller?) fails to rotate under
certain soil/field conditions due to its small
diameter. A larger diameter roller would be
desirable.
● Rotovator blades sometimes kicks soil to the
operator
● Price –Approx. $US600 ex-works

19. Morrison CA Seeder-1000
● Configuration: single angled row cleaner-coulter-tine-
press wheel semi-mounted.
● Row spacing: as required
● Seed metering system. Dual range fluted roller. -
adjustable
● Fertilizer metering system. Fluted roller - adjustable
● General Comments.
● Good seeding depth adjustment and placement
● If single angled row residue cleaner is used it causes
seeder to pull to one side.
● Coulter exerts too little pressure to properly cut some
residue.
● Coulter drives seed and fertilizer meters by Vee belt, and
is easily plugged when operating in wet conditions (soil
clogs up Vee belt pulley pushing belt off the groove)
● No struts provided to attach seeder to tractor handlebars.
It is difficult to lift on turns with current attachment
system. Semi-swinging drawbar makes machine difficult
to turn sharply.
● Dual range seed meter satisfactory for maize.
● Fertiliser metering satisfactory.
● Seed and fertilizer delivery tubes need to be length
adjustable. The tubes are not long enough when tine set
to deep planting.
● Extra weight necessary when operator not riding
● Operators stand good.
● Price. $US1800 (ex works)
●

20. National Agro – No-till planter
Configuration:
● Seed/fertilizer box and tines to add-on to existing
rotavator.
Row spacing:
● Up to 4 rows – maximum width 60 cm (depending on
rotavator width)
Seed metering system:
● Inclined plate with various alternative plates available.
Fertilizer metering system:
● Fluted roller-adjustable
General comments:
● Very difficult to fit to existing tractor/rotavator unit.
● Extremely poor operation of controls. Tractor controls
fouled by seed boxes. Operator cannot properly walk
behind seeder and requires outstretched arms to reach
handlebars.
● Seeds from some samples sometimes catch in cells in
inclined plate meters.
● No alternative sprockets supplied to change seed rate.
● Too heavy and unwieldy.
● Side rear support wheels too small and fails to rotate in
certain soil conditions

21. ● It is difficult to change for road
transport or variation for depth as
wheel support shafts easily jams
inside the holding tubes.
● Floating side drive wheel has too
little range of movement for uneven
soils.
● No pressing system for newly planted
seeds.
● Short life of tiller blades and tiller
lugs in stony soils.
● Residue can wrap around tiller shaft
in some circumstances, eventually
causing blockages.
● Price: $US1100 (ex works)

22. Gongli Africa
● Configuration: Coulter-tine-press wheel on rigid three row tool
bar.
● Row spacing: 2 rows from 25cm to 85cm spacing.
● Seed metering: Vertical 18 spoon singulating seed meter
(Chinese)-adjustable
● Fertilizer metering: Fluted roller.-adjustable
● Comments:
● Poor residue handing ability in standard configuration in high
residue conditions.
● Better residue handling when optional cutting coulters fitted.
● Range of adjustment for planting depth and row spacing
excellent.
● Seed placement good on level soils.
● Uneven planting depth in undulating soils.
● Excellent metering of maize with vertical spoon seed meters.
● Installation and separation of implement from the tractor
requires partial assembly and disassembly of major
components.
● An operator platform is supplied in standard configuration.
● Press wheel operation good.
● Some traction difficulty when operator is standing on rear
platform when planting. Further work needed with weight
distribution to overcome this deficiency
● Price: $US800 (estimate only)

23. T6(Fitare
lli 2-row)
T5(Fitarelli
single row)
T3(2BFG-
100)
T4(Morrison
CA seeder-
1000)
T2(National
Agro)
T1(Gongli
Africa+)
Work rates
(Hrs/ha)
4.1
4.9
7.2
12.2
9.8
11.6
5.5
15
9.9
11
-
10
7.0
10.0
11.1
15.7
6.85
7.8
6.1
17.6
4.25
-
6.7
-
7.1 10.5 10.3 10.95 9.6 5.5
Fuel consumption
Litres/ha
9.5
5.5
12
5.6
5.07
10.5
-
16.7
6.2
8.5
-
8.9
7.8
8.5
10
7.2
8.7
9.5
-
12.8
5.65
-
6.7
8.15 10.76 7.87 8.4 10.3 6.2
Depth (cm) 3-8 5-8 4-6 5-8 5-8 3-5
Equipment parameters

24. T6(Fitare
lli 2-row)
T5(Fitarelli
single row)
T3(2BFG-
100)
T4(Morrison
CA seeder-
1000)
T2(National
Agro)
T1(Gongli
Africa+)
T7(Conventional)
Laikipia (LR2014)
Germination
(plants/ha)
37,600 43,600 26,533 39,467 42,533 32,667 65,600
Plant height(cm) 25 30 14 26.7 15.3 15 16
Laikipia (SR 2014)
Germination
(Plants/ha)
38,250 39,844 *- 38,476 43,135 39,450 *-
Plant height(cm) 127.0 105.5 *- 106.9 107.5 114.7 *-
Bungoma (LR
2014)
Germination
(Plants/ha)
36,748 38,845 33,276 38,336 39,238 - 42,378
Plant height(cm) 28.3 32.7 15.5 29.2 16.9 15.7
Bungoma
(SR2014)
Germination
(Plants/ha)
32,843 29,650 31,200 36,360 38,840 *- 46,875
Plant height(cm) 30.5 32.3 17.5 31.0 18.4 23.6
Crop parameters

25. Feedback from on-farm evaluations
We are yet to do comprehensive on-farm evaluations but preliminary
investigations indicate the following:
● Most sought after ancillary attachments were the trailer, sprayer
and sheller
● Easy of attaching the equipment to the 2WT is very important
● Easy of operation and handling
● A seat or operator stand
● Ability to easily move from one field to another

26. Challenges
● Record keeping hard for most operators
● Unsecured trial sites (external/internal interference)
● Availability of spare parts

27. Conclusions
● While further evaluations and adaptations should continue, it is
possible to make some choices at this point (from engineering
context)
● Need to give feedback to manufacturers on basis of experiences
gained so far.

28. ASANTE SANA