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| Comparative Assessment of using Fuel Flow Meter and Graduated Cylinder in Measuring Tractor Fuel Efficiency Parameters during Ridging Operations |
Ekemube, Raymond Alex, Ahiakwo, Abraham Azubuike, Osere, Jesinta,
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Abstract:
The use of energy during tillage operations is inevitable to boast agricultural mechanization for food production. In this study, field experiments were carried out to assess the comparison of using fuel flow meter and graduated cylinder measuring devices in determining tractor fuel efficiency parameters (hourly and tilled area fuel consumptions) during ridging operations. An experimental plot of 138 m by 50 m (6900m2) area was cleared and divided into three blocks of nine sub-blocks. Each of the blocks was marked out in 2 m by 50m for different treatments. Alleys to the plot of dimensions of 1m by 50m were provided. Prior to ridging operations tillage operations such as ploughing and harrowing were carried out. The equipment and tractor used for the ridging operations were DFM 100CD fuel flow meter, 1000 litres graduated cylinder, disc plough and Swaraj 978FE. Soil-implement-machine parameters (tractor forward speed, ridging height, width of cut), time and tractor fuel efficiency parameters (hourly fuel consumption (FCh) and tilled area fuel consumption (FCta)) during ridging operations were determined. The field test data gotten were analysed statistically by paired t Test. The graphical hourly fuel consumption comparison between fuel flow meter and graduated cylinder showed a close alignment and a good relationship of very high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9999). Additionally, comparison using paired t Test showed that there is no significant different statistically between fuel flow meter and graduated cylinder measurement at 95 and 99 % confidence levels, because the tcalculated is less than the ttable. Similarly, the graphical illustration of the tilled area fuel consumption comparison between fuel flow meter and graduated cylinder displayed a close alignment and a good relationship of very high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9999). Furthermore, comparison using paired t Test revealed that there is no significant different statistically between fuel flow meter and graduated cylinder measurement at 95 and 99 % confidence levels, because the tcalculated is less than the ttable. Hence, recommended that the fuel flow meter and the graduated cylinder are efficient for measuring tractor fuel efficiency parameters (hourly and tilled area fuel consumption) during ridging operations.
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