Experimental results of a combined machine for soil preparation and plastic film laying in melon crop production

Abstract

Analyzed the current state of melon crop cultivation on rainfed lands of Uzbekistan with the application of plastic film mulching technology. Investigated the influence of combining soil tillage, seedbed preparation, and plastic film laying operations on the technological process of watermelon cultivation. Identified that the use of combined machines enables a reduction in the number of field passes during soil preparation. Studied the structural design of a combined machine incorporating chisel type working tools, rippers, leveling–compacting units, and a film-laying mechanism. Determined the functional purpose and interaction of the main working units ensuring the execution of multiple operations in a single pass. Established the compliance of the operational performance indicators of the prototype combined machine with agrotechnological requirements. Substantiated the application of the developed structural scheme for soil preparation and simultaneous plastic film laying on rainfed lands. Presented the results of field tests of the combined machine prototype conducted according to developed and standard testing methodologies.