LEVIEN, Renato.; SIQUEIRA, Rubens.; GAMERO, Carlos A.; SILVA, Suedêmio L.
Abstract:
An experiment was conducted at the Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu, SP., to evaluate the effect of different operational speeds with a cutting roller, tractor-driven, in management of spontaneously established vegetation in an area formerly conventionally tilled and cultivated with corn. A randomized blocks experimental design with 4 replications, was used. Treatments consisted of travelspeeds, as follows: 2.1, 3.2, 4.2, 5.0 and 6.3 km/h. Dry mass of vegetation present on the day of management (t/ha), drawbar-power demanded by the roller (kW), roller capacity (t/h), as well as specific energy consumption per area treated (kW.h/ha) and per amount of vegetative mass managed (kW.h/t), were evaluated. As to variables analysed, the treatments constituted 3 homogeneous groups: 6.3, 5.0 and 4.2, and 3.2 and 2.1 km/h. From the lowest speed up to the highest, a significant increase in both power demand at the drawbar and energy consumption occurred. However, there was also significant increase in roller capacity, while maintaining the quality of the operation.
