Manure Pulverizers and Applicators: A Review

Background: Manures (FYM, vermicompost, edible oil cakes etc.) are important resources which provide nutrients that could reduce bagged fertilizer costs and improves the crop growth and performance. A well-managed manure is a valuable resource in providing nutrients for crop production. As manure dries, nutrients not only get concentrated on a weight basis, but also on a volume basis due to structural changes. Compared to fresh manure, it is easier to handle and transport because of decreased volume and weight. Hence, it is necessary to pulverize the manure when it is applied to the land. Methods: Various research works previously carried out on manure pulverizers and applicators have been considered in the study to come up with an idea of developing a tractor powered manure pulverizer cum applicator. Studies concluded the importance of manure pulverization, effect of wind, angle of repose and coefficient of friction in the designing and development of manure dispensing equipment. Result: Manure pulverizer integrated with tractor PTO along with an applicator was designed and developed. The machine consists of KAU manure pulverizer, feed chute, blower, frame and hitch, gearbox and extension shaft. Power to the gearbox was drawn from the tractor PTO. Dried manure was continuously fed through the feeding chute and rotating blade helps in pulverizing the manure until it achieves a size smaller than the sieve. The pulverized manure reaches the blower unit by means of a chute and gets discharged through the flexible pipes. Maximum field capacity was noted at a traveling speed of 3.0 km h-1. A larger application rate of 1387.1 kg ha-1 for cow dung, 1624.4 kg ha-1 for goat faecal pellets and 1618.6 kg ha-1 for neem cake was noted at an engine rpm of 2500, forward speed of 2 km h-1 with a field capacity of 0.31 ha h-1.