Abstract:
The level of tillage mechanisation in south-west Nigeria is low because of the high cost : benefit ratio of tillage machinery. This is due not only to few hours of tractor utilisation per annum, but also due to the low values of field efficiency obtained during tillage operations.
In this study, an investigation into the optimum use of tillage machinery for primary and secondary tillage operations was carried out. The effects of soil type, moisture content, field size, field shape, implement type, implement size and forward speed on tillage costs and tillage effectiveness were investigated. It was found that moisture content in the range of 12 to 18% on sandy loam soil and 14 to 21% on clayey loam soil is optimum for tillage operations in south-west Nigeria. The maximum values of field efficiency obtained during primary and secondary tillage operations were 76.5% and 71% respectively. It was also found that tillage costs per hectare reduces with increase in annual use, forward speed and field efficiency. However, the field efficiency and the cost of production were higher during primary tillage operation than during secondary tillage operation.
