Desenvolvimento de uma roçadora para limpeza mecânica sob a copa de pomares

Abstract

The growth of agricultural production is a goal that requires many efforts and presents a series of difficulties. Family production is the main economic activity in several Brazilian regions and needs to be strengthened, as the potential of family farmers in generating jobs and income is especially important. In surveys carried out with family-based farmers, a high rate of participation in fruit cultivation is observed. Brazil is the third largest fruit producer in the world, and fruit production is present in all Brazilian states, participating directly in the country's economy. In this context, it is important to highlight the management of orchards for the control of spontaneous plants, which can directly influence the productive potential. Among the main methods for controlling these plants, in order to keep the streets, between rows and spaces between free plants, are mechanical, chemical and biological management. Currently, chemical management is the most widespread and used, however, considering the economic aspects, usage and environmental impacts, the mechanical management, as long as it is optimized in its use, becomes the most appropriate. The purpose of this work was to develop equipment for the mechanical control of spontaneous plants in order to assist and technologically increase rural properties, especially family ones, in the effective control of spontaneous plants between rows and between plants in orchards, contributing to the increase of work efficiency and elimination of the use of chemicals in the maintenance and cleaning of streets, between the lines and under the crown of fruit trees. The results obtained demonstrate that it was possible to develop low cost mechanized equipment for the management and control of spontaneous plants and cleaning the streets between the rows and under the tops of fruit trees.