Vol. 7, Special Issue 2, Part A (2023)

To address the problem of nitrogen losses during the application of granular urea (broadcasting) in rice residue fields, a tractor-operated spoke wheel-type liquid urea applicator was developed and tested in real field conditions. This machine featured five numbers of wheels with radial injectors connected to a distribution centre, equipped with an inflow circular pipe, control valve and cut-off system. A sensor-based electronic cut-off system was used to control the flow control valve's opening and closing. The machine's field capacity was determined from 0.25 to 0.44 hectares per hour. The field efficiency of the machine varied from 61 to 75% at different speeds of operation. Wheat crops fertilized with the developed machine also exhibited a higher yield as compared to crops treated with the traditional broadcasting method which is due to the higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Consequently, the spoke wheel-type liquid urea applicator represents a promising option for enhancing crop yield while also protecting the environment. As a result, the spoke wheel-type liquid urea applicator appears to be a potential choice for increasing agricultural productivity while safeguarding the environment.