Multi-functional Ratoon Drill (MRD) for Enhancing Productivity and Resource Conservation in Ratoon Sugarcane Cropping System

Technology Details

The developed MRD prototypes are tractor-operated (35–65 hp), driven by a PTO, and designed to be mounted on a three-point hitch linkage system. It consisted three main components: (i) a power transmission unit, (ii) a central horizontal rotating disc attachment with fixed peripheral blades for stubble shaving, and (iii) two vertical discs or shovels for off-barring, along with a root-pruning and seed-fertilizer placement mechanism. A key feature of the MRD machine is its ability to perform four to five major operations as listed below in a single pass of tractor in a ratoon sugarcane field with retained chopped trash.

• Stubble shaving: Uniform cutting of stubbles left after harvesting with stubble shaver.
• Off-baring: Adjustable off-baring discs/shovels partially cut and spread soil over chopped trash to expedite decomposition.
• Root pruning: Pruning older lateral roots in ratoon sugarcane and stimulates fresh root growth.
• Band placement of fertilisers: Placing fertilisers in bands in trash retained ratoon field.
• Sowing of intercrop: A seed drill attachment is utilized for sowing of intercrop in ratoon sugarcane.