Avaliação da eficiência do uso da grade de molas à tração animal

Abstract

Approximately 4.4 million production units belong to family groups according to the 2006 Agricultural Census, but many producers opted for big productions and con-quently who has better purchasing power to buy tractors, agri-inputs glues and equipment fared better in the process. Thus, the animal traction comes as an alternative for small and medium-sized workers becoming financially viable and providing increased productivity and helps in reducing the rural exodus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grid use efficiency in breaking clods and leveling the ground. The experiment took place with a tractor simulating the approximate speed of the animal which was 3km. h-¹ with the 20th angle suitable for animal traction. It used an area of 90 m² being evaluated three tracks fifteen meters, which every three meters with the help of the per-filômetro along with a camera, was collected soil profile. These profiles were collected, always in the same area, before passing through the grid, after the 1st and 2nd after harrowing. The statistic used was descriptive using Minitab program. The natural profile, mobilization area, blistering and soil roughness index were measured. The control chart was conducted. The results showed no significant difference between the means of the lifting area and roughness index, while for the swelling was no significant difference. Therefore, the grid use for animal traction did not show efficiency in roughness index and the lifting area, since for swelling di-declined by significantly. To get a better assessment of grid efficiency is recom-mended that make a comparison with other implements.