MODIFIED MANURE SPREADER FOR THE MECHANISED DISTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES FOR MULCHING TREE CULTIVATIONS

Organic mulching reduces weeds on rows of fruit trees and improves the chemical-physical characteristics of the sol. For this purpose it is possible to use materials obtained by pruning fruit trees and urban greenery maintenance suitably shredded. To make this practice feasible it must be mechanised. In order to reduce the costs connected with mechanising this operation, a piece of equipment has been set up that can be installed on a manure spreader normally used on the farm and operated by the hydraulic circuit of the tractor. This device can distribute the mulching material along the row, crossways in relation to its direction of travel. This paper describes the results of some experimental tests carried out with sawdust and chopped and defibred brushwood. The quantities of dry matter in g/dm2 of the different materials distributed, at the same speed of travel, are also given. The homogeneity of distribution obtained during the tests was also determined. The best results were obtained with chopped brushwood.