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Evaluation of three manually operated weeding devices
V K Tewari1, R K Datta, A S Murthy
1Agricultural Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (WB), India.
Applied Ergonomics
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Manual weeding tools like the khurpi, spade, and 3-tine hoe are rated as moderately heavy work. The khurpi requires less energy and is more comfortable, though less efficient than the spade or hoe.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Ergonomics
- Human Factors
Background:
- Manual weeding is labor-intensive, impacting agricultural productivity and farmer well-being.
- Evaluating the ergonomic and mechanical performance of weeding tools is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ergonomic performance and mechanical efficiency of three manually operated weeders.
- To establish relationships between physiological responses and workload during weeding operations.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory trials in a psychometric chamber to measure physiological responses (heart rate, oxygen consumption) under controlled conditions.
- Field trials with three operators (5th, 50th, 95th percentiles) using a khurpi, spade, and 3-tine hoe in Arhar crop.
- Analysis of energy expenditure, comfort, output, and weeding efficiency.
Main Results:
- Weeding with all three tools was classified as 'moderately heavy' work.
- The khurpi demanded the least energy expenditure, followed by the 3-tine hoe and spade.
- Comfort was highest with the khurpi (squatting posture), followed by the 3-tine hoe and spade (standing postures).
- Output order was spade > 3-tine hoe > khurpi, while weeding efficiency was khurpi > 3-tine hoe > spade.
Conclusions:
- The khurpi offers a more ergonomic and less strenuous option, despite lower output and efficiency compared to the spade and 3-tine hoe.
- Tool selection should balance operator comfort and energy expenditure with desired output and efficiency for effective weed management.