Paddy straw collector-cum-chopper for in situ paddy straw management: A sustainable approach

Purpose The study was devoted to conceptualize, develop and evaluate a collector -cum -chopper for in situ paddy straw degradation at the farmer's field level. The intention was to increase the amount of straw cut at size below 5 cm for nutrient recycling. Method A paddy straw collector -cum -chopper comprised of three sub -systems i.e. straw collection and conveying unit, straw chopping device and discharging mechanism was designed and developed. The performance evaluation, economic assessment of paddy straw collector -cum -chopper and fertility status of soil was recorded. Results The results revealed that operating the machine at 40% moisture content, forward speed 3 kmph and 40 cm height of cut resulted into percentage of paddy straw <5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm and > 15 cm as 63.5 %, 8.12 %, 6.44 % and 17.92 percent. At such a condition, it consumed 5.78 lh(-1), 7.82 kWh -ton (-1) energy at 2.06 tonnesh(-1) productivity. The operating cost was Rs.694.6 h(-1), break-even point 556 hours per annum, annual utility 1146 tonnes, pay -back period 1 year and unit cost of paddy straw chopping as Rs.58.44 per tonne. The mixing of the treated paddy straw with the soil bolstered NPK and organic carbon by 64.61%, 48.36%%, 74.32% and 54.54% with respect to 38.37%, 34.91%, 38.69%, 43.33% treated paddy straw kept above the soil. Conclusion The study provides an opportunity to bolster nutrient content of the soil, restrict the dependence on hazardous chemical fertilizers and protect the environment.