Machine innovation for inter row cotton cultivation in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a leading country in cotton production and export. Inter-row cultivation is an important production operation that assists in soil loosening, weeding, fertilizing, and ridge forming between rows. However, the operation is problematic because of risks of damaging the plants during critical growth phases. The article examines a new design for precision cultivator guidance for inter-row tillage and presents the results of field trials of the new design. The proposed cultivator utilizes light torsion pivots with gauging beams and guiding slits to allow a reduction of the protected zone surrounding the plant by 2 to 2.5 cm and improves the soil surface condition (soil crumbling ability). Herbicide use and hand labor can be significantly reduced, which should lead to an increase in profit. This cultivator also allowed for an increase in operating speed by 14%, which would increase the efficiency of the operation.