Research Information System
Applied Fruit Science, vol.68, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Efficient organic manure management is particularly important in orchards and greenhouses, where spatial constraints require compact, precise, and adaptable application machinery. This study presents the development and performance evaluation of a self-loading, variable-rate manure spreader designed for these conditions. The tractor-mounted prototype integrates a hydraulically tiltable hopper that enables direct manure collection from the ground and a hydraulically driven spreading system capable of single- and dual-row application with adjustable working width. Field experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, using a replicated experimental design, to evaluate machine performance across different operating speeds and spreading configurations. The results demonstrated manure application rates ranging from 2.80 to 16.50 t/ha and effective field capacities between 0.177 and 0.713 ha/h. Statistical analysis revealed that the effects of operating parameters on application rate and field capacity were significant (P < 0.01). Distribution uniformity was consistently high, with coefficients of variation not exceeding 8.2%, well within acceptable agricultural standards. The results indicate that the proposed system provides a practical and efficient solution for precision organic fertilization in orchard and greenhouse environments.