Construction of manual fertilizer applicator Department:Agricultural Engineering By: SIRJOSEPH Project ID: 8877 Rating: (5.0) votes: 1 Price:₦4000 Get the Complete MaterialAbstractThe study focused on the construction of a manual fertilizer applicator, aimed at enhancing precision and efficiency in fertilizer distribution for smallholder farmers. In developing countries such as Nigeria, traditional fertilizer application methods—such as broadcasting and hand placement—are often inefficient, labor-intensive, and lead to nutrient wastage. To address these challenges, this research sought to fabricate a low-cost, durable, and easy-to-operate manual fertilizer applicator using locally sourced materials. The applicator was constructed using PVC pipes (1 inch and ¾ inch), a T-socket, a returning spring, and a handle, forming a simple gravity-based dispensing mechanism. The experimental design approach was adopted to test the prototype’s performance under field conditions. The physical dimensions included a 75 cm long 1-inch PVC pipe, a 79 cm ¾-inch PVC pipe, an 11 cm handle, a 6.3 cm T-socket, and a 14 cm returning spring. Performance testing involved three discharge trials using granular urea fertilizer, yielding readings of 5.77 g, 5.28 g, and 2.31 g, with an average discharge rate of 4.45 g per cycle. The flow rate was calculated as 2.23 g/s, demonstrating a consistent and controlled fertilizer release mechanism. Results indicated that the device achieved its design objectives, offering a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional methods of fertilizer application. The use of lightweight and corrosion-resistant PVC materials made the applicator portable, durable, and cost-effective. The device’s simple design also facilitates maintenance and local fabrication, making it ideal for small-scale agricultural operations. In conclusion, the constructed manual fertilizer applicator provides an affordable and practical solution for precision fertilizer management in rural farming communities. It promotes resource optimization, reduces labor intensity, and enhances crop productivity. The study recommends further improvements through the integration of an agitator mechanism to minimize clogging and to optimize performance across various fertilizer types and soil conditions....Preview Download Preview +Other Agricultural Engineering project topics and materials you might be interested in»Construction of a low cost drip irrigation system for water melon production»Design, construction and testing of a solar dryer»Evaluation of cheese quality using graded level of different plant extracts as milk coagulant»Assessment of levels of pollution of water boreholes in Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo state»Evaluation of the effect of temperature on shape in drying performance of cassava chips»Assessment of water quality of hand dug well (case study of Sabon Layin Bali local government area)»Rehabilitation of an existing green house»Investigating the potential of vertical farming in urban environment»Construction of manual fertilizer applicator