Units mechanization for improving mountain slope areas

North Caucasian Research Institute of Mountain and Foothill Agriculture, Branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science Federal Scientific Center “Vladikavkaz Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Vladikavkaz, Russia

^* Corresponding author: luda_gulueva@mail.ru

Abstract

The authors presented the results of scientific developments and devices for improvement and restoration of mountain pasture areas on degraded mountain slopes. The aim of the research is to develop a method and produce a small-size laboratory sample of block-module for grass seed sowing and surface application of mineral fertilizers on the basis of MTZ- 82 tractor after paraploughing. In connection with the lack of small-sized units for the mountain zone, the laboratory unit was created, the process technology was substantiated, the designs of working bodies and units were designed and manufactured. Technical expertise and tests of the machine and technology were conducted in the mountain zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (Dargavskaya Basin, the reference point of SCNIIGPSH) at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level, on a ragged section of the northern slope steepness of 13-10 in the area “Sugsadtanrag”. The indicators of testing conditions and functional indicators of the machine performance were determined according to the industry standard OST 10.5.1-2000, according to the industry standard, OST 10.7.1.-2000. “Testing of agricultural machinery. Machines for application of mineral fertilizers, lime materials and gypsum. Methods of evaluation of functional indicators. Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Russia”. The results of observations showed that the use of the aggregate makes it possible to increase both the yield of dry mass and fodder units (0.79 fodder units in 1 kg of dry mass) from 0.81-1.68 thousand/ha to 4.49- 4.98-4.06 thousand/ha of fodder units, to extend the period of pasture maintenance in the mountains by 40-45 days, to additionally prepare winter fodder in the form of hay and haylage. Practical application of the small-size aggregate will provide reduction of degradation processes of slope areas by accelerated restoration of quality and quantity of perennial grasses of fallow fodder lands.