Suitability of Using Mechanization Means for the Maintenance of Grass Stands by the Method of Mulching

Abstract

This study aims to provide comprehensive and practical information on particular mechanization means used in the maintenance of permanent grass stands, namely grass cutting technologies without the collection of cut grass biomass – mulching. A sample consisting of six machines classified into three categories (uniaxial tool carriers, single-axle small tractors, cutting machines with a zero turning radius) was tested in practice and functional and operational aspects of the machines were studied on different localities of permanent grass stands. Data measured in the individual machines were used to calculate consumption [l/ha], consumption [l/mth], consumption [l/l of cut biomass] or performance [ha/hour]. The measurements took place on two sites: a site with the permanent grass stand unkempt for a long time and a site regularly maintained by mulching. The study was conducted in the cadastral area of Ostrava City situated in the NE part of the Czech Republic. Results of the study show that the total fuel consumption [l/ha] in the individual mowing machines always at all times higher on plots that were unkempt for a long time. The overall comparison of fuel consumption [l/mth] of the individual types of cutting machines between the localities showed that nearly all tested cutting machines had a higher consumption on sites with permanent grass stands unkempt for a long time. The performance [ha/h] of all cutting machines was higher on the sites that were regularly maintained by mulching in the past.