Abstract:
Testing and evaluation of agricultural implements that are
newly introduced, designed or modified is an indispensable
part in the process of research and development. The
implement would be tested to check whether it does the job
for which it was designed. Once that is confirmed, the
implement will be compared with others made for similar
purposes.
In Ethiopia several organizations have undertaken testing and
evaluation of implements as part of the research work in
developing appropriate farm implements for small scale
farmers. The Agricultural Implements Research and Improvement
Center (AIRIC) of the Institute of Agricultural
Research (JAR) has developed a test procedure for agricultural
equipment. The lest procedure was developed based on
experiences of other institutions outside the country that have
developed test procedures for tractor-drawn implements.
Very often, however, the differences in the types of
implements, working conditions and the nature of the power
source posed difficulties in applying those test procedures
made for the tractor drawn implements, particularly the
plows. It was, therefore, found necessary to modify the test
procedures so that they are suited to our situations.
This document is a concise presentation of the underlying
principles of testing animal-drawn plows, the equipment and
techniques developed for the collection and analysis of field
data based on experiences of extensive field testing of animal
and tractor drawn plows. It is intended to serve as a guideline
for the test engineers involved in the evaluation of animal-drawn
plows.
