Efficiency Comparison of Mechanization Techniques in Nursery

Abstract

In this study, the five-stage mechanization techniques applied in the production of seedlings at the Gökçebey Nursery Department were compared with the activities carried out using manpower. These stages are soil tillage, preparation of seeding beds, sowing, maintenance of seedlings and uprooting of seedlings. During the production of seedlings of 2 + 0 aged, Tefen origin in Gökçebey nursery, unit time analyzes were performed with 30 replicates. The most efficient activity in terms of manpower was the preparation of pillows with 60%, followed by tillage (84), maintenance (59%), seedling (52%), planting (46%), and tillage (39%). Furthermore, the economics of mechanization according to manpower was examined by Break-even analysis. According to the results, it was determined that machine operation is more economical in case of carrying out 157 soil cultivation annually, preparing 158 seeding beds, planting 310 seeding beds, performing maintenance on 218 seeding beds and performing seedling dismantling activities in 182 seeding bedsowing cushions. According to the examinations and evaluations made, the use of appropriate mechanization techniques positively affected and supported the nursery production activities because of the fact that it ensured shorter time, healthier and lower costs, production with a minimum loss, and uninterrupted production. Utilization of appropriate mechanization techniques determined in accordance with the necessary criteria at the seedling production stages and rehabilitation works in order to ensure the contribution to the forest areas, which are now destroyed due to various reasons, to the national economy, and to realize the forestry policies and targets in a timely manner, will always increase the success, and it will create an important opportunity for preventing a significant portion of occupational accidents that emerge while applying classical methods. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.