Problems experienced by agricultural enterprises in Çumra town of Konya province in utilization of field sprayers

Abstract

The primary objective of the present study was to identify the problems experienced by agricultural enterprises in Çumra town of Konya province in utilization of PTO shaft-driven field sprayers. Data were gathered through face-to-face questionnaires applied to 119 agricultural enterprises selected by stratified randomized sampling procedure from the town. Present findings revealed that 50.4% of sprayers had a tank capacity of 600 L, 89.9% of tanks were made of plastic material and 26.9% of the sprayers had an operational width of 10 m. Cracks or fractures were reported on boom by 31.9% and on both boom and chassis by 46.2%. About 24.4% indicated that they replaced the nozzles in case of a plug, 52.1% indicated regulator problems on rod, 26% indicated pump problems on pump lid and 91.6% indicated that they replaced at least one part. It was concluded based on present findings that farmers should be trained about utilization of sprayers to change their routines on sprayers. They should perform sprayer maintenance and repairs in accordance with user manual.