CERTIFICATION.

The undersigned certify that he has read and hereby recommend for acceptance by
the National Institute of Transport a project proposal entitled: " Designing and
Manufacturing of a solar powered agricultural weeding machine for mango
trees" in fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor degree in
Mechanical Engineering of the National Institute of Transport.
……………………………………

Eng. Joseph S. Nangale

(Supervisor)

Date...…........................

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 DECLARATION.

I Sharom Henry Richard, declare that this project proposal is my own original
work and that it has not been presented and will not be presented to other Institution
for a similar or any other degree award.

Signature …………………………

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE. .......................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................1

1.0 Background of the Project. ...............................................................................................1

1.1 Problem Statement. ..........................................................................................................2

1.2 Project Objectives.............................................................................................................3

1.2.1 Main Objective. .........................................................................................................3

1.2.2 Specific Objectives. ...................................................................................................3

1.3 Significances of The Project.............................................................................................3

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................4

LITERATURE REVIEW. .........................................................................................................4

2.0 Introduction. .....................................................................................................................4

2.1 Weeding Machine.............................................................................................................4

2.2 The Existing Types of Weeding Machine. .......................................................................6

2.2.1 Manual Weeding. ......................................................................................................6

2.2.2 Chemical weeding. ....................................................................................................7

2.2.3 Flame weeding...........................................................................................................8

2.2.4 Mulching weeding. ....................................................................................................9

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................12

METHODOLOGY. .................................................................................................................12

3.0 Introduction. ...................................................................................................................12

3.1 Literature Review. ..........................................................................................................12

3.2 Materials selection. .........................................................................................................12

3.3 Manufacturing Processes. ...............................................................................................13

3.4 Components of The Machine. ........................................................................................14

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 3.5 Costs Estimates...............................................................................................................15

3.6 Schedule of Activities. ...................................................................................................16

REFERENCES. .......................................................................................................................17

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 LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1.0; Traditional agricultural weeding, source; (researchgate.net, 2014……2
Figure 2.1; Manual weeding, Source; (wikiHOW, 2017). .........................................................6
Figure 2.2; Chemical weeding, Source; (pbssocal.com 2020). ..................................................7
Figure 2.3; Flame weeding, Source; (shutterstock 2006)...........................................................8
Figure 2.4; Mulching weeding, Source; (eorganic.org, 2020). ................................................10

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 CHAPTER ONE.

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Project.

Agriculture is the backbone or our country. It has provided continuous support to our
country's economy. More crops production more is an economic support. As the
knowledge cutoff date in 2021, there is no specific historical background available
for a solar-powered weeding machine designed specifically for mango trees.
However, the development and use of solar-powered agricultural machinery and
equipment including weeding machines have been growing in recent years as part of
the broader trend toward sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The historical background of solar-powered agricultural machinery in general can be
traced back to the increasing interest in renewable energy sources and sustainable
agriculture. The use of solar power in agriculture has gained momentum due to its
potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and
lower operating costs for farmers. In the context of mango tree cultivation, the
development of solar-powered weeding machines would likely be driven by the need
to efficiently manage weed growth in mango orchards while minimizing
environmental impact. Weeds compete with mango trees for nutrients, water and
sunlight and effective weed management is crucial for maintaining healthy and
productive orchards. The use of solar power in agricultural machinery offers
potential benefits such as reduced operating costs, lower environmental impact, and
increased energy independence for farmers. By harnessing solar energy to power
weeding machines farmers can potentially reduce their reliance on traditional fuel
sources and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. It's important to note that
the development and adoption of specific solar-powered weeding machines for
mango trees may vary by region and may be influenced by factors such as
technological innovation, agricultural policies, and the specific needs and challenges
faced by mango growers in different locations. Additionally, collaboration between
agricultural engineers, researchers, and mango growers would likely play a key role
in the evolution and adoption of such technology.

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 Figure 1.0: Traditional agricultural weeding, source; (researchgate.net, 2014).
1.1 Problem Statement.

The problem statement for a solar powered agricultural weeding machine for mango
trees could the farmers cultivating mango trees face significant challenges in
maintaining the weeding to the mango tree orchards as manual weeding is labor
intensive, time consuming and often leads to increased operational costs.
Additionally, the use of chemical herbicides can have an effects on soil health and
the environmental. The need for an efficient, sustainable and costs effective solution
to address weed management in mango orchards is critical to maintain optimal tree
health fruit yield and overall farm productivity. The specific growth pattern and root
structure of mango trees present unique obstacles for conventional wedding methods,
making it to essential to develop a specialized weeding machine that can navigate the
uneven areas and effectively target weeds without causing damage to the trees.
Implementation of a solar powered agricultural weeding machine for mango trees
would alleviate these challenges by offering a sustainable and environmentally
friendly alternative manual weeding and chemical herbicides. This innovation has a
potential to significantly reduce labour costs, increase operational efficiency and
improve overall orchard health and fruit quality. Additionally, the adaptability of
such a machine to varying terrain and weather conditions is crucial for its successful
integration into mango farming practices.

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1.2 Project Objectives.

1.2.1 Main Objective.

The main objective of this project is to designing and manufacturing of solar

powered agricultural weeding machine for mango trees.
1.2.2 Specific Objectives.

a) To review the existing literature review.

b) To design the mechanism for agricultural weeding machine for mango
trees.
c) To manufacture the machine prototype.
d) To test the prototype.
1.3 Significances of The Project.

a) To increase the efficiency and productivity in agriculture sectors.

b) To prevent the yield loss due to weeding competition.
c) To reduce time and costs of land weeding operation.
d) To improve the sustainability in weeding management.
e) To maintain the quality and market price of harvesting grain.

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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.0 Introduction.

The literature review of a solar-powered agricultural weeding machine for mango

trees would involve an in-depth exploration of existing research, patents and
commercial products related to solar-powered weeding machines and mango orchard
management. The review would aim to gather insights into the current state of the art,
technological advancements and challenges specific to weed controlling mango trees.
Agricultural weeding is the practice of the removing unwanted plants called weeds
from cultivated areas where crops are grown. Weeds compete with crops for water,
nutrients, and sunlight, which can reduce the yield and quality of the harvest.
Weeding can be done manually by hand or using tools such as hoes or mechanical
weeders. In addition, herbicides can also be used to control weeds in agricultural
fields. Effective weeding is an important part of crop management and can help
improve overall crop health and productivity. Using weeding machines can help
reduce the labor required for manual weeding and improve the overall efficiency of
weed control in farming operations.

2.1 Weeding Machine.

A weeding machine is a piece of agricultural equipment designed to remove weeds

from fields in a more efficient. These machines come in various types and designs
but they generally work by mechanically uprooting or destroying weeds while
minimizing damage to the desired crop plants. Weeding machines can be mounted
on tractors or used as standalone units, and they are often used in conjunction with
other weed control methods to manage weed populations in agricultural fields.
Rangaswamy et al. (1993) Weeding is performed to boost the expansion of crops by
reducing the competition for availableness of water, nutrient and daylight. Weeding
to tends the price of crop production because it need labor for operation. Weeding is
very important and labor intensive agricultural operation and regarding 1/3th the
price of cultivation is accounted towards weed operation alone.
Tajuddin, (2006) The mechanical weeder can be operated by using animals, humans
and engines as used as a power source. Engine is a machine that converts chemical

4
energy into mechanical energy. In energy conversion process it emits greenhouse
gases which results in air pollution and global warming. The fuel prices is rising day
to day the cost of weeding by engine operated weeder is about one third weeding by
manual labors.
Tajuddin, (2006) Chemically the growth of weeds can be controlled by using
weedicides like atrazine, sulfuron, paraquat dichloride. Mechanically, the weeds are
destroyed by using wheel hand hoe, sweep type cultivators, rotary weeder sand and
other machineries. Mechanical weeder controls the weed by cutting and uprooting
action of weeder.
Sanjana (2019) Had developed a solar operated portable power weeder. The weeder
consists of solar panel, DC motor, gearbox and blades. The developed weeder was
directly powered with a solar panel. The solar panel was mounted overhead of
weeder. So, that the solar panel also works as a shadow for workers.
Josh et AL. (2009) By switching to sources of renewable energy, the impact of the
use of fossils fuels can be reduced. The use of renewable sources of energy can cut
the risk of environmental pollution as a result improved public health and less global
warming, it highly contributes towards the sustainability of the environment.
Akikur et al, (2013) and Glaving and Hurley, (2006) The solar energy is
inexhaustible and cleanest resources of energy and it's utilization is also ecological
friendly. The output supply from solar panel keep fluctuating depending on the solar
insolation available during sunshine hours. The fluctuating voltage from sola panel
results in overcharging and undercharging of a battery.
Mohanty et AL, (2016) To control the varying output voltage from solar panels, the
solar charge controller of accurate size is used between the solar panel, battery and
load. The charge controller also prevent the back flow of current towards the solar
panel.
Soni, (2018) designed and developed a solar tiller to break the soil with help of
tilling blades. The solar tiller can also be used for removing weeds with lower depth
adjustments than tillage depth. The tiller was developed by integrating the electric
hub motor to rotate blades and motor. The power source used for operating weeder
was battery and solar panel was used to charge battery.

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Bernacki et al, (1972) The design of weeder depending on various parameters such
as depth of a weeding, soil properties and speed of a weeder and type of blade used
for weeding. In case of rotary weeders, the speed of rotary blades is also considered.
Rathod et al, (2010) The width of weeding unit in weeder is decided on the basis OS
spacing of the crops and crop canopy. It also affects the power requirements of the
weeder and the spacing of some crops. The forward speed of the weeder is also an
important parameters which effects the field capacity and power consumption of the
weeder.
2.2 The Existing Types of Weeding Machine.

In Weeding, the vital practice of removing unwanted plant competitors from crops
comes in various forms each with its strength and weakness.

2.2.1 Manual Weeding.

The traditional method of removing the unwanted plants relying on hand tools or
pulling weeds by hand. This traditional method of weed control involves physically
pulling or cutting out unwanted plants such as grasses, broadleaf weeds or other
invasive species to prevent them from competing with desired crops or plants.
Manual weeding is often performed using hand tools such as hoes, weeders, trowels
or specialized hand-held weed removal tools. It requires labor-intensive work and is
typically used in smaller-scale farming operations, home gardens, or in areas where
mechanical or chemical weed control methods may not be practical or desirable.

Figure 2.1; Manual weeding, Source; (wikiHOW, 2017).

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Advantages of manual weeding.

a) Precision because manual weeding allows for targeted removal of specific

weeds without harming nearby crops or plants.
b) Environmentally friendly because no chemical residue or pollution.

Advantages of manual weeding.

a) Labor-intensive and time consuming, physically demanding and costly.

b) Ineffective for large areas, difficult to scale up for extensive fields.

c) Susceptible to regrowth, requires frequent weeding cycles.

2.2.2 Chemical weeding.

This is the method of removing unwanted plants which involves the use of synthetic
or natural chemicals to control and eliminate unwanted weeds in agricultural fields,
gardens and other areas. Herbicides are formulated to target specific types of plants
such as broadleaf weeds, grasses or sedges while minimizing harm to desired crops
or vegetation.

Figure 2.2; Chemical weeding, Source; (pbssocal.com 2020).

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Advantages of chemical weeding.

a) Fast and efficient because it covered large area quickly.

b) Selective herbicides because can target specific weed types

c) Time-saving because herbicide application can save time compared to

manual weeding especially in large fields with dense weed infestations.
Disadvantages of chemical weeding.

a) Environmental damage, herbicides can contaminate soil and water in

harming ecosystems.

b) Weed resistance, weeds develop resistance over time, requiring stronger

chemicals.

c) Health risks, herbicide residue can pose threats to human and animal
health.

2.2.3 Flame weeding.

This is the method of weed control that involve a propane torch or other heat source
to apply intense heat to the weeds causing them to killed or damaged. The process
involves passing the flame over the weeds for short periods, effectively desiccating
plant tissue and causing them to die.

Figure 2.3; Flame weeding, Source; (shutterstock 2006)

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Advantages of flame weeding.
a) Non - chemical weed control.
Flame weeding offers an alternative to Chemical herbicides for
controlling weeds making it an environmentally friendly option.
b) Precision.
Flame weeding can be used to target specific weeds without affecting
surrounding plants, reducing the risks of damage to desirable vegetation.
c) Quick and efficient.
It is a relatively fast method of weed control especially for large areas,
making it efficient for weed management in agriculture settings.
d) Organic farming used as a non-chemical method of weed control.
Disadvantages of flame weeding.
a) Fire Risk.
The use of open flame poses a fire hazard especially in dry conditions or
when working near flammable materials. Careful attention and
precautions are necessary to avoid accidental fire.
b) Re-Growth.
Flame weeding may not completely eradicate perennial weeds with deep
roots systems leading to potential re-growth and the need for repeated
treatment.
c) Safety concerns.
The use of heat source requires careful handling to avoid injury or
accidents and appropriate safety measures must be followed.
2.2.4 Mulching weeding.

The method of removing unwanted plants Which involves spreading a layer of

material such as a wood chips, straw or compost Ove the soil. This helps to retain
moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperatures the overall health of a soil.
Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil as which can improve soil structure
and fertility. Both mulching and weeding are essential for maintaining a healthy and
attractive garden or land scape. By combining these two tasks can help a plants
thrive while keeping your garden looking neat and well maintained.

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 Figure 2.4; Mulching weeding, Source; (eorganic.org, 2020).
Advantages of mulching weeding.
a) Soil moisture retention.
Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation
especially beneficially during dry periods.
b) Soil temperature regulations.
Much can moderate keeping the soil cooler in hot weather and warmer in
cold weather.
c) Soil health management.
As organic mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil and improves
its structure and fertility.
d) Erosion control.
Mulch helps to prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of rain and
wind on the soil mulching.
Disadvantages of Mulching weeding.
a) Nutrient Tie-Up.
Some types of mulch, particularly fresh wood chips, can temporarily tie
up nitrogen in the soil as they decompose, potentially affecting plant
growth.
b) Over-Mulching.
Excessive mulch can create a barrier that prevents water and air from
reaching the soil, leading to root suffocation and other problems.

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c) Pest Habitat.
d) Certain types of mulch can provide a habitat for pests such as slugs, snails,
and rodents.

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY.

3.0 Introduction.

The methodology is a system of principles, techniques and procedures used by those

who works in a discipline. Not only do the top methodologies differ in how they are
structurally organized but they also require different deliverables, workflows and
even project management development. The development of a solar-powered
agricultural weeding machine for mango trees involves a complete methodology that
encompasses various stages including research, literature review, data collection,
materials and design, manufacturing processes, prototype testing and refinement.
3.1 Literature Review.

Literature Review gives an overview of the related topics about solar powered
agricultural weeding machine. The information is mainly obtained through reading
various relate engineering text books and internet websites, reading previous projects
which already done in order to understand the basics of the different projects and the
various techniques in designing and manufacturing of various the types of solar
powered agricultural weeding machines available.
3.2 Materials selection.

Selection of material will involve the cheap materials with desired properties which
can withstand forces, corrosiveness environment and vibration of the agricultural
weeding machine, available and affordable.

The materials that will be used during fabrication of the weeding machine are: -

a) Mild-steel angle Iron

b) Mild-steel sheet metal

c) Flat bar

d) Shaft

e) Bolts and nuts

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 f) Electric motor

g) Solar panel and battery

i. Mild steel (Angle Iron, flat bars and metal sheets). These are mainly
square pipes, flat bars or sheet metals used in the construction of a skeletal
frame of the main project at hand. Reasons for mild steel material selection;
a) It is highly available in the market and affordable

b) It’s easy to perform machinability activities.

c) It is high strength and ductility.

d) It is less expensive.

ii. Shaft (mild steel). These are cylindrical metal materials that will be used in
transmitting motion and power from the motor to the cutting blades. Reason
for mild steel material selection;
a) High machinability.
b) High weldability.
c) Less expensive.
iii. Electric motor. The motor is a device that converts electrical power into
mechanical power. The motor likely to be selected is a single-phase motor,
due to its affordability and high efficiency with minimum power
consumption.
iv. Bolts and Nuts. These are temporary metal joining component that are used
in the construction of the structural frame as well as in conjoining all the
mechanism within the machine. Reason for steel material selection;
a) High corrosion resistance.
b) High strength.
c) High durability.
d) High temperature resistance.
3.3 Manufacturing Processes.

In order to achieve the objectives of the project the manufacturing processes to be

used will be described well in this section, consider the table below.

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Table 1: Manufacturing Processes.
S/N COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING MACHINE TO BE
PROCESSES. USED.
1. Frame. Welding and Welding machine and
grinding. grinding machine.
2. Shaft. Turning and facing. Lathe machine.
3. Pulley. Turning, facing and Lathe machine.
boring.
4. Handle. Welding and Welding machine and
grinding. grinding machine.
5. Cutting blades. Cutting and bending. Hack-saw machine
and bending machine.

3.4 Components of The Machine.

The components of the machine are described in each component shown in the table
below.
Table 2: Components of the machine.
S/N COMPONENTS FUNCTIONS.
1. Machine shaft Holds the rotating cutting blades.
2. Frame The frame is designed to carry the entire machine
components and reduce the excessive vibrations.
3. Belt and Pulleys These serve as the transmission system.

4. Electric motor The power source and mover of the machine

through shaft and bearing.
5. Solar panel Used to capture the energy from the sun and
convert to electric current (DC).
6. Battery Used to store and provide the electric energy to
the motor.
7 Cutting blades Used to remove the weed from the mango
orchard.

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3.5 Costs Estimates.

Table 3: Costs estimates table.

S/N Items Materials Specifications Quantity Price Sub-
total
1. Electric 1.5 HP 1 @150,000 150,000
motor
2. Solar panel 20W 1 @150,000 150,000
3. Battery 12V 1 @50,000 50,000
4. Sheet metal Mild steel (1.2×1220×240 1 @30,000 30,000
0) mm
5. Angle iron Mild steel (30×30×3) mm 1 @25,000 25,000
6.. Flat bar Mild steel (1000×5) mm 1 @25,000 25,000
7.. Shaft Mild steel Ø 20mm 1 @20,000 20,000
8.. Bearing Steel Ø 20mm 4 @28,000 28,000
9. Pulley Cast iron Ø40 mm 1 @30,000 30,000
10. Belt Rubber V - belt 1 @15,000 15,000
11. Bolts and Stainless M12×10mm 8 @600 48,000
nuts Steel
12. Stationary 40,000
and other
emergencies
Total (Tsh). 540,000

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3.6 Schedule of Activities.

Table 4: Schedule of activities table.

ACTIVITIES Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Tittle presentation
Meeting with
supervisor
Proposal preparation
and submission
Literature review
Design calculation
Detailed drawings
Material preparation
Fabrication and
manufacturing
Testing the prototype
Report writing and
submission

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weed machine.
C. Cordill, T. Griff, (2016). Design and testing of an infra-row mechanical weeding
machine for corn.
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Crop Weeder."- International Journal of Technical Innovation in Modern
Engineering and Science."
Hegazy RA, Abdelmotaleb IA, Imara ZM, Okasha MH. (2014). Development and
Evolution of Small Scale Power Weeder."- Journal of Agricultural Engineering. "
Manish Chavan, (2015). Design Development and Analysis of Weed Removal
Machine."-International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering
Technology, Vol03".
R.Y.Van Der Weide, (2008). Innovation in Mechanical Weed Control in Crop Rows.
"-International Journals of Engineering Research and Technology."
Albert S. Francis, (2014). Weed Removing Machine for Agriculture."-International
Journals of Engineering Research and Technology, Vol03".
G. Selvakumar, Dhansenkar, (2017). Design and Fabrication of Manually Operated
Weeder Double Wheeler."- International Journals of Innovative Research in Science,
Engineering and Technology ".
Monalisha Sahu, (2015). Development of Multipurpose weeder. " International
Journal of social science and Humanity.
Raijasekara M, Dr mohan Kumar, (2015). Virtual design analysis and development
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