| Abstract: | Current crop production schemes fail to offer the economic potential for reduced costs, increased yields and improved product quality, that could be derived from controlled traffic farming techniques utilizing multipurpose overhead mechanical frames. The development of new field machine technology will integrate total production under a single linear-travel system. This new technology is vital to reduce soil compaction with significantly decreased crop yield under irrigated, intensive-production conditions. This new machine technology will allow advanced chemical spray application techniques with enclosed shrouds for minimum drift. Precision planting, cultivating, plastic laying, irrigating, chemigating, harvesting (manual or mechanized) and materials handling will be accomplished by this technology. Onboard packing of more mature and thus more flavored vegetables with maximum nutrients will increase quality, reduce post-harvest losses, expand consumer acceptance and improve grower profit. Such a system could eventually serve as an automatic carrier for robot devices that would selectively harvest crops. The possibility of using electric power for this system offers higher economical potential, especially when using off-peak electricity. A versatile carriage drive with integral tool bar and hitch to mount implements, harvest elements and perform all operational functions for crop production, is an essential part of the system. Conveyors running along the mainframe will convey the yields gently out of the field. eliminating the large and heavy containers used on existing harvesting machines. |
