Mechanical and technological support the efficiency of arid farming

The priority direction of agricultural production in the arid zone of the south of Central Siberia is animal husbandry, which predetermines the need for intensive development of feed production and, in particular, the production of rough and succulent forage. One of the most important factors of the stabilized and guaranteed crop production is irrigated land cultivation.Research purpose To prove the efficiency of machine technology of surface irrigation in the arid conditions of the south of Central Siberia.Materials and methods The authors have determined technical parameters of the main elements of the temporary irrigation network (non-inclined hollow and a water-retaining roller) during the formation of surface irrigation areas by the results of time-length observations made in accordance with the requirements of the testing station. The technological process of forming irrigated plots with specified technical parameters was carried out according to the operational and technological evaluation of the machine technology testing. The evaluation was carried out using a computer-based portable information-measuring system IP238MR to determine the traction indicators of the machine, carried out by the STO AIST 1.3-2007.Results and discussion The authors have proposed a technology of surface irrigation over wide long strips with level furrows, recommended for irrigation of grain, forage crops, natural hay making areas and pastures. A set of technical means has been developed for the construction and operation of surface irrigation systems in wide long lanes with level furrows. The tools can be coupled with an МТZ tractor of 1.4 tons. Comprehensive use of machines in the construction and operation of irrigation systems for surface irrigation as compared with existing machines in land reclamation construction allows to improve the quality of work and labor productivity by 3-5 times. Surface irrigation technology and a set of machines have passed state tests at the Siberian State Zonal Machine Testing Station and are recommended to be included in the basic agricultural technology.Conclusions It has been found that the integrated use of new machines L-1.5, V-3.0 and VP-4.0 in the construction and operation of irrigation systems allows reducing the operating costs and construction time of irrigated plots by 1.8 times, increase the yield of green mass of oats by 17.2 percent while reducing the cost of cultivation by 10.1 percent. Grain production can be increased by 1.9 times.