1Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Associate Professor, Department of FMPE, College of Agricultural Engineering, Madakasira, Andhra Pradesh, India
3Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India
4Associate Dean. College of Food Science of Technology, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, India
5Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India
6Principal Scientist and Univ. Head, Department of FMPE, RARS, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author: vinayakm@adityauniversity.in
Online published on 24 February, 2026.
A multi-functional implement was developed to perform both round basin formation and fertilizer application in a single field operation. The machine was tested in various orchard crops, including mango, guava, and citrus, to evaluate its field performance. Economic evaluation was conducted out following standard cost estimation methods, focusing on labour savings to assess feasibility. The break-even point (BEP) of the implement was estimated to be ₹ 693 per hour and 6.295 hectares on a time and area basis, respectively. The payback period was calculated to be approximately 2.64 years, indicating a promising return on investment. The machine demonstrated a cost reduction of up to 54.75% when compared to the combined expenses incurred by traditional weeding and manual fertilizer application practices.
⓿ Comprises hydraulic and electrical systems powered by tractor hydraulics and battery.
⓿ A tractor-operated implement was developed to perform round basin formation and fertilizer application simultaneously.
⓿ Aims to reduce labor, time, and cost compared to traditional manual methods.
⓿ Custom hiring is recommended for farmers with lower usage to avoid losses.
Round basin maker, Fertilizer applicator, Cost economics, Cost of operation, Traditional method, Pay back period, B:C ratio
