MACHINE INNOVATION FOR INTER Row COTTON CULT VATION IN UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan is a leading country in cotton p oduction and export. Inter-row cultivation is an important production operation that assists in soil loosening, weeding, fer ilizing, and ridge forming between rows. However, the operation is problematic because of risks of damaging the plants uring critical growth phases. The article examines a new design for precision cultivator guidance for inter-row tillage an' presents the results of field trials of the new design. The proposed cultivator utilizes light torsion pivots with gauging seams and guiding slits to allow a reduction of the protected zone surrounding the plant by 2 to 2.5 cm and improves the 'oil surface condition (soil crumbling ability). Herbicide use and hand labor can be significantly reduced, which should leap to an increase in profit. This cultivator also allowed for an increase in operating speed by 14%, which would increase the efficiency of the operation.