Liao Qingxi

College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University

Rapeseed, one of the most important edible oil sources in China, is most qualified to expand production and increase planting area, highlighting an effective way to increase the self-sufficiency rate of edible oil and ensure national grain and oil security.

How to combine the characteristics of rapeseed plants and planting agronomy, develop the equipment suitable for the main process of rapeseed production (①tillage, ②seeding, ③field management, ④harvesting), is still a challenge. In order to promote the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy in rapeseed production, our work includes:

(1) Innovating the micro-ridge seedbed preparation technology and equipment

In terms of tillage, it is difficult for traditional flat seedbed to ensure stable and high yield of crops under harsh climatic conditions such as long-term drought and continuous rainfall. As a solution, the micro-ridge seedbed preparation technology is proposed. Under drought conditions, the bottom of the furrow can preserve moisture. When rainfall occurs, the rapeseed on the top of the furrow can avoid waterlogging. Furthermore, the planter with micro-ridge seedbed preparation device is developed.

(2) Developing and applying the combined precision rapeseed seeding technology and equipment suitable for different planting density requirements

In terms of seeding, the planting density of rapeseed has increased by about three times in the past 15 years. The change in seeding density has led to the development of seeding technology from single-rapeseed precision seeding to concentrated precision seeding. We develop various forms of seeding devices that can realize the seeding of 1 row, 2 rows, or multi-rows by a single seeding device according to planting density requirements. Meanwhile, the technology of layered fertilization and mixed application of medicine and fertilizer is put forward. A series of combined precision rapeseed seeders are produced in many enterprises.

(3) Promoting the windrowing and multi-functional utilization harvesting technology and equipment based on the biological characteristics of rapeseed plant at the appropriate harvesting stage

In terms of harvesting, the special biological characteristics of tall rapeseed plants, whose maturity is inconsistent at the appropriate harvesting stage, determine that rapeseed is more suitable for windrowing. To reduce the rapeseed loss, windrowers that can realize middle laying or side laying of rapeseed plants are developed. Meanwhile, cost saving and efficiency increasing is the driving force for the development of rapeseed industry. Multi-functional, multi-purpose, and modular integration is the development direction of seeding and harvesting machinery. The future rapeseed production unmanned farm is inseparable from the interdisciplinary and agricultural machinery and agronomy integration.