CD3WD Project

Back to Home Page of CD3WD Project or Back to list of CD3WD Publications


Home - English - French - German - Italian - Portuguese - Spanish
 
                            Seeds, Weeds, and Pests
 
SEED CLEANER
 
This seed cleaner was developed in Afghanistan to remove round seeds of weeds
from wheat grains. The round seeds could not be separated by a sieve because
they were the same size as the wheat grains. The cleaner described here takes
advantage of the round shape of the weed seeds to separate them from the wheat.
The wheat grains, which roll down the chute slowly, collect at the base of the
inclined platform ("x" in Figure 1); while the round seeds roll faster and fall off

fg1x239.gif (486x486)


the side opposite the chute ("y" in Figure 1).
 
Tools and Materials
 
Hammer, saw
Nails or screws
 
Inclined Platform:
 
Galvanized iron sheet: 70cm x
70cm (2'3"x 2'3")
Wood: 2cm x 4cm x 68cm (4
pieces) (3/4" x 1 1/2" x 2'2 3/4")
Wood: 2cm x 4cm x 25cm (1 piece)
  (3/4" x 1 1/2" x 10")
Attached to platform to support
chute
Wood: 2cm x 8m x 34cm (2 pieces)
  (3/4" x 3" x 1'3 1/2")
Legs for platform
 
Chute:
 
Galvanized iron sheet: 24cm x 140cm (9 1/2" x 4'7")
Wood: 2cm x 8cm x 80cm (1 piece) (3/4" x 3" x 2'7")
Wood: 2cm x 8cm x 80cm (1 piece) (3/4" x 3" x 12")
 
As shown in Figure 1, the chute is attached at the top of the 80cm (2'7") support
by nails whose heads have been removed. This makes it easy to remove the chute
when it is not being used. The chute's lower end sits on the 2cm x 4cm x 25cm
(3/4" x 1 1/2" x 10") support attached to the platform.
 
The seed should first be cleaned with sieves to remove as much dirt and chaff as
possible. To use the seed cleaner, drop the seed very slowly onto the top of the
chute.
 
Source: Dale Fritz, VITA Volunteer, Schenectady, New York
 
SEED CLEANING SIEVES
 
An important step for improving crop production is the effective cleaning of crop
seeds. The sieves described here have been found effective in many countries. <see figure 1>

fg1x240.gif (600x600)


 
                              Tools and Materials
 
Wood: 12 pieces: 2.5cm x 5cm x 46cm (1" x 2" x 18")
Wood strips: 12: 1cm x 2.5cm x 43.5cm (1/2" x 1" x 17")
Galvanized screen:
    6mm (1/4" mesh: 46cm (18") square
    5mm (3/16") mesh: 46cm (18") square
    3mm (1/8") mesh: 46cm (18") square
 
Hammer, saw, nails
 
The exact size of these sieves is not important, but 3mm (1/8"), 5mm (3/16"), and
6mm (1/4") mesh make convenient sizes for cleaning wheat, barley, corn, and
seeds of similar size. The sieves are also useful for grading certain seeds. Grading
consists of removing the small, weak seeds, which will produce small weak plants
or will not grow at all. Less seed can be planted per acre, if it is properly
cleaned and graded, and still produce a good crop.
 
Source:
 
Dale Fritz, VITA Volunteer, Schenectdy, New York
 
DRYING GRAIN WITH WOODEN BLOCKS
 
Small blocks of wood treated with calcium chloride, a low-cost chemical, can be
used to dry grain to be used as seed. The blocks, which absorb moisture from the
grain, can be used repeatedly by drying them in an oven after use. The blocks
can absorb water up to one-fourth their weight.
 
In a test using balsa blocks, the moisture content of grain dropped from 17
percent to 12 percent in three days. The blocks were not dried at this point; in
the next five days, moisture content did not change. The blocks were then dried
in an oven and put back in with the grain. Three more days of drying brought
the moisture content down to 10 percent, at which grain resists mold and insects.
 
                              Tools and Materials
 
o  Balsa or cedar: Cedar absorbs water and is durable. Balsa absorbs more
   water, but it breaks easily. Other wood can also be used.
 
o  Calcium chloride ([CaCI.sub.2]): Add enough to a liter of water to make the
   solution weigh 1/2kg (or to a quart of water to make the solution
   weigh 2.5 pounds).
 
o  Waterproof chest that will keep out vapor, to dry and store the grain.
   A steel drum or sheet metal cabinet would be good. A wooden chest
   can be used if it is vapor-proof, as in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

fg1x2410.gif (486x486)


 
o  Coarse Screen: 2.5cm (1") mesh
 
Preparing the Blocks
 
o  Cut the wooden blocks so that as much as possible of the surface is end
   grain. A good size is 3cm x 3cm x 0.75cm (1" x 1" x 1/2").
 
o  Dry the blocks in a 90-100[degrees]C (194-212[degrees]F) oven or double boiler to remove
   all moisture (see Figures 4 and 5).

fg4x2420.gif (540x540)


 
o  Cook the blocks in the calcium chloride solution for four hours at a
   temperature just below the boiling point, 100[degrees]C (212[degrees]F).
 
o  Let the solution cool; let the blocks soak in the solution for 24 hours.
 
o  Dry the blocks again.
 
o  When the blocks are dry, wipe off any calcium chloride on their surface
   before putting them in the grain.
 
Using the Blocks
 
o  Mix the blocks with grain in a container. The blocks should be spaced
   throughout the container so that the grain will dry evenly in the shortest
   time possible. The blocks should not take up more than 10 percent of the
   container's space. Small containers (see Figure 1) are helpful when there are
   several kinds of grain to dry. They also make it easier to remove and
   replace the blocks. These containers are placed in the waterproof chest.
 
o  After three to five days, remove the blocks. They can be separated from the
   grain easily with a coarse screen. Dry the blocks again.
 
o  Continue re-drying the blocks in an oven or double boiler and placing them
   back in the grain until the blocks no longer absorb moisture. To find out
   when this point is reached, weigh the blocks after three or four days in the
   grain: if they weigh the same as dry blocks, the grain is dry.
 
Source:
 
Ives, Norton C. Grain Drying and Storage for Warm, Humid Climates. Turrialba,
Costa Rica: Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 1951.
 
BUCKET SPRAYER
 
The bucket sprayer-described here has been designed primarily to meet the need
for a sprayer that can be built in an area where production facilities are limited.
This sprayer, which can be made by the local artisans, is intended only for water
solutions of insecticides or fungicides.
 
Two people operate it; one sprays while the other pumps.
 
Tools and Materials
 
Galvanized iron: 30cm x 30cm (1' x
1') plus 10cm x 20cm (4" x 8")
Barrel metal: 10cm x 20cm (4" x 8")
6mm (1/4") hose (high pressure) 4m
(13') long
6mm (1/4") pipe (truck brake line
may be used) 50cm (19 5/8") long
Wood for handle: 2cm x 15cm x
30cm (3/4" x 6" x 12")
2.5cm (1") Galvanized iron pipe
(thin-walled) 120cm (4') long
4mm (5/32") wire: 20cm (8")
Truck inner-tube material: 10cm x
20cm (4" x 8")
1mm (1/32") Galvanized wire, 30cm
(12") long
4 - 5mm (3/16") bolts x 1cm (3/8")
2 - 5cm (3/16") bolts x 3.5cm (1
3/8")
 
The sprayer pump operates on the same principle as the Inertia Pump (see page
101). The top of the 2.5cm (1") iron pipe is plugged and a simple valve is located
8cm (3 1/8") from the top. The valve is a piece of truck inner-tube rubber
wrapped around the pipe and held in place by wire. One corner of the rubber is
over a hole in the pipe. Some careful adjustment is necessary when placing the
rubber to make sure it works properly and does not leak.
 
The pressure tank encloses the valve assembly and, as the liquid is pumped into
the tank, builds up pressure sufficient to operate the simple disk type spray
nozzle. The tank is built so that it can be removed in order to service the valve.
 
The length of the hose can be determined by the maker of the sprayer but it
should be about 4m (13') to allow the worker doing the spraying to cover quite a
large area before having to move the bucket. Also, the length of the small pipe
and the angle of the spray nozzle will be determined by the kind of crops being
sprayed.
 
At times it will be necessary to "prime" the sprayer pump: if the valve rubber is
too tight and the air cannot be forced through the valve, or if the rubber is
stuck to the pipe. To prime the pump turn it upside-down and fill the pipe with
water. Holding your thumb over the pipe, turn the pump over, lower it into the
bucket of liquid and start pumping in the usual manner. If priming does not start
the pump it will then be necessary to remove the pressure tank to inspect and
repair the valve.
 
Only very clean water should be used to make the mixture for spraying. It should
be strained through a cloth after mixing to remove any particles that might cause
the nozzle to plug. If a very fine brass screen is available, it should be put in
the nozzle to keep the dirt from plugging the holes. <see figures 1 to 3>

fg1x2430.gif (540x540)


 
Source:
 
Dale Fritz, VITA Volunteer, Schenectady, New York
 
BACKPACK CROP DUSTER
 
The backpack duster described here, designed so that it can be easily made by
tinsmiths, has been used by Afghan farmers to dust sulfur on their grapes to
control powdery mildew. The duster is made from easily available materials. Its
feed rate is adjustable (see Figure 1).

fg1x246.gif (600x600)


 
The springs needed for the duster can be made with the simple spring winder
shown on p. 251.
 
                              Tools and Materials
 
Soldering equipment
Sheet-metal working tools
Carpentry tools
 
Part Name          Material        Description
No.
 
1    Bellows        Wood             38cm x 7cm x 2cm (15" x 2 3/4" x 3/4").
     Support
 
2    Screws                         4cm (1 9/16") long.
 
3    Bellows Plug  Wood             22cm (8 5/8") in diameter, 2.5cm (1") thick.
 
4    Valve          Rubber           4cm x 5cm (1 9/16" x 2"). See Figure 2.

fg2x248.gif (486x486)


 
5    Screws                         2cm (3/4") long.
 
6    Feeder Rod     Barrel           See Figure 3.

fg3x248.gif (486x486)


     Anchor         Metal
 
7    Feeder Rod     6mm (1/4") rod   See Figure 3. Total length 50cm (19 3/4").
 
8    Bellows        Truck inner-     30cm (12") long on long side. Tube measures
                   tube rubber     29cm (11 3/8") from edge when laid flat.
 
9    Bellows        Barrel metal     20cm (8") long. See Figure 4.

fg4x248.gif (437x437)


     Support
 
10   Brace          Galvanized       33cm (13") long. See Figure 4.
                   tin
 
11   Nails                          3cm (1 3/16") long.
 
12   Rivets
 
13   Bolt           6mm (1/4") rod   See Figure 5.

fg5x248.gif (540x540)


 
14   Clamp          Barrel metal     See Figure 5.
 
15   Nut            6mm (1/4") nut   See Figure 5.
 
16   Agitator       Tire bead        3.5cm (1 3/4") diameter. See Figure 6.

fg6x249.gif (437x437)


     Spring         wire
 
17   Feeder         Tire bead        9mm (11/32") diameter. See Figure 3.

fg3x248.gif (437x437)


     Spring         wire
 
18   Pipe           Galvanized       3.5cm (1 3/4") diameter, 71cm (28") long.
                   tin              See Figures 6 and 7.

fg6x2490.gif (432x432)


 
19   Hopper         Galvanized tin   22cm (8 5/8") diameter, 48cm
                                   (18 7/8") high. See Figure 7.

fg7x249.gif (486x486)


 
20   Floor          Galvanized tin   Make to fit. See Figure 7.
 
21   Strap          Galvanized       4mm (5/32") diameter.
     Holder         wire             Soldered to hopper.
 
22   Strap          Webbing          6cm (2 3/8") wide, 3m (9'10") long. Tied at
                                   waist.
 
23   Handle         8mm (5/16")      Total length 1 meter
                   rod             (39 3/8").
 
24   Pipe           Galvanized       3.5cm (1 3/4") diameter,
                   tin             140cm (55 1/4") long. See
                                   Figure 1, 6 and 8.

fg1x2460.gif (594x594)


 
How the Duster Operates
 
In operating the duster, the rod (23) is used to pump the inner-tube bellows,
which pivots about point A (see Figure 1).

fg1x246.gif (600x600)


 
Air is admitted to the bellows through valve (4), also made of innertube rubber,
and passes down the pipe (18). A measured amount of dust is injected into pipe
(18) at point B. The feed mechanism consists of a 6mm (1/4") rod (7) covered by
a spring (17). As the bellows is worked up and down, the rod and spring go in
and out of the hole (at point B) in the delivery pipe (18). The dust lodges
between the loops of the spring and is carried into the pipe. The amount of dust
delivered is controlled by stretching the spring on the rod so that there is more
space between the loops. The greater the space between the loops, the greater
the amount of dust carried into the pipe. An easily adjustable clamp (13) and (14)
is provided on the rod to regulate the amount of dust applied to the plants. The
air-dust mixture is blown out the delivery pipe at (24).
 
The bellows of the duster is made from truck innertube rubber. There are several
sizes of innertubes. If the size shown in the list of parts is not used, the
diameter of the hopper must be adjusted to the size of the tubes available. The
hopper is made from galvanized tin, from 24 to 28 gauge.
 
In the illustrations, the feeder rod (7) is shown as being straight. However, it is
necessary to bend the rod to allow it to work in and out of the hole in the
delivery pipe without binding.
 
To fill the duster, slip the bellows off of the top of the hopper. The hopper must
not be filled above the top of the delivery pipe. The top of the delivery pipe (18)
is cut so as to prevent dust from spilling in the tube during filling, and to
provide a means for fastening it to the hopper (19).
 
Adjusting the Duster
 
To increase the amount of dust being applied:
 
o  Slip the bellows (8) off of the top of the hopper (19).
 
o  Loosen the bolt (13).
 
o  Pull up on the clamp (14) stretching the spring (17).
 
o  Tighten the bolt (13).
 
o  Replace the bellows and test the amount of dust delivered to see if it is
   satisfactory.
 
To decrease the amount of dust, the procedure is the same except that the clamp
is pushed down on the rod.
 
Filling the Duster
 
Before filling the duster, make sure that all lumps of dust have been broken up.
Putting the dust through a piece of window screen is a good way to break up the
lumps. This will also remove any foreign matter.
 
Source:
 
Dale Fritz, VITA Volunteer, Schenectady, New York
 
Making Springs for the Duster
 
This method for winding springs can be used to make springs of any size. Figures 1 and 2

fg1x2520.gif (437x437)


show spring winders for springs that will be the right size for use in the
Backpack Crop Duster described in the preceding entry.
 
 
                             Tools and Materials
 
Drill
Drill bit: 2mm (1/12")
Drill bit: 6mm (1/4")
Drill bit: 12.5mm (1/2")
Wood: 10cm x 10cm x 1m (4"x 4"x 39")
Metal rod: 6mm (1/4") by 1m (39") long
Metal pipe: 12.5mm (1/2") by 30cm (12") long
4 small nails
Steel spring wire
 
A good source of spring wire is from the bead of an old tire. The rubber should
not be burned off as this destroys the spring-strength of the wire.
 
One winder is made of the 6mm (1/4") rod. The other winder is made from the
12.5mm (1/2") pipe with a section of the rod used as a handle. Cut a piece of the
6mm (1/4") rod about 30cm long. Bend to form handle shown in Figure 1; set

fg1x252.gif (486x486)


aside. Bend remaining piece as shown in Figure 2.

fg2x252.gif (486x486)


 
Drill a 6mm (1/4") hole in one end of the wood block and a 12.5mm (1/2") hole in
the other end. Drill a 2mm (1/12) hole through the longer section of 6mm (1/4")
rod and through the 12.5mm (1/2") pipe to insert the end of the wire. Drill a
6mm (1/4") hole through the 12.5mm (1/2") pipe to hold the length of the rod to
be used as a winding handle. Drive two nails close together, about 1.5mm to 2mm
(1/12" to 1/16") from each hole in the wood block. Put the pieces together as
shown in Figures 1 and 2.

fg1x2520.gif (437x437)


 
The wire is fed through the nail wire guide and then through the 1/12 inch hole
in the rod or pipe spool. The spool is then turned in a clockwise direction until
the desired length of spring is wound. The springs for the backpack duster are
9mm (11/32") from the 6mm (1/4") spool and 3.5cm (1 3/8") from the 12.5mm
(1/2") spool.
 
Source:
 
Dale Fritz, VITA Volunteer, Schenectady, New York

CD3WD Project Donate