AGE441 Farm Power
E 4.1.1 Background and Rationale
Power is needed on the farm for a variety of operations, which may be either mobile or stationary. Power requirement for field operations involved in crop production invariably need to be mobile. This limits the potential power sources for crop production to human power, animal draft power and mechanical power. The decision as to which of these three would be most suitable will vary with the situation.
This course is intended to provide tools that will enable students to make decisions on how to most effectively apply each power source to any given situation, by matching each situation to the inherent characteristics of each power source, which are extensively covered.
In addition to the traditional sources of farm power, agriculture today has become reliant on electrical energy and its use has continued to grow. It is therefore very important that students understand the basic principles of electricity and develop the ability to apply them to practical situations. This course also assists the students in attaining a basic understanding of the nature of electricity and in developing skills in solving the problems associated with applying electricity in agriculture.
E 4.1.2 Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Outline the role played by human power in crop production
2. Describe how the power is produced in each power source
3. Outline the procedure for selection of animals for draft power
4. List the major systems essential for smooth operation of a mechanical power source
and state their respective roles in the operation of the power unit
5. Analyze farm power requirements for a given situation and make appropriate
recommendations.
E 4.1.3 Course Content:
1. Human Power
Changing Roles of Human Power in Agriculture; Characteristics of Human Power; Energy Metabolism and Muscular Activity; Physical Work Output and Power Consumption
Animal Draft Power (ADP)
Characteristics of Draught Animal Species Found in Zambia, Selection Procedure of Draft Animals, Energy Conversion in Draught Animals, Harnesses for Draught Animals, Forces on Draught Animal-Implement Combination, Draft Animal Housing and Health.