Estudo comparativo entre a utilização real e a determinada pelo planejamento da mecanização agrícola em lavouras de soja na região noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The correct sizing of agricultural machinery is an essential factor on the machinery optimization use and it reflects on agriculturist profitability. Considering this, this work was aimed to compare the real utilization and the use determined by technical planning of agricultural mechanization on properties on Catuipe city, located at Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul state, where the soy is the main source of income. These rural properties have acquired tractors by Mais Alimentos Program, significantly raising the potency/area relation. In addition to this, this study was aimed to investigate the fleet of tractors and agricultural machinery, number of tractors per area, time of use of the tractors and to determine the mechanization index (kW.ha-¹) of these properties according to the area and main culture by comparing the real with the technically planned. Twenty-four of twenty-five farms on Catuipe were sampled. The areas of these properties ranged from 2 up to 300 hectares. The utilized method is called “Passo a passo”. It compares the real with the planned, calculating the operating cost mechanized. We conclude that on the machinery market, Massey Ferguson is with the higher number of tractors followed by New Holland, Valtra and John Deere, respectively. The mean time use of the tractors was 12 years, and the average real mechanization index found was superior to the technically planned on the soy culture. This finding confirms that there is a potency excess. It shows the need of planning, for aiming optimize the use of the machinery. The cultivated area with the real potency could be 68% larger. This excess potency raises the operating cost and, in many cases, it surpasses the outsourced service values.