Shredders for Plant Residues
The shredded materials can be used as a mulching material, or composted to make an organic fertilizer or a substrate for mushroom cultivation.
Types of Shredder
Various shredders have been developed to suit different kinds of plant residues. There are five main types:
- Shredder for hardwood: This kind of shredder is suitable for the branches and leaves of fruit trees. It
is capable of handling fresh branches up to a diameter of half a centimeter (Fig. 1).
- Shredder for fiber residues: This type of shredder was developed to handle mulberry stems, which after shreeding and composting can be used as a substrate for growing mushrooms. It can also handle the branches of fruit trees, but only up to a diameter of 0.3 cm (Fig. 2).
- Grinder (or chipper) for perennial weeds: This machine was originally developed to handle giant mimosa (Mimosa pigra), a perennial weed with hard, sharp thorns on its stem. It has been further developed to handle other perennial weeds such as tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima), and flute reed (Phragmites karka) (Fig. 3).
- Straw chopper: This machine is suitable for rice straw and other soft plant stems, such as corn plants, water hyacinth, and fodder crops (Fig. 4).
- Chopper for palm: This can handle fronds of all palm trees, including oil palm and coconut (Fig. 5).
Application
A suitable shredder is available for most tropical plant residues. Growers should be careful to select the type most suitable for their particular crops. All the shredders described in this leaflet can be operated using an engine or an electrical motor. They can be used out in the field, or in a backyard shed.
Using shredders, farmers can make productive use of their plant residues which would otherwise be rubbish (Fig. 6). They will also help to protect natural resources and the environment.
Precautions
Plant residues should be shredded within a week after being cut or pruned. Shredding plant residues which are too dry creates dust, which is harmful to the operator and also to the environment.
Index of Images
Figure 1 Shredder for Hardwood (Suitable for Branches and Leaves of Fruit Trees)
Figure 2 Shredder for Fiber Crops. (Can Also Be Used to Shred Smaller Branches of Fruit Trees)
Figure 3 Shredder Suitable for Perennial Weeds
Figure 4 Shredder Suitable for Rice Straw and Fodder Crops
Figure 5 Shredder Suitable for Palm Fronds
Figure 6 Shredded Material Used As a Mulch<BR>
Table 1 Specifications of Five Types of Shredder
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