A prototype for horizontal long cuttings planting in Short Rotation Coppice

An analysis of the data highlights that forward speed was greater for the prototype (2.0 km h−1) when compared to the Rotor planter (1.0 km h−1) but that no difference was found between the two methods in terms of quality with good rooting results (higher than 97.7%). The hourly fuel consumption determined during the tests was approximately of 7 L per hour for both planters. Differences in specific fuel consumption were, in this case, higher for the Rotor planter (548 g kWh) and lower for the Disafa prototype (507 g kWh). The Disafa prototype showed good performance compared to standard planters both in terms of field capacity, working quality, and fuel consumption. The use of this planter also allows for a reduction in the working time needed for the preparation of cuttings.