There is a total of 353486 agricultural farms across Albania which operate in an area of 696000 ha of agricultural land (equivalent to 24% of total surface area). The total population coverage of farms is 1626019 and the average size of farms under crops is 1.14 ha. Expenditures on agricultural machineries in 2009 were estimated at around 574,612,000 leks (≈574612$), out of which around 60% (≈ 352120$)) were expended on fuel. In the context of small-sized and fragmented farms the selection and optimal use of agricultural machineries is quite an important task to be performed. To this end a study was conducted in the experimental agricultural plot at Agricultural University of Tirana. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the utilization of different types of agricultural aggregates under present conditions of land fragmentation in Albania. The experiment was administered in three plots of land: plots 1 and 2 with an area equal to 0.2 ha and number 3 with an area of ​​0.1 ha. In plots 1 and 2 the processes of agricultural processes including plowing, cutting and sowing were 100% mechanically run. They were accomplished with agricultural aggregates of different capacity. With reference to plot no.3 the agricultural processes were semi-mechanized. The plowing and cutting were achieved by means of motor-powered cultivators and planting was manually done. The indicators being the focus of the study were: field machine index, fuel consumption the number of plants sprouting per unit, labor capacity for each aggregate used. Also, on the basis of these indicators was determined the area covered by each aggregate from the energy perspective.

Tractor, plowing, cutting, sowing, plot, effectiveness, farm

Presentation: oral