Design and development of impact hammer mill for limestone crushing for acidic soil

Abstract

Soil acidity becomes a serious threat to crop production in most highlands of Ethiopia particularly in Western parts of Oromia. Frequent tillage, removal of crop residues and mono-cropping and heavy rainfall contributes to soil acidification by leaching of cations. Agricultural limestone raises soil pH and reduces solubility of potentially toxic elements such as hydrogen, aluminum (Al3+) and manganese (Mn) at optimum nutrient uptake by crops. In an effort to alleviate the problems associated with soil acidity, a motorized agricultural limestone crusher was designed and fabricated. The prototype of limestone crusher machine has a feed table, hammer plate, concave sieve, discharge chute, and supporting frame.