Performance Evaluation of MPKV Hydraulic Check Basin Former under Different Operating Conditions in Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Mechanised check basin formation offers a means of preparing earthen bunds for in situ rainwater conservation, but the operating performance of the MPKV hydraulic check basin former requires evaluation under local field conditions. Aims: To evaluate the field performance of the MPKV hydraulic check basin former under different operating conditions. Study Design: A split-split plot design with three replications was used, with three levels each of forward speed (2, 3 and 4 km/h), soil moisture content (12, 15 and 20% dry basis) and basin distance (4, 5 and 6 m). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during the academic year 2025–26 at the instructional farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Methodology: Machine performance was assessed in clay soil (Vertisol) in terms of bund height, effective working width, theoretical field capacity, effective field capacity, field efficiency, wheel slip and fuel consumption. Results: Bund height ranged from 167.17 to 180.67 mm, with the maximum at 3 km/h, 15% soil moisture and 6 m basin distance. Mean effective working width at 2, 3 and 4 km/h was 1.970, 2.076 and 1.929 m, respectively. Theoretical field capacity ranged from 0.40 to 0.80 ha/h and effective field capacity from 0.30 to 0.77 ha/h; the highest mean effective field capacity was 0.681 ha/h at 4 km/h. Field efficiency ranged from 76.60 to 97.30%, wheel slip from 3.41 to 5.41%, and average fuel consumption was 3.11 l/h (6.10 l/ha). Conclusion: The MPKV hydraulic check basin former performed satisfactorily under the evaluated field conditions, although operating settings should be selected according to the desired bund geometry and field capacity.