On the Bračko farm, we conducted a field trial in which we used a 4-row mechanical cultivator for inter-row cultivation of maize. Maize was tilled in the growth stage of 7 to 8 leaves (BBCH 17). The experimental design were randomized blocks with three replications. 3 cultivating speeds, 4 km/h, 6 km/h and 8 km/h, were included in the trials. At each speed we made one pass in one direction, we turned around and made another pass in the other direction. We measured the time for inter-row cultivation and turning as well as fuel consumption for inter-row cultivation. Based on this, we calculated fuel consumption per hour and per hectare, as well as area and time efficiency. In addition, we also determined the number of damaged plants on the length of 50 m, the emergence of plants and finally the yield of corn silage. We found lower fuel consumption per hectare at cultivation speeds of 6 and 8 km/h than at cultivation speed of 4 km/h. In addition, with an increase in the speed of cultivation, area efficiency increased and time efficiency decreased. At a higher cultivation speed, the number of damaged plants at a distance of 50 m in the row increased, while there were no differences in the yield of corn silage between the treatments. The results of the experiment show in favor of the inter-row cultivation speed of 6 km/h and also 8 km/h, except that at this speed it is necessary to be careful not to damage too many plants.
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