A Standard Methodology for Evaluation of Mechanical Maize Seed Meters for Smallholder Farmers Comparing Devices from Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia

Jelle Van Loon,Jesús A. López-Gómez,Timothy J. Krupnik,Bram Govaerts,Jagadish Timsina

doi:10.3390/agronomy10081091

Abstract

Precision planting represents an opportunity for farmers to increase income. Seeders and associated seed meters are prerequisite to achieve optimal plant density. However, to assure seed meter performance in smallholder conditions, a comprehensive procedure is lacking. This study develops a methodology for mechanical maize meter evaluation that compares diverse meters in terms of seed singulation, seed damage, and spatial distribution. An experiment assessed 10 m, representing roller types, and inclined, vertical, and horizontal plates collected from various continents and representative of commonly used devices by smallholders. A conveyer-belt setup allowed for seed distribution analysis and the influence of vibration and topography on the seed singulation was determined. Results revealed that a rotational velocity of 20 revolutions per minute (RPM) was optimum for most meters, while all complied with the norm NMX-O-168-SCFI-2009 in terms of seed damage. Independent of the singulation mechanism, devices with the ability to adjust to seed size performed better. The Fitarelli horizontal plate, followed by the BARI-9 inclined plate meter, are considered ‘best-bet’ performers. Although, considering absolute efficiency, two inclined plate devices worked at near-perfect performance with large seeds. Our study develops a low-cost methodology, easily replicated and implemented, and provides a baseline for continued research on seed meter evaluation.

Highlights

IntroductionSeeder equipment must perform a series of actions passing over the field
Sowing is a crucial step for successful crop production [1]
Seed characterization showed that each maize seed type had different dimensions

Summary

Introduction

Seeder equipment must perform a series of actions passing over the field. These actions include soil penetration, metering the correct amount of seed to drop at the right location, depositing those seeds in the soil and providing pressure for adequate soil–seed contact [2,3,4]. To complete seed sowing in the narrow time-frame available and ensure successful crop establishment, it is essential to have a reliable seeder [5,10,11]. Besides adequate soil-engaging implements, quality seed meters are essential to provide the required precision, as the latter controls the singulation and flow of seeds and distributes them to the ground. Seed singulation is especially important for big-sized grain crops, like maize or cowpea, which are planted in a spaced, discontinuous fashion in contrast with smaller grains where seeds are deposited continuously [12,13]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion