An Attempt to Evaluate the Performance Parameters of a Precision Vacuum Seeder in Different Seed Drop Height

Abstract

This study examined the effects of seed drop height changing depending on furrow openers of precision seeders, and the forward speed of tractors which is constantly aimed to be increased by producers on the uniformity of seed distribution. The experiments were made with a precision seeder unit positioned on a sticky belt trial setup at seed drop heights of 100, 200 and 300 mm, the forward speeds of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m s-1, and the vacuum pressures of 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 kPa. Maize and sunflower seeds were used in experiments. According to the results, the effects of seed drop height and forward speed on seed spacing and deviation from row were significant for both seed types (P<0.01). The increase in the forward speed led to a deviation of approximately 15 mm in maize and 17 mm in sunflower between the mean seed spacing and the target seed spacing. In general, miss and multiple indices were found to be fewer than 9%. The optimum performance of the seeder unit in sowing sunflower and maize was obtained at the seed drop height of 100 mm, the forward speed of 0.5 m s-1, and the vacuum pressure of 9.0 kPa. Consequently, it is suggested that, in contrast to what is demanded, the forward speed cannot be increased as much as one desires, and the dimensions of furrow openers that changed depending on the seed drop height should be designed under certain standards.