Applications of Machine Learning: Classifying Wheat Seeds through Computer Neural Networks

Abstract

In the past few decades, the incompetent processes of traditional mechanical seed sorting have given rise to new, innovative methods, along with the integration of smart technology in agriculture. The present study created a multi-classification machine learning model that classifies wheat seeds based on given characteristics by giving highly accurate predictions for future samples based on given data. Due to various uses of different types of seeds, effective sorting is an integral preparatory stage for food processing. The dataset used in the study included seven features (directly measured characteristics of seeds), three labels (types of seeds), and around two hundred examples. The seven features include area, perimeter, compactness, kernel length, kernel width, asymmetry coefficient, and kernel groove. The first model was created through neural networks trained on all seven characteristics, reaching an overall accuracy of 0.94. Implementing a decision tree method, feature selection was applied to the data, which distinguished kernel groove, kernel width, and asymmetry coefficient as the three most important features. A new model was constructed with only the three selected features, which reduced the risk of overfitting, eliminated noise, and yielded a higher accuracy (0.96) than the previous model. Both multi-classification models used the softmax activation function and results were compared; feature selection noticeably reduced any inaccuracies, including categorical cross entropy loss. The main incentive of the study was to develop an effective model to sort wheat seeds (to replace traditional mechanical sorting) and provide reasonable recommendations for practical use through an analysis of feature selection.