Design and Evaluation of a Novel Transversal Double-bud Sugarcane Planter with Seed Pre-cutting

Abstract

Transversal double-bud sugarcane planting with seed pre-cutting is an advanced method with great development prospect. This technique ensures a high bud ratio, strong tillering capability and reduced seed consumption. Moreover, it obtains a long ratoon period, a high yield and Pol property. The transversal sugarcane planter must satisfy the agronomic requirements of precise planting with deep furrowing, orderly and uniform transversal seeding and consistent fertilization. Here, a novel transversal double-bud sugarcane planter was designed with the following main components: furrow openers, seeding units, fertilizers, seed compensators and soil cover units. The effects of rotary tillage speed, sprocket speed, chain inclination, seed cane box inclination, forward speed and cam’s speed and repose angle were studied in the laboratory to determine the best structure and working parameters of the units. Furrowing, seeding and fertilization performances were evaluated in a field test. Experimental results showed that the furrow depth stability was above 89% at 540 r/min output speed of the tractor. The seeding depth of 20.8–21.8 cm was less than the furrowing depth of 30 cm. The qualified rate of seeding was 91%, and the seeding interval was within the range of 330–495 mm. The fertilization interval was stable at 113.5–117.1 mm when cam’s repose angle was 38°, and the forward speed was I–III low gear. This planter only required approximately 4.4 t/ha seed canes, which was 51–75% lower than that for the traditional method. Its performance parameters indicated acceptable results.