Design, DEM Simulation, and Field Experiments of a Novel Precision Seeder for Dry Direct-Seeded Rice with Film Mulching

Hui Li,Xiwen Luo,Wenwu Yang,Shan Zeng,Zhanhao Liang,Longyu Fang

doi:10.3390/agriculture11050378

Hui Li, Xiwen Luo + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11050378

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Abstract

Existing devices for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching in northern China have limitations such as imprecise sowing, unadjustable sowing depth, and seeding device blocking. In this regard, this study proposes a combined seeding method of ‘mini shovel + telescopic pipe’ for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching. A precision seeder for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching was developed through theoretical calculations, discrete element modelling (DEM) simulations, and field experiments. The configuration and diameter of the rollers were obtained. Twelve telescopic pipes were evenly distributed on the circumference of the roller, with a contact ratio exceeding one. This ratio reduced the slip rate of the roller effectively. Subsequently, DEM was used to develop a 33 central composite design. The response surface was established with the sowing depth as the response value. According to agronomic requirements, the sowing depth was set to 20 mm. The optimal combination of working parameters was obtained by optimizing the regression equation. The field experiments showed that the performance of the precision seeder for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching satisfied the requirements of agricultural production, working stably and reliably. The developed device represents a useful solution for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching.

Highlights

Rice transplanting is a conventional rice cultivation technology in Asia consisting of four basic steps: nursery bed preparation, seedling raising, seedling uprooting, and transplanting the seedling into the field
Aimed at improving the technique of seeding in dry soil and drip irrigation for emergence, we proposed the combination seeding method of ‘mini shovel + telescopic pipe’ for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching
The device for dry direct-seeded rice with film mulching was developed by theoretical calculation, discrete element modelling (DEM) simulations, and field experiments

Summary

Introduction

Rice transplanting is a conventional rice cultivation technology in Asia consisting of four basic steps: nursery bed preparation, seedling raising, seedling uprooting, and transplanting the seedling into the field. All of these steps are highly labor-intensive and water-intensive [1,2]. Direct-seeded rice is a feasible alternative method to deal with the shortages of water and labor [5]. Xu et al [9] compared the effects of rice transplanting and direct-seeding rice on yield. Kakumanu et al [10] reported that direct-seeded rice was efficient in terms of reducing impacts of climate, water use, increasing grain yield, and better returns to farmers

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