Influence of the operating parameters of an unmanned pine seeding system on the final seeding uniformity

Abstract

The use of UAVs for forestry seeding in complex terrain has received increasing attention in China, but the relationship between the operating parameters and the final seeding uniformity of UAVs during pine seeding has not yet been clarified. Based on this problem, this paper designed a three-factor, five-level central combination simulation test with the UAV flight height, seed outlet angle and sowing disc speed are as the test influencing factors, the coefficient of uniform variation is as the test index, and the single-factor simulation test results are as the reference. The optimum combination of parameters and the degree of influence of each factor on the coefficient of uniform variation were obtained in descending order: UAV flight height 2.4 m, seed outlet angle 30°, sowing disc speed 450 r/min and a coefficient of uniform variation of 18.54%. In the end, the average values of the uniform coefficient of variation were 20.48% and 20.335% for each of the four simulation and actual tests conducted repeatedly, which were basically consistent with the optimal uniform coefficient of variation obtained from the simulation analysis and better than the range of data related to the forestry seeding industry of China's unmanned aerial vehicle. The results of the study can provide basic data for large scale seeding of pine trees in the complex terrain of China.