葉ネギ裸種子用播種機の開発

Abstract

We developed a seeding machine for PaperpotTM system in which approximately 10 seeds of Welsh onion seeds without seed coat are sown in 1 hole. We examined the cell of a cell roll structure, the rotary brush and the cell roller cover, and made a prototype using the frame of a seeding machine as a basis.1) We investigated the seeding accuracy of 14 different combinations of hole diameters, depths and inclinations in order to find the proper hole dimension for the cell that would allow for 10±2 seeds per pot. The cell had 14 lines of holes with each hole in each line having the same diameter. The seeding accuracy was examined at different brush positions. The optimum hole diameter was 5.5mm, inclination was vertical and depth was 4.5mm.2) The seed size varied with the variety of Welsh onion. We investigated the seed size since the seeding rate would change when working with different seeds.3) The following results were recorded during the performance test of the seeding machine. When the brush position was -1mm-1mm, Seeding accuracy was less than Cv16%. We accomplished our goal of sowing 10±2 grains of seed in 1 pot. We judged that our machine could be used efficiently focussing on seeding accuracy and machine reliability.4) As a result of practical trials with nineteen farmers in Miyagi we found that there were no mechanical trouble with the seeding machine. As a result of these tests, this machine was developed and sufficient practical applications were confirmed.