Sensors installation position and its interference on the precision of monitoring maize sowing

Abstract

Uniform seed distribution upon the soil and sowing speed are directly related to crop quality and productivity. The present research aims to evaluate the influence of the sowing monitoring sensor installation position, based on the readings obtained on a testing bench, during the distribution of maize seeds with a pneumatic meter, subjected to different operating speeds. The experiment eventuates on a static simulation bench, with a completely randomized design, double factorial, the first factor being the sensor installation position (upper, middle, and lower portion of the conductive tube and conveyor belt), and the second the simulated speeds of 3.0; 5.0; 7.0; 9.0 and 11.0 km h−1. The measured parameters for the evaluation of seed distribution were the frequency of double, flawed, and acceptable deposition, its coefficient of variation, and precision index, acquired from five replicates of 250 consecutive spacings. The results show that the monitoring sensor installation position directly interferes with the reading efficiency, with plenty of erroneous readings acquired in the middle and upper placements. The experiment reveals that the sensor tends to be more assertive when installed on the final portion of the conductive tube.