Manual Planting Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF A MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSPLANTING SUGARCANE (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) SPROUTS

Manual planting of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) in Mexico is slow and eye-bud germination is deficient. Alternative planting methods have to be adopted in order to improve sugarcane field productivity. This work score the field performance of a tractor mounted planter prototype when transplanting two months old nursery growth sugarcane (Saccharum spp) sprouts, in relation to parameters; sound sprouts treatments, row separation between seedlings, up right placement into the soil, appropriate soil covering and field uniformity at planting. This mechanical equipment was trialed when operating on a readily soil tilled for sugarcane planting, although slightly stoned on the surface. Tractor and implement combination was set to travel at a field speed of 0.3 m s-1 when laying seedlings into the row at 900 mm separation. Transplanting separation between seedlings onto the row had a variation of 3.4%. When assisted by two laborers for planting, the tractor and implement combination can achieve a field capacity of 2.5 ha day-1. Thus, for a field capacity of 2 ha day-1 and operating a 120 workdays per planting season, investment on the machine can be claimed in two years’ time. Consequently, planting of sugarcane sprouts by using the planter prototype is up to eight times more economical when compared to manual transplanting.

Performance of Cambodia’s made vegetable transplanter for two-wheel tractors under tillage conditions

<p>In Cambodia, vegetable crops are planted by hand, making it hard to meet local market demands. However, this production can be boosted by using a mechanical transplanter with two-wheel tractors to cut input costs, when introduced to farmers, while production and productivity can be accelerated. Thus, this research aimed to (1) evaluate the working performance of a locally made vegetable transplanter against manual planting and (2) compare plant survival rates. The study included fabrication, testing, modification, and experiments with farmers, starting from January 2023 to July 2024. The transplanter was fabricated, tested, and improved by the Royal University of Agriculture. Then, two experiments were carried out with a vegetable farming community in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia. Tomato was selected for the testing, choosing seedlings aged four weeks. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied for both experiments with two treatments, manual planting and transplanter use, replicated four times. The results show that the working performance of the transplanter was six times faster than manual planting. Its speed, total field capacity, and planting rate were 1.03 km/h, 0.052 ha/h, and 27 plants/min, respectively, but missed planting was about 4%. Within-row spacing was similar (0.58 m), while using the transplanter made the plants incline at a steeper angle (63°), but could save 81.9% of time, when compared to manual planting. Both treatments had 100% plant survival rates evaluated one week after the transplanting. In short, using the transplanter can save both time and labor, but further assessment should be made with more kinds of fruit vegetable based on different seedling ages, so that the specifications can be confirmed, which is good for actual adoption for farmers.<strong></strong></p>

Design, Analysis and Fabrication of Manually Operated Seed Sowing Machine

Abstract: Sowing machine should be suitable to all farms, all types of corps, robust construction, also it should be reliable, and this is basic requirement of sowing machine. Manually operated seed sowing machine reduces the efforts of farmers thus increasing the efficiency of planting also reduces the problem encountered in manual planting. Manually operated seed sowing machine can plant different types and different sizes of seeds also can vary the space between two seeds while planting. This increases the planting efficiency and accuracy. The focus of this research work is to design, analysis of plough and fabricate a low-cost Manually Operated Seed Sowing Machine for effective handling of the machine by any farmer or by any untrained worker with simplified design. The components of seed sowing machine were modelled by using Auto CAD 2022. Analysis of plough was performed by using Ansys 2023-student version. The fabricated seed sowing machine perform the various simultaneous operations and saves labour requirement so as labour cost, labour time and also save lots of energy.

Planting and Harvesting Mechanization on Productivity, Energy Efficacy and Profitability of Potato Production

Potato occupied the first position among all the vegetables in respect of area and total production in Bangladesh. Effective and efficient use of energy are necessary for an improved agricultural production. Therefore, this research was undertaken for potato production to assess productivity, quantify energy flow and financial profitability of different production systems. The experimented four systems were manual planting and manual harvesting, machine planting and manual harvesting, manual planting and machine harvesting and machine planting and machine harvesting, respectively. The experiment was conducted at Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process (FMP) Engineering Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during 2017-18. Yield of potato including yield contributing characters for different treatments was not significantly varied. Direct energy was the highest in mechanical planting and harvesting system (25%) and the lower manual planting and harvesting system (18%). Indirect energy shared 82% in manual planting and harvesting system, 78% in machine planting and manual harvesting system, 80% in manual planting and mechanical harvesting system, and 75% in machine planting and machine harvesting system, respectively. The largest source of indirect energy consumption was from fertilizer (22-27% of the total energy). The higher specific energy of 1.93 MJ/kg was found in manually planted and mechanized harvesting system. The higher product value was from manual planting and mechanical harvesting system. The highest BCR (2.25) was found from machine planted and machine harvested followed by manually planted and mechanically harvested plot (2.16), machine planted and manually harvested plot (1.93) and manual planting and harvesting plot (1.91). Thus, mechanically planted and harvested system can be recommended for potato production since it can reduce 52% labour requirement than manual method and can give higher BCR among the tested production methods.

Semi-mechanized planting of saplings: pivotal results on the efficiency of a new method

Large clear-cut areas as a consequence of drought and bark beetle infestations necessitate extensive replanting efforts in German forests, leading to an increased interest in efficient planting systems. In addition to manual planting, mechanized and semi-mechanized systems utilizing surplus forest machine capacities available after completion of salvage logging operations are likely required for timely reforestation of the clear-cut areas. A semi-mechanized system utilizing a standard forwarder with a grapple-actuated soil borer for both, the transport of planting material and the preparation of planting pits, combined with two workers carrying out manual planting, was investigated in a time-and-motion study. The frequency method was used after video recording of a planting operation that covered an area of approximately 1.2 hectares. A total of 815 alder saplings (Alnus glutinosa L.) with heights of 1.2–1.5 m were planted. Observed productivity was 93 saplings per system work hour (SWH). With additional placement of stakes for stabilizing the plants, the productivity decreased to 42 saplings per SWH. While directly comparable results were not found in the literature, available productivity figures of purely manual planting systems do not suggest an increased productivity of this semi-mechanized system. Considering ergonomics, however, forwarder utilization provides reduced workload not only in plant hole preparation but also with material transport and clearing of planting spots. Both the ergonomic aspects of the system and, in particular, the suitability of the soil borer for different soil textures should be further investigated. Keywords: time studies; forwarder; stand regeneration; windthrow; forest operations

Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Developed Embedded System-Controlled Seed and Fertilizer Applicator

In maize cultivation, the labour-intensive, time-consuming, and costly nature of manual planting necessitates the exploration of mechanized solutions. This study presents a comprehensive economic evaluation of an embedded system-controlled seed cum fertilizer applicator as a potential answer to these challenges. Precise planting methods offer a multi-pronged approach, aiming to reduce cultivation costs, minimize time requirements, and improve worker comfort during planting operations. By meticulously analyzing both ownership and operational expenses, this study empowers farmers with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. These decisions could involve adopting the precise seed cum fertilizer applicator technology, optimizing existing machinery, or exploring alternative methods to achieve enhanced farm productivity and financial gains. The embedded system-controlled seed cum fertilizer applicator was directly compared to traditional manual planting methods. This analysis revealed ownership and operating costs of 9.56 Rs/h and 63 Rs/h, respectively. The compelling findings demonstrated a remarkable 96.87% reduction in planting time and a 55.47% cost decrease when utilizing the embedded system compared to manual methods. These results highlight the significant cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits associated with adopting this precise planting system. This research offers valuable insights to farmers, potentially promoting the integration of advanced agricultural technologies that can optimize resource utilization, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to the implementation of sustainable farming practices.

Evaluation of the productivity and costs of excavator-based mechanized tree planting in Finland based on automated data collection

The poor cost-effectiveness of mechanized planting (MECP) is the main reason for the low mechanization rate of planting. In this study, we investigated the productivity of the mechanized excavator-based planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) seedlings based on data collected by the Risutec Asta documentation system. We also compared the costs of a MECP chain with two different manual planting (MAP) chains, where mounding was carried out by a crawler excavator (EXC) or a continuously advancing mounder (CONT). The MECP of seedlings was carried out using an EXC equipped with a Risutec PM-1 60 planting device. Generally, the nine study sites in western Finland contained few surface obstacles (e.g., the logging residues had mainly been harvested), which made the conditions very suitable for MECP. The average production time taken by the MECP was 9 h ha-1. The operating hour (G15-h) productivity averaged 215 seedlings G15-h-1 , with the mean planting time being 13.8 s seedling-1. Loading 160 seedlings into the seedling cassette took approximately 10 min (3.8 s seedling-1). Overall, the cost of the MECP was about 5% lower than for the EXC + MAP. However, when productivity was set at <200 seedlings G15-h-1 , the cost of the MECP was higher than that of the EXC + MAP. Based on our findings, the most cost-efficient planting chain was CONT + MAP. However, based on our results, the required level of productivity can be achieved if the sites are suitable for MECP and the machine operators are skilled.

Quality assessment of Eucalyptus manual planting in the district of José Félix López, Concepción, Paraguay

Quality assessment of Eucalyptus manual planting in the district of José Félix López, Concepción, Paraguay

Field Testing and Evaluation of a Seven-Row Inclined Plate Planter for Mustard Cultivation

Mustard seed (Brassica nigra) is a crucial oilseed crop extensively cultivated in several countries, especially in South Asia. Enhancing seed planting techniques is essential to optimize crop output and overcome the challenges faced by farmers. Traditional manual planting methods are inefficient and time-consuming, creating obstacles to overall agricultural productivity. To address this issue, a field test and evaluation of a seven-row inclined plate planter for mustard cultivation were conducted. Precision planting, which involves accurate seed placement at desired intervals, is vital for maximizing crop productivity. The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of soil parameters, including soil type, moisture content, bulk density, and cone index. Various operational parameters such as seed spacing, row spacing, and ground wheel slip were evaluated. The economic aspects, including cost analysis, breakeven point, payback period, and benefit-cost ratio, were considered to assess the financial feasibility of the tractor-operated planter.
 Calibration results revealed variations in seed rates among different rows and hopper capacities, impacting seed placement uniformity. Additionally, the study examined seed breakage under different operational parameters, emphasizing its influence on germination rates. Field performance data included soil moisture (12.61%), bulk density (1.45 g/cc), and field efficiency (82.30%), offering insights into real-world planter operation. The cost analysis determined a favorable economic outlook, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.2, signifying the economic viability of machine harvesting compared to manual methods.

Achieving the Urban Tree Trifecta: Scenario Modelling for Salubrious, Resilient, and Diverse Urban Forests in Densifying Cities

AbstractBackgroundUrban forests can provide nature-based solutions (NBS) to complex climate-change challenges via the provision of ecosystem services such as shade and cooling that offset increased risks of chronic diseases and excess mortality. They also confer indirect health benefits by providing regulating ecosystem services that can facilitate climate-change mitigation efforts: increased shade can encourage shifts to lower-carbon transportation methods such as walking and cycling, for example. However, in order to ensure that urban forests are both resilient to threats and confer the maximum possible benefits, we must be able to project decades into the future in order to understand the implications of current urban forestry decisions.MethodsThis study outlines a framework for creating urban-forest scenario models and reports the results of a case study conducted to highlight the ways in which decisions made at each stage of the scenario-development process impact its outcomes and application. Our case study focused on a neighbourhood in Vancouver, Canada, that is simultaneously undergoing urban densification and aiming to significantly increase canopy cover by 2050. Three distinct aims were identified for the case study: maximizing public-health benefits, selecting climate-resilient tree species, and integrating planting across public and private lands to advance diversity. To achieve these aims, baseline information on the neighbourhood’s existing tree network was collected, entered into GIS software, and delineated based on a set of pre-identified characteristics. Next, a list of climate-adapted species was developed. This climate-adapted species list was then virtually “planted”across the neighbourhood, using a combination of machine-based and manual planting techniques. Finally, the resulting scenario model was quantitatively assessed to understand its composition and impacts.ResultsOur study demonstrates that a salubrious, resilient, and diverse urban forest can be created via a strategic program that complements extant trees in the public domain with planting programs along blue-green streets and on private property.ConclusionsAchieving the urban tree trifecta will require collaboration among municipal departments and the development of a range of public and private initiatives, but it has the potential to maximize nature-based solutions in cities facing rapid shifts due to densification and climate change.

Comparative analysis of machine-planted and manual-planted wheat on crop and water productivity, and profitability under system of wheat intensification management

System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) can outperform conventional wheat cultivation. However, the manual planting (dibbling) of two seeds in each hill, with hills laid out in a 20 × 20 cm square pattern essential for SWI, is a laborious task and requires more time, manpower, energy, and monetary expenditure. To deal with these constraints, a scientific team of Agricultural Engineers and Agronomists at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, developed a single-row manual SWI-planter (SRMSWIP) to make SWI planting easier, faster, and more economical. The SRMSWIP was field-evaluated for wheat var. HD-2967 during the winter season of 2015–2016 in a randomized complete design block thrice-replicated study with eight treatments. These treatments comprised (i) sowing with SRMSWIP using treated seeds (MSWIT); (ii) sowing with SRMSWIP using non-treated seed (MSWINT); (iii) manual sowing with SWI-management using treated seeds (MLSWIT); (iv) manual sowing with SWI-management using non-treated seeds (MLSWINT); (v) recommended planting with SWI-management using treated seeds (RPSWIT); (vi) recommended planting with No-SWI management using non-treated seeds (RPNoSWIT); (vii) check-row with SWI-management using treated (CRSWIT), and (viii) check-row with SWI-management using non-treated seeds (CRSWINT). The results showed that SWI-management increased the grain yield by 0.61–1.52 t/ha, with an overall average increase of 1.12 t/ha over control plots. The greatest increase (~25%) in grain yield was achieved with the mechanical seeder and seed treatment. At the same time, straw yield was lower by 0.09–0.66 t ha−1 under SWI-management, with one treatment exception. The increase in grain yield is attributable to SWI methods that led to an increase in the harvest index, i.e., in the wheat plant phenotypes. The water productivity and production efficiency were higher under SWI compared to conventional seed drilling with or without SWI-management. The gross returns using SWI planting ranged between Rs.123,526/ha in MLSWINT to Rs. 139,210/ha in MSWIT vs. Rs. 117,113/ha in RPNoSWIT. However, SWI with manual sowing (MLSWIT and MLSWINT) increased the cost of cultivation (COC) by Rs. 9,623/ha over RPNoSWIT. This increase in COC was lowered to Rs. 5,475/ha when planting was performed using SRMSWIP. Thus, owing to higher gross returns, SWI planting and management, barring MLSWINT, resulted in net returns of an increment of Rs. 7,615–16,372/ha over conventional planting without SWI-management. The B:C in MSWIT and MSWINT was significantly higher than RPSWI. The monetary efficiency (ME) was highest with MSWIT (Rs. 702/ha/day). Overall, the SRMSWIP may facilitate wheat sowing using SWI methods, with greater feasibility and economic viability achieved. The promotion of this low-cost SRMSWIP may be a boon in enhancing the adoptability of SWI-technology among wheat growers, particularly small and marginal farmers in India and adjoining regions.

KAJIAN SOSIAL EKONOMI PEMANFAATAN RICE TRANSPLANTER PADA TANAMAN PADI DI KABUPATEN SIDENRENG RAPPANG

In Sidenreng Rappang Regency the use of agricultural technology is one of the choices for farmers to carry out agricultural activities, one example is the combine machine, while the rice planter machine (Transplanter) is still not widely used, because the application of technology in the agricultural sector is also not something easy, because farmers' habits and understanding of technology are still lacking, besides that agricultural activities are also a source of farmers' livelihoods so that farmers do not easily change old habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the use of transplanters, to see the socio-economic influence of farmers on the use of transplanters and to compare the income of farmers in Sidenreng Rappang Regency. The method used in this study is a qualitative and quantitative method using descriptive analysis, income analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. This research was conducted in Watang Sidenreng District, Sidenreng Rappang Regency from April to July 2022. The sampling technique was carried out by simple random sampling and the number of samples selected was 22 farmers. The results of this study indicate that the use of the Transplanter machine at the research location shows that most have implemented the Rice Transplanter rice planting machine. Comparison of the income of the respondent farmers in the application of the transplanter with the manual planting system, it was found that the application of the transplanter machine was more profitable in terms of production costs so that the income was greater due to the reduced total cost. Based on the results of the t test, it can be seen that among the socio-economic factors of rice farmers measured to see their effect on the use of transplanters, it can be seen that the socio-economic factors that are included in the significant category are the factors of the role of farmer organizations with a high level of significance.

Design and development of single row auto-feed potato planter cum fertilizer applicator for small farmers

Background: Traditional methods of potato planting on the field is labor intensive, time consuming and produce low yields of potato per hectare. Agriculture mechanization plays very important role for horticulture crops. To reduce the labour scarcity, labour drudgery, time consumption in manual planting of potatoes in local areas of different villages, a prototype was designed, fabricated and evaluated in the field. The present study was carried out at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (C.G.).Methods: The potato tubers taken were divided into three categories i.e., round, oblong and long-oblong and their physical and mechanical properties were required for designing different units of planter, they were found out.Result: The model of all components of potato planter were designed by solid work software and fabricated. Developed potato planter consists of seed metering device, seed tube, seed tuber covering duct, fertilizer tube, furrow openers, power transmission wheel, seed and fertilizer hopper. Capacity of seed and fertilizer hopper was kept at 55 kg and 15 kg respectively.

Design of Manually Operated Four Rows Rice Seeder

In Ethiopia, rice is one of the targeted agricultural products that has received adequate attention in the promotion of agricultural output. It is regarded as the "Millennium Crop" and is anticipated to help ensure food security in the nation. As a result, over the past few years, its production has increased. Despite the growth, there are still a lot of production system issues that need to be resolved, with planting technique leading the list. The farmers continued to use time- and labor-intensive traditional seed-broadcasting techniques, which led to a sharp reduction in output due to an unfavorable plant population. Consequently, in order to maintain the ideal plant density and get around the issues with the conventional method of disseminating the seed on the farm; there was efforts have made to design suitable planting machine for rice. Then depends on the binary dominance matrix traditional seeding techniques (broadcasting), manual planting technique in rows and the newly designed manually operated four rows rice were evaluated and it was found that newly designed seeder was better than manual method in all parameters. The machinability aspect, which comprises installation, simplicity, durability, choice of material, machine, low pricing, and prolonged life span when operated with high utilization with minimal downtime, was properly taken into account in order to achieve this design target and goals.

Design and Development of Manually Operated Single Row Planter for Groundnut Seeds

India is one among the most important producers of oilseeds within the world and occupies a crucial position within the Indian agricultural economy. Groundnut is also called as wonder nut and cashew nut of poor man. Groundnut is one among the foremost important cash crops of our country. Farm mechanization is an important element of agriculture. Mechanization of groundnut farming is an essential input in modern agriculture. The level of farm mechanization in India stands at about 40-45 per cent with states such as UP, Haryana and Punjab having very high mechanization levels, but north-eastern states having negligible mechanization. This level of farm mechanization is still low as compared to the countries such as the U. S. (95%), Brazil (75% and China (57%). While the level of mechanization lags behind other developed countries, it has seen an average agriculture growth rate of 3.56 per cent through the last decade.A single row planter for groundnut seeds, operated by hand, was designed to enhance planting effi ciency and reduce drudgery involved in manual planting method of groundnut seed. The major components of the planter are seed hopper, seed metering device, jaw clutch, seed delivery tube, furrow opener, furrow covering wheels and drive wheel. The diameter of seed metering device was found as 11.66 cm and number of cells on the periphery of seed metering device was found as 6. The theoretical volume of designed seed hopper was found as 0.024472 m3. The overall dimensions of the designed planter were found as 1474 × 960 × 330 mm. The average speed of operation was found as 2.24 km/h during the fi eld testing. The average theoretical fi eld capacity, eff ective fi eld capacity and fi eld effi ciency was found as 0.101 ha/h, 0.081 ha/h and 81.35 per cent respectively. Average seed rate was found as 65.08 kg/ha during the fi eld testing of developed planter. This planter is considered economical with ease of operation, requiring no special skill to operate and can be adopted by the farmers for the planting of groundnut seed.

FABRICATION OF MANUALLY OPERATED SEED DRILL FOR ARACHIS HYPOGEAE AND ZEA MAYS

Oil seeds plays vital role in furthering sustainable agriculture as they are the major source of nutrients. Groundnut is a major oil seed crop grown in the areas receiving 50-120cm of well distributed rainfall. So pulses and cereals have been a choice for the farmers for cultivation due to soil management techniques. The farming sector in India primarily of small scale farmers, the inability of small farmers to purchase and adopt improved technology of reduces the yield of production. The main objective of sowing operation is to place seed at proper position as well as reduce the cost of labors. Thus this paper, design and develop a manually operated seed drill for groundnut and maize which is suitable for marginal land holdings and plant the seed at specific distance with specific quantity and reduce the drudgery involved in manual planting method and increases the efficiency and also reduce the cost of sowing the seed by using the machine. The seed counting machine is used to count the seed and the revolution of the seed drill. The field trials reveal that the seed drill was performed well and found suitable for the small and marginal farmers.

Bringing back reindeer pastures in cutaway peatlands

European Union and national carbon neutrality targets entail the release of hundreds of hectares of cutaway peatlands annually from energy peat extraction in Finland, creating opportunities to reclaim them as reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) summer pastures and support an important local traditional livelihood hampered by intensive land use. To our knowledge, this is the first study to test whether reindeer summer pastures can be reclaimed. In 2017, we established a field experiment to investigate whether machinery transplanting of native plant species and sowing of seed mixtures promoted the establishment of forage plants preferred by reindeer. The transplanted species were Eriophorum vaginatum, Equisetum fluviatile, and Menyanthes trifoliata. Two tested seed mixtures contained different varieties of Phleum pratense which were surveyed. Plant cover and biomass growth, and growth‐influencing factors like peat properties and water level, were surveyed during 2018–2020. Eriophorum vaginatum tolerated transplanting well, doubling its cover during the study. Equisetum fluviatile was slower to establish. Mechanical transplanting of M. trifoliata failed; manual planting was promising. Sowing seed mixtures provided forage more quickly, generating larger cover than the transplanted natural plants. However, transplanting and sowing face problems. Transplanting is expensive and technically demanding, and removing plants from their growing sites may harm the surrounding vegetation. Meanwhile, the required regular maintenance of P. pratense is costly. Although the short monitoring period limits conclusions, our results suggest that a suitable combination of transplanting, sowing, and natural succession may be a solution for reclaiming former reindeer summer pastures.

Development of 3D-Printed Agricultural Drone (Ardufarmer)

This study addresses the labor crisis that the agriculture industry faces and the need for an alternative planting technology for farmers. Ardufarmer is a seed sowing machine that combines the emerging additive manufacturing technology and quadcopter robotics to form an alternative broadcast farming method that efficiently covers a given land area in the least amount of time through planting toolsets: seed reservoir, dispenser valve, drill, Arduino, and GPS programming. The quadcopter development includes designing the drone fuselage and seed dispenser, three-dimensional printing (3D printing) the parts under different settings, simulation and analysis of 3D-printed parts, and programming the Arduino board and GPS mechanism. The drone was tested in different land areas in terms of time spent. The study shows that the planting rate of the drone is more efficient at 36.41 seconds in 50 square meters than manual planting at 144 seconds in 50 square meters. The Ardufarmer was tested in terms of height, time spent, and spreading diameter in different land areas. The device can effectively sow seeds in 12 seconds per square meter. The study also shows that the minimum percentage relative time saving of the proposed drone technology is 74.72%.

DEVELOPMENT OF A FOUR-ROW-ANIMAL-DRAWN PRECISION MAIZE PLANTER

Crop planting is an indispensable farm operation to increase production through the proper facilitation of optimum plant population per area as well as reducing unnecessary competition among crops. The excessive inaccurate placement of seed at a required depth and intra - row distance, low field capacity and seed damage due to metering all envisage the need for a locally developed and cost effective multi-row animal drawn precision seed planter. This study focused on the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a four row animal drawn maize seed planter. The fabrication was carried out at the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering Workshop, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The machine was evaluated in the experimental field of the department during the 2019 raining season. Three levels of planting speed ‘S’, three levels of hopper seed quantity ‘W’ and two levels of planting depth ‘D’ were assessed. The field experiment was designed in a 3×3×2 randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed that the effects of planting speed, seed quantity and planting depth were significant on the planting performance of the machine. The highest mean seed spacing, germination counts, field capacity and seed delivery rate of 23.50 cm, 88.5 %, 0.54 ha/hr and 20.7 kg/ha respectively were obtained. The developed planter has successfully eliminated the limitations associated with manual planting method, most locally developed planters, imported tractor drawn planters as well as increasing the field capacity of the planting operation.

Developing of manually operated single row planter for groundnut seed

India is one among the most important producers of oilseeds within the world and occupies a crucial position within the Indian agricultural economy. Groundnut is one among the foremost important oilseed crops of India. Mechanization of groundnut farming is an essential input in modern agriculture. Looking at the pattern of land ownership in India, it may be noticed that roughly 84 per cent of holdings are below one hectare. In the present context of the land fragmentation and resultant ongoing decrease of average size of operational holdings, proportion of marginal, small and semi-medium operational landholdings is projected to rise. Such tiny landholdings make private ownership farm machines uneconomic and operationally unavailable. In view of these points, a manual operated single row planter for groundnut seed was designed to improve planting efficiency and minimize drudgery associated with the manual planting technique of groundnut seed. The major components of the planter were designed as seed hopper, seed metering device, jaw clutch, seed delivery tube, furrow opener, furrow covering wheels and drive wheel. The diameter of seed metering device was found 11.66 cm and number of cells on the periphery of seed metering device was found 6. The theoretical volume of designed seed hopper was found 0.024472 m3. The overall dimensions of the designed planter were found 1,474 mm × 960 mm × 330 mm. This planter is considered economical with ease of operation, requiring no special skills to operate and can be adopted by the farmers for the planting of groundnut seed.