Precision Seeders Research Articles

Design and Testing of Electric Drive System for Maize Precision Seeder

To improve the expandability, seeding accuracy, and operating speed range of the electric drive system (EDS) of precision seeders, this study constructed an EDS based on a controller area network (CAN) bus and designed a motor controller based on a field-orientated control (FOC) algorithm. Full-factorial bench and field tests based on seed spacing (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m) and operating speed (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 km/h) were carried out to evaluate the performance of the EDS. The results of bench tests showed that seeding quality varied inversely with operating speed and positively with seed spacing. The average quality of feed index (QFI) at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m seed spacing in bench tests was 88.38%, 96.67%, and 97.36%, with the average coefficient of variation (CV) being 20.13%, 16.27%, and 13.20%. Analysis of variance confirmed that both operating speed and seed spacing had a significant effect on QFI and CV (p < 0.001). The analysis of motor rotational speed accuracy showed that the relative error of motor rotational speed above 410 rpm did not exceed 2.24%, and the relative error had less influence on the seeding quality. The average QFI was 85.93%, 95.91%, and 96.24%, with the average CV being 21.12%, 15.50%, and 16.49% at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m seed spacing in field tests. The methods and results of this study can provide a reference for the design and optimization of the EDS in a maize precision seeder and provide an effective solution for the improvement of maize yields.

ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЕ, ЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКОЕ И ПРОГРАММНОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ КАЧЕСТВА ПУНКТИРНО-ГНЕЗДОВЫХ ПОСЕВОВ

In the complex of technological operations in the cultivation of agricultural crops, an important role belongs to sowing. The main task of placing seeds in the field is to obtain maximum yield at minimum cost of cultivation. This task is sought to be solved by using precision seeders, which should ensure an even distribution of a given amount of seeds over the field area. Thus, when using precision seeding drills, the requirements for compliance with the specified seeding rate increase. For effective automated control of the seeding process, it is necessary to accurately record the moment when seeds pass through a sensor or optical system. The correct determination of the time intervals of interaction between seeds and the sensor is an essential element for an accurate assessment of seed registration during the study of sowing machines. Of particular importance is the development of an intelligent system that will improve the way to evaluate the accuracy of dotted-nest seeding machines. The purpose of the study is to improve the method of evaluating the qualitative performance of the seeding machine with a dotted–nest seeding method. When designing an intelligent system, it is necessary to develop database components, means of user interaction with the system, represented by a user interface and screen forms, and a software product to determine the accuracy of the dotted-nest method of sowing and seed damage.

The Study of the Process of Supplying Seeds of Row Crops Using a Vacuum Seed-Placing Unit

Introduction. The performance of precision seeders depends on many factors, including the functionality of their dosing systems, the modernization of which is possible only on the basis of patterns, which allows forecasting the indicators of single seed placing into a furrow.Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at analyzing the influence of the diameter of the suction holes of seed-placing units and the rarefaction created in them on the characteristics of placing seeds of the main row crops.Materials and Methods. The results of the study were obtained based on a series of experiments on sowing corn and sunflower seeds using an MS-8 seeder, the operation principle of which can be considered typical for vacuum seed-placing units.Results. There have been obtained empirical dependences of the particular features of zero and group placing seeds of such row crops as corn and sunflower on the area of the suction holes and the rarefaction in the vacuum chamber.Discussion and Conclusion. The quantitative estimates obtained may differ for seeds of the same crop, but having different technological properties. The general factor is that the frequency of missing seeds is proportional to the suction force magnitude in the working plane of the metering element, regardless of its area. At the same time, the probability of double seed placing depends on the area of the metering ports with a constant suction force, a decrease in their diameter leads to a decrease in the frequency of double seed placing. The data obtained allow considering joint variations in the magnitude of the rarefaction in the vacuum chamber and the diameter of the suction holes as effective tools for improving the seed placing quality.

Establishment and Parameter Calibration of a Simulation Model of Coated Cotton Seeds and Soil

Precision seeding technology is an important component of agricultural mechanization production. The precise regulation of seed movement behavior is the core of precision sowing technology and the key to improving the quality of single seed precision sowing. To accurately obtain the interaction law between seeds and soil after touching the soil, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive physical experiments to determine the simulation parameters of the seed and soil. This article takes coated cotton seeds as the research object, and the basic physical parameters of coated cotton seeds are measured through biological experiments. Based on the Hertz–Mindlin with bonding V2 contact model, a simulation model of compression between coated cotton seeds and soil is established. Using peak compression force as the response value, a combination of physical experiments and simulation simulations was used to calibrate the simulation parameters of the simulation mode of coated cotton seeds and soil. Through PB testing, it was found that four factors have a significant impact on the peak compressive force, and the parameter range was obtained. The Poisson’s ratio of coated cotton seeds was 0.14–0.26. The static friction coefficient between coated cotton seeds and steel plate was 0.38–0.58. The static friction coefficient between soil and soil was 0.3–1.2. The rolling friction coefficient between soil and soil was 0.1–0.6. Through response surface experiments with four factors and three levels, regression models were established between various factors and response values, and the optimal combination of simulation parameters was determined: the Poisson’s ratio of coated cotton seeds was 0.21; the static friction coefficient between coated cotton seed and steel plate was 0.47; the static friction coefficient between soil and soil was 0.34; and the rolling friction coefficient between soil and soil was 0.59. Based on the optimal parameter combination, the simulation of compression between coated cotton seeds and soil was continued, and the variation law of soil particle bonding bonds at different positions of coated cotton seeds during the compression process was obtained. This study provides a basis for exploring the interaction mechanism between the trencher seed soil of precision seeders and optimizing the design of critical components of cotton precision seeders.

Оценка целесообразности применения мотоблоков и мини-тракторов для механизации работ в лесных питомниках Российской Федерации

At the moment, a significant part of the equipment operated in permanent forest nurseries is worn out by 70-80%. At the same time, the existing equipment has excessive productivity, which in conditions of small forest nurseries leads to excessive operating costs. The area of sowing departments and fallow fields in modern nurse-ries rarely exceeds 3 hectares, which makes it possible to accept small farms as the closest analogy in terms of the volume of agrotechnical work. Based on the cluster analysis of the nomenclature of existing machines and tools of various types, the options for re-equipping forest nurseries with small-sized mobile energy means (SMEM) and small-scale mechanization means (SMM) in modern geopolitical conditions were evaluated. Firstly, the information on ploughshares, disc harrows, spreaders of solid fertilizers, sprayers, precision seeders and cul-tivators for aggregation with tillers and mini-tractors available for purchase was analyzed. Secondly, the neces-sary level of power-to-weight ratio of the heavy vehicle has been determined to perform the entire list of mecha-nized work on growing planting material in a forest nursery. Thirdly, the economic feasibility of using tillers and mini-tractors to perform work in forest nurseries by calculating "hourly operating costs" was evaluated. The re-duction of the range of SMEM and SMM models offered on the market of the Russian Federation is not a limiting factor. There are enough machines and tools of Russian, Belarusian and Chinese production to ensure mecha-nized work in a forest nursery. The most effective are SMEM with an engine power of 30 kW and a load capacity of 700 kg rear suspension. SMEM is economically feasible to use with an annual volume of work equivalent to 60 hectares of conventional arable land, or less. With large volumes, the use of more productive tools with a trac-tor of traction class 1.4 is economically justified.

Improving the seed detection accuracy of piezoelectric impact sensors for precision seeders. Part II: Evaluation of different plate materials

Precision seeders are crucial in modern agriculture as they directly affect agricultural productivity by ensuring the uniform distribution of seeds in the field. Any non-uniformity in seed distribution can lead to missed or multiple seedings, resulting in potential yield losses. To overcome this issue, researchers have dedicated significant efforts to developing efficient and precise methodologies for assessing and enhancing the seeding performance of precision seeders.Piezoelectric impact sensors are widely used for detecting impacts or collisions and can measure the magnitude and duration of such impacts. This study explores a method to improve the reliability and accuracy of seed detection using piezoelectric signal acquisition and analysis to evaluate the seeding performance of precision seeders. A fast and high-precision piezoelectric detection system was designed and tested using steel, acrylic, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), fiberglass, and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) as plate materials. The results demonstrated that fiberglass exhibited the highest measurement accuracy, exceeding 95 %, in detecting soybean, corn, and sunflower seeds at simulated forward speeds of 6 and 12 km/h.The findings of this study contribute to the development of more efficient and accurate methods for testing and detecting the seeding performance of precision seeders. Using fiberglass as a plate material for piezoelectric impact sensors is a promising approach to improving seed detection accuracy and ensuring the quality of seeding operations.

Improving the seed detection accuracy of piezoelectric impact sensors for precision seeders. Part I: A comparative study of signal processing algorithms

One of the crucial issues in seeders and grain drills is measuring the seed flow rate and seeding quality during the seeding operation. An impact sensor based on a piezoelectric sensor was designed and tested for different seeds to detect seeding quality rapidly and accurately in precision seeders. This sensor enables faster and more cost-effective seeding quality determination than grease belt test benches. Seed impact vibrations were detected using a piezoelectric microphone attached to the plate, while seed trajectories were simultaneously recorded with a high-speed camera. The novelty of this work lies in the implementation of a new algorithm called Variable Threshold Peak Detection with Automatic Calculation of Minimum Threshold (VTPD-AM), which enables more efficient signal analysis. The seed detection accuracy of VTPD-AM was comprehensively compared with the literature, specifically the works of Palshikar et al. (2009), Scholkmann et al. (2012), and Ozbek et al. (2014).The performance of the tested algorithms was compared using corn, soybean, and sunflower seeds at simulated forward speeds of 6 and 12 km/h. Based on the experimental results, the algorithm presented in this work (VTPD-AM) and the algorithm developed by Ozbek et al. (2014) achieved the highest seed monitoring accuracy (over 97 %). The advantage of VTPD-AM is that it can be implemented on microcontrollers for real-time applications. In all cases, the percentage of undetected seeds increased with the increase in the seed flow rate.

Control of sowing seeds of row crops with electrified seeders

The research was conducted to determine the qualitative and energy performance indicators of a precision seeder with electric drives for working tools, equipped with a seed distribution control system that allows remote control of the seeding unit. The experiments used seeders MC-8 with drive through a gearbox from a 180W DC motor FL57BLS04 and seeders ТС-М-4150А with a seed distribution apparatus produced by «MaterMass» and driven through a gearbox and chain drives from a 220W brushless motor FL86BLS. The pulse power supply SDR-960-48 was used to power the seed distribution apparatus motors. The quality of operation of the seed distribution apparatus when using seeds of various row crops was determined by the method of recording the time intervals between seed ejections from the distribution disk using a seed sensor installed in the furrow opener. When changing the rotation speed of the seeder's distribution disk from 20 to 60 rpm, the coe cient of variation of seed ejections varied from 0.15 to 0.35, and the power consumption ranged from 30 to 110W. The power consumption for the fan drive did not exceed 2.5 kW, and the total power consumption of the electric motors for driving all the seed distribution apparatuses and the fan was 4.0 kW. For the ТС-М-4150А seeder, the power consumption for driving the seed distribution apparatuses is slightly higher and amounts to at least 3.0 kW in operating modes. A control and management system for seeding with a domestic electri ed seeder based on the Arduino Uno board was proposed. Its program includes two subprograms that take into account the speed of movement of the seeding unit, based on which the rotation speed of the distribution disk and the number of skips and duplicates are determined. The use of electri ed drives and seed distribution control systems in precision seeders allows for stepless adjustment of the seed sowing rate and control of the sowing process from the tractor cabin.

Design and Analysis of a Pneumatic Automatic Compensation System for Miss-Seeding Based on Speed Synchronization

In order to solve the problems of poor seed filling performance and the low compensation accuracy of large- and medium-sized missed seeding compensation devices under medium- to high-speed conditions, a pneumatic missed seeding automatic compensation system based on speed synchronization was designed. The key structure and parameters in terms of the seed metering plate and seed feeding arm were determined by theoretical analysis. A universal compensation control system for single-seed missed seeding and continuous missed seeding was designed. With regards to exploring the working performance, some relevant bench tests were carried out, with Zhengdan-958 corn seeds and Zhonghuang-37 soybean seeds serving as the test objects. First of all, a single-factor test was conducted to determine the optimal level ranges of the factors that influence seed filling performance, such as suction hole diameter, seed stirring bar thickness, and negative pressure. The test indicators were qualified seed filling rate, multiple seed filling rate, and missed seed filling rate. Next, the Box–Behnken design test was executed to explore to the influence law of each test indicator on corn seed filling performance. Then, the parameter optimization module was applied to achieve the best combination of operating parameters for the test factors. The optimal combination of parameters was a suction hole diameter of 5.3 mm, seed stirring bar thickness of 2.9 mm, and negative pressure of 4.1 kPa. Based on the optimal combination, a verification test of corn seed filling performance was performed, and the corresponding evaluation indexes were a qualified seed filling rate of 95.46%, multiple seed filling rate of 2.47%, and missed seed filling rate of 2.07%. Lastly, a seed feeding performance verification test was employed with the seeding speed as the impact factor to verify the compensation accuracy of single-seed missed seeding and continuous missed seeding compensation. The results of the verification test indicate that, for corn seeds, when the seeding speed falls within the range of 8 to 12 km/h, the effective single-seed feeding rate exceeds 88%, the average single-seed feeding time is less than 0.18 s, the qualified seed feeding rate is higher than 90%, the multiple seed feeding rate is lower than 3%, and the missed seed feeding rate is below 7%. For soybean seeds, the effective single-seed feeding rate is higher than 85%, the average single-seed feeding time is less than 0.17 s, the qualified seed feeding rate exceeds 86%, the multiple seed feeding rate is less than 4%, and the missed seed feeding rate is below 10%. This system meets the agronomic requirements for the automatic compensation of missed seeding with respect to large- and medium-sized precision seeders, which could help to improve the operational performance of seeding machines.

Optimization of and Experiment on Simulation Parameters for Rotary Hole Filling Corn Precision Metering Device

This study is aimed at the special working conditions of seeding on sloping land, combining advanced precision seeding technology and the structure of rotary hole filling corn precision metering device seed rowers at home and abroad, and studying soil entry characteristics, the characteristics of soil particles and the seed transport pattern in the puncture process, in order to improve the seed dispersal qualified index and reduce the coefficient of variation in the process of seeding. The simulation test of the cavity-tying device was carried out using the MBD–DEM coupling method, and it can be seen that the rocker bending angle is 120° when the force is the largest; at this time the rocker and the soil force is the largest, indicating the best effect on soil particle separation and the fastest movement speed. The single-factor test determined that the operating speed of the seed rower ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 m/s, the spring preload force of the seed rower ranged from 5.5 to 25 N, and the operating slope angle of the seed rower ranged from 8° to 16°. The optimal structure and parameter characteristics of the rotary hole filling corn precision metering device were determined with a multi-factor test, and it was proven that the rotary hole filling corn precision metering device has better performance and a higher seed rowing quality, with the qualified index reaching 96.2%. This study can provide a reference for the research of corn precision seeders, enrich the form of corn precision seeders, and effectively improve the level of corn mechanized seeding.

Application of Methods for Solving Multi-Criteria Problems when Choosing Precision Seeders

This article presents the process of choosing a precise seeding drill model using the methods of hierarchy analysis and generalized estimation. The results of the analysis represent preferred alternatives and recommendations for decision-making. The importance of the role of experts and their subjective opinions when using these methods is also emphasized.

Comparison of Field Performance of Different Driving Systems and Forward Speed Measuring Methods for a Wet Direct Seeder of Rice

Research on precision seeders operated in the dry field shows that an electric driving system used for a seed meter can significantly improve the planting uniformity. The measuring method for forward speed greatly affects the control accuracy of the electric driving system. However, the performance of an electric drive system for precision seeders operating in wet fields, such as paddy, is still unclear. The operating conditions of dry and wet fields are quite different, and it is necessary to study the effects of an electric driving system and corresponding speed measuring methods on a wet-field operating seeder. In this paper, field experiments were carried out by using a wet direct planter of rice under three driving methods for seed meter, including classic mechanical driving system (MDS), electric driving system with speed acquiring from an encoder (EDSE), and electric driving system with speed acquiring from the global positioning system (EDSG), at forward speeds of 4.62, 5.81, and 7.23 km·h−1. The seeding uniformity (seeding rates, coefficient of variations) and the slippage (slippage rate, broken strips) were investigated. Results showed that the EDSG exhibited more qualified operation performance compared with the MDS and the EDSE. For both the MDS and EDSE, the seeding rates significantly decreased and deviated from the desired value as the forward speed increased. The negative slippages of MDS and EDSE were 3.47–31.72% and 2.13–7.7%, respectively, and they significantly increased when the forward speeds increased from 4.62 to 7.23 km·h−1. Analysis of the seeding uniformity and slippage presented that the EDSG exhibited a more qualified operation and is recommended for the wet direct seeder of rice.

ВПЛИВ СПОСОБІВ СІВБИ НА РОЗВИТОК РОСЛИН ТА ПРОДУКТИВНІСТЬ ПОСІВІВ СОНЯШНИКУ В УМОВАХ ЛІСОСТЕПУ УКРАЇНИ

The purpose of research. To establish agrotechnical efficiency of technical-technological solution of Claydon seeder at sowing of industrial crops on the basis of analysis of experimental data of quality of sowing of sunflower by a tape spreading way, to define quality of sowing on a condition of crops in critical phases of growth and development of plants. Research methods. Engineering analysis of the structure. Observation and determination of biometric indicators of plants in crops based on cluster analysis of plant development. Results and conclusions. When sowing sunflowers with a Claydon seeder, compared to the control, more acceptable conditions for the development of each plant are created - the feeding area and its shape are optimized, competition and mutual shading of the leaf surface are reduced on the basis of a 56% improved aspect ratio, competition and mutual shading of the leaf surface are reduced, the competitive influence of neighboring plants is delayed for 5-7 days, the weighted average weight of the basket increases by the time of harvest increases by 10-20 %, more than doubles the preservation of plants up to the harvest period, which creates potential conditions for higher yields. Claydon seeder can be used as an alternative to precision seeders when sowing sunflowers, which, given its traditional use - sowing seeds of cereals and other crops - can significantly reduce the cost of economic entities for technical re-equipment, accelerate the pace of renewal of machine-tractor fleet the economy with modern, highly productive equipment and introduce energy-saving, innovative technologies of crop production. Keywords. Seeders, sowing methods, sowing quality, plants, biometric indicators, biological yield, machine-tractor fleet, technical re-equipment.

Estimation of Optimum Vacuum Pressure of Air-Suction Seed-Metering Device of Precision Seeders Using Artificial Neural Network Models

The success of the seed-metering device of a seeder determines the quality seeding and final plant stand. The adjustment of the optimal vacuum pressure of air-suction-type seed-metering devices is a key factor affecting the success of seed-metering devices. The optimal value of vacuum of the seed-metering device should be adjusted in relation to the physical properties of the seed before seeding in the field. This research was carried out to estimate the optimal value of vacuum pressure of an air-suction seed-metering device of a precision seeder by using an artificial neural network method. Training of the network was performed by using a Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) learning algorithm. Training and testing were carried out using Matlab software. The inputs were physical properties of seeds such as surface area, thousand kernel weight, kernel density and sphericity. Optimum vacuum pressures were determined for soybean, maize, cucumber, melon, watermelon, sugarbeet and onion seeds in laboratory. Surface area, thousand kernel weight, kernel density and sphericity of seeds varied from 0.05 to 0.638 cm2, 4.4 to 322.4 g, 0.43 to 1.29 g cm−3 and 42.8 to 85.75%, respectively. The optimal vacuum pressure was determined as 1.5 kPa for onion; 2.0 kPa for sugarbeet; 2.5 kPa for melon and watermelon; 3.0 kPa for soybean; and 4.0 kPa for maize seeds. A trained program using an artificial neural network could satisfactorily estimate the optimum value of vacuum pressure of the air-suction type seed-metering device of precision seeders with a prediction success (R2) of 0.9949 for both linear and polynomial regressions.

Design and experiment on the air-blowing and vibrating supply seed tray for precision seeders

Vacuum-vibration precision seeding technology is a crucial technology that affects the industrialization process of super rice plug seedlings. To solve the problems that the vibrating supply seed tray structure in a vacuum-vibration precision seeder caused the vibration of the whole machine and the decline of the seeding eligible rate under high frequency and large amplitude vibration, it is important to design a new supply seed tray structure. This research proposed a method to make the seeds “boiling” under the combined effect of air blowing and vibration, and designed the air-blowing and vibrating supply seed tray structure. FLUENT was used to analyze fluid motion inside the supply seed tray and optimize the structure parameters of the supply seed tray. The maximum airflow velocity was determined when the inlet air pressure was 22 kPa, the number of air inlets was 2, and the diameter of the holes at the bottom of the supply seed tray was 2 mm. Comparative experiments were carried out to prove the air-blowing and vibrating supply seed tray structure could reduce the vibration frequency by 1.5 Hz and decrease the amplitude by 0.25 mm. The mathematical regression models between the inlet air pressure, vibration frequency, amplitude, and seeding performance indexes were established by orthogonal experiments. Through the optimization operation and bench tests, it was determined that when the inlet air pressure was 19.49 kPa, the vibration frequency was 9.00 Hz, and the amplitude was 2.65 mm, the eligible rate, replay rate, and hole rate could reach 93.56%, 3.35%, and 3.09%. The experimental results were generally consistent with the predicted values. The research confirmed that the air-blowing and vibrating supply seed tray could improve the eligible rate while reducing the vibration frequency and amplitude of the vacuum-vibration tray precision seeder. It also provided a necessary basis for precision seeding technology. Keywords: air-blowing and vibrating, precision seeding, FLUENT, orthogonal experiment DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20221503.6873 Citation: Zhang Z Q, Chen J, Li Y M, Guan Z H, Liao C Q, Qiao X S. Design and experiment on the air-blowing and vibrating supply seed tray for precision seeders. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2022; 15(3): 115–121.

Разработка и реализация специализированной нормативно-справочной базы данных (БД) «Посевная техника для пропашных и овощных культур»

This paper discusses the procedure for the develop-ment and operation algorithm of the specialized regulatory and reference database “Sowing equipment for tilled and vegetable crops” which contains a description and tech-nical characteristics of domestic and foreign precision seeders (their units and assemblies) for tilled and vegeta-ble crops in the system precision and zero agriculture. The main function of the program is the accumulation and sys-tematization of information on sowing equipment for tilled and vegetable crops with the possibility of interactive search, filtering and comparison of results. The structure of the database being developed has been determined; it includes 4 blocks: a graphical interface; control algorithms; data management; control components and general pur-pose components. Taking into account this structure, the stages of creating a database are determined: analysis of real world objects for the implementation of the modeling process, selection of tables and fields that are capable of identifying each object, designing relationships between tables and setting referential integrity rules. The developed software solves the following tasks: searches according to the main characteristics of sowing equipment for tilled and vegetable crops; forms an initial set of characteristics and their limit values; implements sorting and filtering of search results; provides the ability to select from the table-list a specific instance of equipment with the output of detailed information; provides the ability to select from the table-list of several copies of equipment for their detailed compari-son; provides personalized access to entering and modify-ing information in the database. The advantage of using the developed database is its regular replenishment; at the moment the information volume (content) is: for mechanical seeders -23 items; pneumatic seeders -78 items; “direct sowing” (“zero” farming) equipment -10 items.

Precision seeding parameter monitoring system based on laser sensor and wireless serial port communication

With the development of agricultural intelligence, the degree of integration of computer technology, wireless communication technology, sensor technology, and agricultural machinery technology is getting higher and higher. Among them, the seeding parameter monitoring technology of the seeder has been more and more applied. However, the current seeding monitoring technology still has some problems, including the low accuracy of parameter monitoring, the monitoring parameters are mainly the seeding quantity, the data is communicated by wire connection, the communication distance is short, the wiring is complicated, and the scalability is poor. Aiming at the problems existing in the current seeding parameter monitoring technology, this study designed and developed a precision seeding parameter monitoring system based on laser sensors and wireless serial port communication for precision seeders. The monitoring system included the design of laser sensor, the design of controller parameter capture and calculation, the design of upper computer human–computer interaction software, the design of wireless communication methods, the design of fault alarm, and speed measurement function. Bench tests had shown that the monitoring system designed in this study had high monitoring accuracy. When the simulated seeder was at a forward speed of 5–10 km/h, the average monitoring error of the seeding quantity was less than 1.2%, and the average monitoring error of the seeding qualified rate was less than 0.5%. The monitoring system could accurately and timely alarm the fault, which the success rate of alarm reached 100%, and the average response time of the fault alarm was less than 0.5 s. The GPS speed measurement value was consistent with the simulation software value, and the speed measurement frequency was 5 Hz. Field tests had shown that the average monitoring error of the seeding quantity was less than 1%, and the average monitoring error of the seeding qualified rate was less than 1.5%. The monitoring system could alarm in time when the seeder had a missing seeds fault. Through test verification, the monitoring system designed in this study could realize the online real-time monitoring function of the precision seeder.

An Attempt to Evaluate the Performance Parameters of a Precision Vacuum Seeder in Different Seed Drop Height

This study examined the effects of seed drop height changing depending on furrow openers of precision seeders, and the forward speed of tractors which is constantly aimed to be increased by producers on the uniformity of seed distribution. The experiments were made with a precision seeder unit positioned on a sticky belt trial setup at seed drop heights of 100, 200 and 300 mm, the forward speeds of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m s-1, and the vacuum pressures of 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 kPa. Maize and sunflower seeds were used in experiments. According to the results, the effects of seed drop height and forward speed on seed spacing and deviation from row were significant for both seed types (P<0.01). The increase in the forward speed led to a deviation of approximately 15 mm in maize and 17 mm in sunflower between the mean seed spacing and the target seed spacing. In general, miss and multiple indices were found to be fewer than 9%. The optimum performance of the seeder unit in sowing sunflower and maize was obtained at the seed drop height of 100 mm, the forward speed of 0.5 m s-1, and the vacuum pressure of 9.0 kPa. Consequently, it is suggested that, in contrast to what is demanded, the forward speed cannot be increased as much as one desires, and the dimensions of furrow openers that changed depending on the seed drop height should be designed under certain standards.

Features in designing of the sowing device for the universal seeder of row and small-seeded vegetable cultures

Annotation Puprose. Improving the sowing accuracy of small-seeded vegetable crops by improving the design of the universal pneumatic seed drill. Methods. Monographic, analytical, abstract-logical, structural modeling, design and manufacture of universal pneumatic precision seeders. Results. The indicators of the quality of work of the improved single-disc sowing machine of the pneumatic vegetable seeder of precision sowing Selena for two-belt sowing of vegetable crops (distance between the tapes – 50 mm) are determined. As a result, it was found that the mean deviation from the middle of the line is 23.6 mm, the standard deviation is 5.1 mm, the coefficient of variation is 21.6 %, average interval between seeds per 1 m – 31.1 mm, standard deviation – 18.3 mm, coefficient of variation – 58.8 %; developed recommendations for refining the design of pneumatic vegetable seeder Selena-6 and its modifications for improving the accuracy and quality of sowing of row and small-seeded vegetable crops. Conclusions. Selena experimental seeders are universal pneumatic seeders, which, in addition to sowing row crops, provide quality sowing of vegetable crops, including small-seeded ones. The introduction of advanced universal pneumatic precision seeders Selena of various modifications will allow you to work with tractors class 0.6; 0.9; 1.4 on sowing of row and vegetable crops in farms with different production volumes. The improved design of the single-disc universal pneumatic seed drill will ensure accurate sowing of small-seeded vegetable crops according to a two-lane scheme, and later a three-lane and four-lane scheme. Analyzing the accuracy of seed distribution with advanced Selena, ORIENTA and OLIMPIA sowing machines, it can be stated that the highest accuracy is provided by the OLIMPIA seed drill with a single-belt machine and additional micrometric seeders. Selena seed drills with two-belt seed sowing are about the same as the ORIENTA seed drill from Gaspardo with a three-belt seed drill with microswitches of excess seed disconnected. Indicators of the Selena seeders with seeds in two lines and the ORIENTA seeders of the company Gaspardo with a three-lines sowing apparatus with micro discards of unnecessary seeds are approximately the same. Keywords: row crops, small-seeded vegetable crops, precision sowing, universal pneumatic seeder.

Precision sowing of vegetable seeds using electrically operated distribution devices

The high efficiency of vegetable crops is influenced, in addition to soil preparation works, weed, diseases and pests control, irrigation, etc. by precision sowing, which involves placing a certain number of seeds at an exact depth and distance. Thus, cost savings, a high reliability of production and especially a greater uniformity of crops are achieved, most often uniform and quality productions being obtained. For vegetable species in the case of which harvesting is practiced only once, uniformity of seed distribution is particularly important. In most cases, vegetable seeds have small size, irregular shape and small mass. These characteristics make the development of precision seeders for this type of seed quite difficult. Precision sowing of vegetable seeds ensures a correct sowing rate, which implies an optimal space for plant growth and development, thus improving crop yields. The paper presents a summary of the current state of precision seeders equipped with electrically operated distributors for vegetable seeds, as well as the preliminary results of research conducted by authors in this field.