Development and Performance Evaluation of Tractor Drawn Raised Bed Wheat Row Planter

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to design, develop, and assess the performance of a prototype seed drill that could simultaneously create ridges and furrows, sow wheat seeds, and apply fertilizer at predefined row spacing. A frame, seed and fertilizer hoppers, a seed and fertilizer metering device, a furrow and ridge former, and a power transmission system make up the developed seed drill machine. Seed and fertilizer rate, row spacing, depth of seed placement, plant count/stand, field capacity, field efficiency, labor cost, and economics of ownership and operation were all taken into consideration when evaluating the performances. Three operating speeds, three flap position levels, three hopper fill levels, and three replications were all included in the fully randomized experimental design. When compared to the germination percentage of the seed recommended by the seed supplier, the investigation test results showed that there was no decrease in the percentage of visible and invisible mechanically damaged seed for any variety. According to wheat agronomic requirements, the seed and fertilizer rates were calibrated at 161.53 kg/ha and 156.70 kg/ha, respectively, for 20 cm row spacing and 5 cm depth. Three flap positions lower, mid, upper, and hopper filling levels of H25, H50, and H75 were used to assess the seed drill. While hopper filling capacity of the seed drill had no significant effect on seed and fertilizer rate at p > 0.05, flap position had a significant effect at p < 0.05. At 6 km/h, the average field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption were 0.61 ha/hr, 84.72%, and 9.76 l/hr, respectively. During the field germination count, 386 plants were found per square meter. The results of the performance evaluation indicate that most farmers can use the developed raised bed seed drill at the upper flap position and half hopper filling level in an efficient and cost-effective manner