Optimisation of the seed spacing uniformity performance of a vacuum-type precision seeder using response surface methodology

WOS: 000248723700005The objective of this study was to optimise the seed spacing uniformity performance of a precision seeder using response surface methodology (RSM) and to verify the optimum levels of the variables. The variables considered in the study consisted of the vacuum on the seed plate, the diameter of seed holes and the peripheral speed of the seed plate. Cotton seeds were used for sowing and experiments conducted in this study were based on the central composite design (CCD), one of the designs in RSM. Data obtained in the laboratory were divided into three different groups in order to obtain values of the multiple index, quality of feed index and miss index. An additional performance criterion was also proposed and used as an indicator of the sowing performance. This was the root-mean-square deviation from the theoretical seed spacing. The data obtained in the laboratory were then used to develop functions in polynomial form that allowed the calculation of the optimum level of each independent variable considered in the study. The optimum levels of vacuum pressure and the diameter of holes for precision seeding of cotton seeds were found to be around 5.5kPa and 3mm, respectively. No optimum value was obtained for the peripheral speed of the seed plate. It was found that the lower the peripheral speed of the plate, the higher is the performance. (c) 2007 lAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Measurement of seed spacing uniformity performance of a precision metering unit as function of the number of holes on vacuum plate

WOS: 000340896400015The objective of the study was to determine the seed spacing uniformity performance of a precision metering unit when vacuum plates with different number of holes were used. In order to meet this objective, the performances of vacuum plates with different number of holes were evaluated in the laboratory conditions by employing sticky belt tests and seed spacing values were measured computerized measurement system (CMS) for the cotton and corn seeds. Quality of feed index, multiple index, miss index as well as coefficient of precision (CP3) were considered as the performance indicators for precision seeding. The forward speed values were as selected as 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m s (1) while vacuum plates with hole diameter of 3.5 mm for cotton and 4.5 mm for corn seeds were used. For both, cotton and corn seeds, five different vacuum plates (20, 26, 36, 52, and 72 holes) were considered in the experiments. In the experiments, vacuum pressure was applied at 6.3 kPa. Based on the findings in this work it appears that 1.0 and 1.5 m s (1) of forward speed values were found to provide the highest performance levels for all vacuum plates. However such performance substantially decreased when forward speed increased to 2.0 m s (1). In overall, the highest performance was determined when 26 and 36 holes were used for cotton and corn, respectively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Performanse merne jedinice vakuumske sadilice za preciznu sadnju povrća

The objective of this study was to determine the seeding performance of a precision vegetable planter with vacuum type metering unit at different seed spacings and forward speeds using onion and carrot seeds. The seeding performances were investigated and evaluated based on the seed distribution accuracy on sticky belt stand tests in laboratory conditions. The experiments were conducted at the forward speeds of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m s-1, and seed spacing of 25 and 50 mm for each seed. The vacuum plate of precision metering unit with 90 holes and hole diameter of 0.8 mm was used. The seed distribution accuracy was determined according to the factor of variation (Vf) and goodness criteria (λ) which are represented to be compatible with the Poisson distribution. The factors of variation were found in the range of 0.74-0.89 for carrot and 0.52-0.55 for onion. These values indicated that carrot and onion seeds can be planted in the character of precision seeding by a vacuum type vegetable planter. According to results of the experimental tests it was found that seed distribution accuracy of machine was in very good quality for carrot (λ = %78.42-%93.16) and onion (λ = %88.95-%94.11) seeds.Cil ovog ispitivanja bio je da odredi performanse rada sadilice za preciznu sadnju povrća sa vakuumskim mernim uređajem pri različitim rastojanjima sadnje i brzinama pri sadnji semena luka i šargarepe. Radne performance su bile ispitivane i ocenjene na osnovu tačnosti distribucije semena na testovima sa lepljivim kaišem u laboratorijskim uslovima. Ogledi su izvođeni pri brzinama od 1.0, 1.5 i 2.0 m s-1, i rastojanjima sadnje od 25 i 50 mm. Korišćena je vakuumska ploča preciznog mernog uređaja sa 90 otvora i prečnikom otvora od 0.8 mm. Tačnost distribucije semena bila je određena prema koeficijentu varijacije (Vf) i kriterijumu uklapanja (λ) koji su predstavljeni kao kompatibilni sa Poisson rasporedom. Koeficijenti varijacije bili su u opsegu od 0.74 do 0.89 za šargarepu i 0.52 do 0.55 za luk. Ove vrednosti pokazuju da semena šargarepe i luka mogu precizno da se seju vakuumskim tipom sadilice za povrće. Prema rezultatima testova tačnost distribucije semena bila je veoma dobra i za semena šargarepe (λ=%78.42-%93.16) i za semena luka (λ=%88.95-%94.11)

Prototype twin vacuum disk metering unit for improved seed spacing uniformity performance at high forward speeds

WOS: 000433482500006The objective of this study was to design and develop a prototype twin vacuum disk metering unit so that seeding can be achieved at higher forward speeds while reducing the peripheral speed of the vacuum disk for improved seed spacing uniformity performance and increased field work capacity. In order to meet this objective, a new precision seeding unit with twin vacuum disks, each being a mirrored view of the other and geometrically the same, was designed in animated drafting software and then it was manufactured and used for the laboratory experiments. Three crop seeds were used to determine the performance of the new metering unit in the lab on a sticky belt test stand. Two alternative measures were used to quantify the seed spacing accuracy, and polynomial functions using the principles of response surface methodology were developed to calculate the optimum level of the variables. The tests performed in the laboratory at 2, 3, and 4 ms(-1) forward speeds resulted in improved seed spacing accuracy values, while the quality of feed index measure went down once the forward speed increased from 2 to 4 ms(-1). The quality of feed index with the new metering unit was obtained to be 100% at 2 ms(-1), while it was almost 98% for all crop seeds at 3 ms(-1). The forward speed of 4 ms(-1) resulted in quality of feed index values of 92%, 96%, and 96% for cotton, sunflower, and corn seeds, respectively.Ege UniversityEge University [2009-ZRF-058]The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Ege University to carry out this study as a research project (Project Number: 2009-ZRF-058)

Comparison of computational fluid dynamics-based simulations and visualized seed trajectories in different seed tubes

Demir, Vedat/0000-0001-8341-9672; Degirmencioglu, Adnan/0000-0001-9916-7967; Yazgi, Arzu/0000-0003-0141-8882WOS:000599463300006The objective of this study was to compare computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based simulations and visualized seed trajectories in different seed tubes that can provide seed incorporation into the soil with enhanced seed spacing. The other objective was to determine the relation between the seed trajectories and peripheral speed of the vacuum disk. in order to meet the first objective, 2 different seeds (corn and cotton) and artificial spherical material (empty set10 mm) were tested under laboratory conditions. The seeds and artificial material were released by free fall into the semitransparent seed tubes (seed tubes A and B) from different release points, and their trajectories were recorded using a video camera. For the second objective, corn seeds were used and released from a vacuum-type metering unit equipped with a semitransparent seed tube (seed tube A) at 3 different peripheral speeds of the vacuum disk, as a function of 3 forward speeds of the seeder. For both objectives, the seed tubes were modeled and release of the seeds into the seed tubes was simulated and analyzed using ANSYS Fluent for CFD. The results obtained from the captured video and simulations were compared. As a result of the comparisons, it was found that the seed release point was an effective parameter on both the seed trajectory and seed spacing, since seed bouncing and skating in the seed tube, based on the release point, may occur. The results also showed that the lab tests and simulations were found to be very similar in terms of the seed trajectories and seed spacings. It is believed that this study, using CID, will be an example and enable the development and design of new seed tubes in order to obtain better seed distribution uniformity

DETERMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION LEVEL OF KIRSEHIR PROVINCE USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

WOS: 000488992500018The aim of this study is to create a spatial database of basic values related to the level of agricultural mechanization with analyzable correlations. This will be helpful for decision-makers for producing policies to be followed in developing the agricultural structure of Kirsehir region. The agricultural mechanization status in Kirsehir was investigated thorough evaluation of determination criteria of agricultural mechanization level; mean tractor power, mean tractor power per area worked, mean area worked per tractor, mean number of tractors per 1000 ha, mean number of agricultural tools/machines per tractor, mean number of combine harvesters per 1000 ha and mean area per combine harvester. According to 10-year data encompassing 2006-2015: Mean tractor power of Kirsehir was 40.82 kW (lowest 27.47 kW in Akpinar, highest 52.38 kW in Kaman county); Mean tractor power per area worked was 0.84 kWha(-1) (lowest 0.63 kWha(-1) in cicekdagi, highest 1.03 kWha(-1) in Mucur county); Mean area worked per tractor 53.16 ha/tractor (lowest 29.88 ha/tractor in Akpinar, highest 79.32 ha/tractor in Kaman county); Mean number of tractors per 1000 ha is 22 (lowest 13 in Kaman, highest 34 in Akpinar county); Mean agricultural tools/machines per tractor is 6 (lowest 5 in Akpinar, highest 9 in cigekdag'i county); Mean number of combine harvesters per 1000 ha is 2 (lowest 1 combine harvester per 2500 ha in Kaman, highest 3/1000 ha in Akpinar county); Area worked per combine harvester is 895.3 ha (lowest 313.69 ha in Akpinar and highest 2564.5 ha in Kaman county). Agricultural mechanization level in this region with dominant rural sector was behind the level in the country. This effective database which can be updated and enriched with different aspects forms a basic model for planning-based applications and provides high-detail case monitoring. The database will positively contribute to consistency in decisions to be taken related to agricultural development of the region.Kirsehir Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitAhi Evran University [ZRT.A3.16.002]This work was granted by the Kirsehir Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, Project No ZRT.A3.16.002

Effect of variety and row spacing on the performance of a cotton picker

WOS: 000288779300045Prevalence of the mechanical harvesting brought about significant changes in the conventional production processes in Turkey especially from the point of row spacing and variety. These changes in the production process increased the importance of picker performance from the point of field operation (quantitative) and effect to the lint quality (qualitative). The studies on the effect of the row spacing on the picker performance were usually concentrated on qualitative parameters. However, the amount of harvested cotton (and thus losses) and field performances of the pickers are quite important in Turkish conditions because the trading is based on seed cotton in contrast to the other countries. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of variety and row spacing on the quantitative and qualitative performances of a narrow row, self propelled cotton picker widely used in Turkey. The study was conducted in the field of 8 ha (328 m long), according to split-plot experimental design. Two varieties, Carmen and Stoneville 373 were planted at 76 and 81 cm row spacing. Defoliation was performed by ground sprayer 20 days before harvest by using mixture of 480 g/l ethephon+60 g/l cyclanilide (Finish) and 120 g/l thidiazuron+60 g/l diuron (Dropp Ultra) at application rates 2.5 and 0.4 kg.ha(-1), respectively, with volume of approximately 500 litres per ha. CASE-IH, Cotton Express 420 model, five narrow row mechanical cotton picker was used for harvesting. Ground loss and stalk loss values were within the proposed limits as indicated by the national standards. Results were influenced by variety and row spacing interactions significantly. Lower values were obtained at Carmen-76 cm and St373-81 cm plots comparing with the other plots. No significant relationships were found between harvestable boll ratio, yield and losses. No significant relationship between treatments and the other qualitative parameters was found except for micronaire. Depending on the trash content, there was a decrease in the reflectance (Rd) values of the machine picked samples in comparison to the hand picked samples, and an increase in yellowness (+b) values. In both varieties, the low defoliation ratios caused an increase in trash content and a decrease in the degree of color. The fundamental indication of the measured values was that the success of the defoliation process significantly influenced the lint quality values