Development of a self-propelled multi-crop two rows precision planter: A new design concept for the metering mechanism

Abstract

Seed planting is a major step in crop production stages that requires timeliness of operation. It is tedious, less efficient and time-consuming especially when done manually. In this research, a motorized self-propelled multi-crop precision planter with new metering mechanism design concept was developed to address the constraints associated with the manual forms of seed planting using locally available materials. The planter was designed to drop a precise number of seeds at regular intervals mainly for maize, cowpea, and soybean. The machine was evaluated based on performance in the field for its field efficiency, field capacity and percentage of seed damage during operation. Performance evaluation was carried out on a sandy loam soil at the Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm using a 2.2 kW petrol engine as the prime mover. The investigations involved three levels of speed of 4.10, 6.14, and 8.25 km/hr in order to establish the best working speed for the machine. Results obtained showed that the speed of operation has an effect on the performance indices investigated. Best field performance of the planter was obtained at 8.25 km/hr working speed with a field efficiency of 81.2%, minimal seed damage and field capacity of 0.1 ha/hr. The planter was able to correct the problems associated with the manual methods of seed planting such as poor seed placement, poor spacing efficiency, and serious farm drudgery