Comparative analysis of a remotely-controlled wetland paddy seeder and conventional drum seeder

Abstract

A remotely-controlled wetland paddy seeder (RCWPS) with a mechatronic seed-metering device was developed for precise sowing of pre-germinated paddy seeds in wet puddled field. The RCWPS, powered by a 180 W DC motor, utilized two lugged wheels for propulsion. Linear actuator-controlled dog clutch was connected with each wheel to discontinue the power supply while turning. The four-row seed metering unit comprised a seed metering plate with holes at 200 mm spacing, actuated by a solenoid. The diameter of the metering plate hole, operating speed, and speed of agitation were maintained at 11.18 mm, 0.84 km h⁻¹, and 37 rpm, respectively. This comparative study assessed its performance and operational costs at 1/3^rd and 2/3^rd seed filling levels under puddled conditions, comparing it to a conventional drum seeder. At 2/3^rd seed filling, RCWPS demonstrated 96% feed index quality, no multiple index, 4% missing index, 85.46% hill-distribution uniformity coefficient, and 72.45% seed dropping uniformity coefficient. Meanwhile, the values observed for drum seeder were 78.33%, 6.67%, 15%, 69.85%, and 60.94%, respectively. Similar results were observed at 1/3rd filling level. It showed better quality seed-dropping with RCWPS compared to the conventional drum seeder at all degrees of seed filling. The total cost for seeding per hectare of land with RCWPS and drum seeder were found to be 28.05 USD and 12.77 USD, respectively and the break-even point were found 0.54 ha year⁻¹ and 0.038 ha year⁻¹, respectively.