Laboratory and Field Investigation Comparison for Seed Distribution Accuracy of a Multi-Rows Pneumatic Plate Metering Device

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine and compare the impact of laboratory and field trials on kernels distribution accuracy of a multi-rows pneumatic plate metering device. The effect of the two methods was verified at 15 and 20 r/min plate rotating speed integrated with most favorable values of 1.2 and 1.4 kPa vacuum pressures, respectively. A constant forward velocity of 2.7 km/hr was utilized for belt test and seed planter. Results exposed that vacuum amounts utilized with mentioned speeds were adequate for achieving precise seeding. Under both methods and speeds, laboratory attempts were found to be better in quality index than field trials with some propensity of 15 r/min to be superior. The lowest quality index obtained was 87.3% by field test, while worst miss and multiple indexes were 5.36% and 8.06%, respectively. Rows consistency CV was beneath 1.5% and the stability not surpassed 7.1%. Due to a set of factors confronting seed preciseness in the field, results concluded that more endeavors are robustly required to control such factors.