Exploring Optimal Design and Performance Tests of a Two – Row Self-Propelled Seed Planter

D. D. Yusuf, E. J. Upahi, H. O. Yusuf

Abstract


The performance of a two-row self-propelled seed planter, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) single row animal drawn planter and the manual method of planting was investigated under laboratory and field conditions to optimise the planting process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Parameters optimisation of the seed planting process becomes imperative to find parameter values that match predictions with reality and choose the right set of parameters that improve the planter's performance. Experiments conducted in this study were based on Central Composite Design (CCD), one of the designs in RSM Experimental treatments were three planting methods, three soil moisture levels, and three planting depths randomly assigned in a 3x3 factorial experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications. The results show an increased plant population with increasing planting speed and moisture content values. Also, increased seedling emergence was observed with increasing moisture content and decreasing planting speed values. However, a further increase in seed planting moisture content beyond the optimum point caused a decrease in the seedling emergence. Similarly, there was increased planting depth with increasing seed planting speed and moisture content values. Conclusively, soil moisture availability is an important factor affecting seed planting depth in the study area.


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