Study of Different Operating Parameters on Seed Holding in the Single Seed Metering Unit

Aims: The present study was conducted to determine the “Effect of Different Operating Parameters on Seed Holding in the Single Seed Metering Unit”.

Study Design: An attempt was made to development seed metering unit and evaluated for its performance with battery drive i.e. seed rate, seed holding ratio, single seed holding ratio, double seed holding ratio and missing index. The shapes of cells speed of seed plate and number of cells on seed plate were chosen as parameters. A factorial completely randomised design used for analysis of variance.

Results: At the end of the research, it was found that the cell’s shape, peripheral velocity and number of cells on seed plate had an effect on the seed holding ratio (SHR) at a significant level of 5% (P<0.05). The diameter and thickness of the seed metering plates were 100 and 8 mm respectively. The hopper was of the trapezoidal section with height of 12.5 cm , volume 3510 cm3 and thickness of material of 2.5 mm. For maize seed variety: Tulasi Naga If the velocity of seed plate increases then seed holding ratio decreases, seed holding ratio also decreased with increase in number of cells on seed plate. Oblong shape with extension was suitable for these seeds. For maize seed variety: Goodrej Ultra when the velocity of seed plate increased then seed holding ratio decreased, seed holding ratio also decreased with increase in number of cells on seed plate. Oblong shape was suitable for these seeds. For maize seed variety: Laxmi 2277 seed holding ratio increased with increase in velocity of seed plate, seed holding ratio also increased with increase in number of cells on seed plate. Oblong shape was suitable for these seeds.

Conclusion: The highest and least value of seed holding ratio is 94% at a speed of 30 rpm in shape 2(6 and 7 cells) and 31% at a speed of 30 rpm in shape 1(7 cells), 39% at a speed of 26 rpm in shape 2(6 cells) and 12% at a speed of 30 rpm in shape 1(7 cells), 45% at a speed of 26 rpm in shape 1(6 cells) and 6%at a speed of 30 rpm in shape 2(7 cells) for laxmi, goodrej and tulasi variety of seeds respectively.