Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT In precision planting, seeds bounce and roll when entering a seed furrow, resulting in poor uniformity of the seed spacing. To address this issue, a seed anti-bouncing device was designed for a precision maize-seeder with targeted spraying. A solenoid valve is controlled by a seed signal detected by an infrared sensor in a seed guide tube to advance a water jet to a seed drop point. This device improves the physical properties of the soil in a seed furrow, effectively reducing seed bounce and roll upon soil collision. Theoretical calculations and kinematic analysis identified soil moisture content as the main factor influencing planting quality. The spray volume directly affects soil water content, so a one-factor test on spray volume was conducted. The results indicate that the optimal spray volume range is 2.8-4.8 mL. Next, a parameter optimisation test was performed in a soil bin to evaluate the effects of operation speed, seed spacing, and spray volume on seeding accuracy. The optimal combination is found to be an operating speed of 6 km h-1, a seed spacing of 27 cm, and a spray volume of 4.8 mL. Comparative validation and adaptation tests were conducted, showing that the seed anti-bouncing device effectively reduces lateral seed offset and improves seed spacing uniformity, compared to conventional seed guide tubes. Furthermore, the device adapted well to various seed spacing ranges, with a qualified seed spacing rate of over 92% across the range 15-30 cm.
Authors: Wenjun Wang, Xu Zhao, Jinhui Zhao
Institution: Shandong University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $34
OpenAlex ID: W4410695895