Abstract:
Seed distribution uniformity on the soil surface is one of the main factors that influence the yield of agricultural crops. Mechanical seed-metering and delivery devices used in construction of the seed drill have a coefficient of variation of the space between seeds of more than 70%. The purpose of the research is to decrease coefficient of variation of space between seeds by using digitally enabled mechatronic seed distribution system with 3d printed seed-metering and seed-flow conversion device, without human involvement. The digital control parameters and process automation control, by using microcontroller, allowed setting functional parameters such as rotation speed, air velocity and data acquisition from the sensors. Experimental research with the mechatronic distribution system was carried out both on the laboratory installation and on the experimental cart in the soil channel, at different speeds in travel mode. Research results, conducted on mechatronic seed distribution system, show that 3D printed experimental device, air speed, and travel speed 3,2 m/s, reduce distribution uniformity coefficient of variation to 13-22%.