Introduction to Traditional Sowing Methods and Their Limitations
Traditional sowing methods, such as manual sowing or tractor-driven seed drills, often result in uneven seed and fertilizer distribution due to factors like ground wheel skidding and high vibration from their mechanical transmission units, which negatively impact crop yield. Additionally, conventional seeding devices tend to use higher seed rates, leading to costly seed wastage, increased thinning costs, and higher production expenses. Adjusting seed spacing in these machines is also a tedious and time-consuming process.
Advantages of Pneumatic Precision Seeders
Pneumatic precision seeders or planters are used for crops that require precise plant population management and spacing. These tractor-operated single-seed planters use a pneumatic / air vacuum metering mechanism to place seeds and fertilizer at a specific depth with uniform spacing. Pneumatic planters can adapt to various soil types and crops, ensuring maximum and uniform seed germination, resulting in vigorous seedlings. They are durable and can handle irregularly shaped and spherical seeds. Such machines can sow different types of seeds like corn, sunflower, sugar beet, soybean, peanut, watermelon, melon, cucumber, tomato, and onion on all kinds of cultivated soil. The simplicity of the design and ease of use are key features of these pneumatic seeders.
How Pneumatic Seeders Work
The pneumatic planting concept relies on the suction principle. An aspirator creates suction pressure in the metering chamber of the pneumatic disc. Seeds are held against the orifice holes on the periphery of the seed metering plate by suction until the suction pressure is cut off, allowing the seeds to fall onto the soil surface due to gravity. Pneumatic systems can be either positive pressure or vacuum type, with the latter being more common among manufacturers. In this system, a vertical dosing disc in each planting row selects seeds from a small reservoir at the disc's base, supplied from a main store. Negative pressure (vacuum) keeps the seeds adhered to the holes on the disc's periphery while they rotate. This pressure typically comes from a central fan powered by the PTO or a hydraulic motor driven by the tractor's hydraulic system or from fans in each line driven by electric motors.
Key Components and Adjustments in Pneumatic Seeders
A cleaning device, or singulator, removes excess seeds stuck in the same hole in the dosing disc, preventing failed seeds and doubles. A vacuum-cutting mechanism interrupts the negative pressure, causing the seed to fall into a tube and be deposited in the soil. The curved tube allows the seed to fall freely, countering the seeder's movement and improving seed distribution uniformity. When changing seeds for different crops, a disc with compatible holes must be chosen, and the pneumatic system's pressure must be adjusted according to the seed's density and weight. The machine operator quickly makes these adjustments.
Maintenance Requirements for Pneumatic Precision Seeders
After planting, several parts require periodic maintenance, including inspecting plastic parts that contact seeds, checking for pressure leaks, obstructions, wear or warping in seed ducts, and playing in axle bearings.
With features like cleaning devices to prevent seed doubles, vacuum cutting mechanisms for seed deposit, and adjustable pressure settings for different seed types, pneumatic precision seeders empower farmers to enhance their seeding processes effectively and efficiently. By incorporating these advanced technologies into their agricultural practices, farmers can maximize productivity, reduce costs, and ultimately improve their overall farming outcomes.
Considerations for Using Pneumatic Systems
However, pneumatic systems require more specialized maintenance due to the numerous connections and joints in the pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and they have a higher acquisition cost than mechanical seeders.
References:
- https://www.cmeri.res.in/technology/pneumatic-precision-planter-vegetables
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334710335_Performance_evaluation_of_a_tractor_mounted_pneumatic_planter_for_sorghum_in_dryland
Further reading
Agricultural Machinery – Tractor Attachments for different Farming Operations
The Innovations in Agriculture for Efficiency and Productivity
Boosting Agriculture Production through Mechanization: A game changer for farmers
