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Evaluation of some design parameters of a seed and fertilizer drill | |
Author | Bhalla, Shamsher Singh |
Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AE-81-24 |
Subject(s) | Drill (Agricultural implement) |
Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
Abstract | The objective of this study was to evaluate critical functions of a planter and fertilizer applicator under development at the Farm Power and Equipment Workshop (F.P. & E.),ICRISAT. The study was mainly concentrated on metering of seed and fertilizer and seed/fertilizer placement, Plant spacing uniformity obtained from inclined plate planters was compared with that of conventional wooden drill (Tippen planter). The 60° inclined plate EBRA planter (Made in France) with bevel gear drive and inter changeable sprockets gave more uniform plant spacing than the conventional wooden drill (Tippen planter) and planter modified in the F. P. & E, Workshop. The coefficient of variation for plant spacing was 67, 83 and 95% respectively. Wide variability of longitudinal (along the travel path of the machine) distribution was found in an Oscillatory fertilizer applicator. Coefficient of longitudinal distribution varied from 65-100% using granulated fertilizer (28:28:0). Against a setting of 100 kg/ha (28:28:0) the actual distribution varied from 0-300 kg/ha. . Field trials were conducted using a planter and fertilizer applicator on a wheeled tool carrier in a Vertisol to evaluate different furrow openers for placing a basal dose of fertilizer while seeding maize and sorghum. Increased emergence and plant stand was obtained using a furrow opener designed to place fertilizer 60 mm directly below the seed. After redesigning a shoe-type furrow opener it was possible to reduce draft by 30% during studies conducted in a soil bin. |
Year | 1981 |
Type | Thesis |
School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Food Engineering (AE) |
Chairperson(s) | Singh, Gajendra |
Examination Committee(s) | Gee-Clough, D. ; Koike, Masayuki |
Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of Belgium |
Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1981 |