Analysis of inclined plate metering mechanism for direct seeded rice

Abstract

The metering device was tested in all three inclination angle and four gear ratio viz. 50°, 60°, 70° and 1: 1, 1.31:1, 1.57:1 and 1.94:1 respectively. The results of lab test shows that the seed rate increase with decreasing the angle of inclination of metering plate and also increasing with decreasing gear ratio for all thirteen varieties of paddy. The laboratory studies revealed that about 20 – 25 kg/ha seeds rate should be obtain at an angle of 60° and in gear G3 (1.57:1 gear ratio) and G4 (1.94:1 gear ratio) for all the thirteen varieties of paddy. The seed damage in inclined plate planter was negligible. Based on the laboratory test 50° and 60° inclination angle of metering plate, and gear G3(1.57:1 gear ratio) and G4(1.94:1 gear ratio) and forward speed of 4.5 km/h was selected for field testing on the inclined plate planter. The performance of the inclined metering device was found to be satisfactory in the field for all thirteen varieties of paddy. Average seed rate of one varieties namely R1 (Rajeshwari) of paddy was about 20-30kg/ha which is 50% less than the line sowing by fluted roller seed drill. The average miss index, multiple index and plant population/m2 for two varieties was found to be only 5.3%, 8.2% and 68 plant/m2, respectively, which was within acceptable limit.