DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF LOW COST

SEEDER FOR MAIZE ESTABLISHMENT

MS Thesis
MOHAMMAD MOZAMMAL HOSSAIN

Department of Farm Power and Machinery

Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh

June 2014
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF LOW COST
SEEDER FOR MAIZE ESTABLISHMENT

A Thesis

Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of
Master of Science

in

Farm Power and Machinery

By

MOHAMMAD MOZAMMAL HOSSAIN

Roll No.: 13FPM-JJ13M
Registration No.: 35612; Session: 2008-09

Department of Farm Power and Machinery

Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh

June 2014
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF LOW COST
SEEDER FOR MAIZE ESTABLISHMENT

A Thesis

Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of
Master of Science

in

Farm Power and Machinery

By

MOHAMMAD MOZAMMAL HOSSAIN

Approved as to style and content by

Dr. Md. Ashik-E-Rabbani Prof. Dr. Murshed Alam

Supervisor Co-Supervisor

Dr. Md. Rostom Ali

Chairman, Defence Committee
&
Head, Department of Farm Power and Machinery

June 2014
 ABSTRACTS

Maize cultivation gets popularity nowadays in our country because of multifarious

use of maize in human food and especially in the poultry industries. Maize is
cultivated manually which is time consuming, labor intensive and costly. A low
cost manually operated push type maize seeder was designed and developed
which reduces these problems in spite of having some technical problems like high
missing rate, longer distance of dropped seed etc. The seeder consists of two
runner wheels, a seed hopper, an inclined plate type seed metering device, a seed
tube, a pair of bed former and handle. Power is transmitted from the runner
wheels to the metering device through bevel gear. UniGreen (NK-41) Hybrid
Maize Seeds were used to test the seeder. The seeder was calibrated in the
workshop of the department of Farm Power and Machinery to maintain the
desired seed rate of 25-30 kg/ha. In the laboratory test the effective field capacity,
field efficiency, average distance of dropped seed and missing rate were found as
0.128 ha/hr, 76.5%, 22.5 cm and 13.43%, respectively for developed maize seeder
and 0.147 ha/hr, 86.98%, 21.35 cm and 6.12% respectively for modified maize
seeder. The operational cost of the developed maize seeder was 323.93tk/ha and
modified maize seeder was 282.87tk/ha. The result of field test of the modified
maize seeder is better than developed maize seeder. Overall performance of the
maize seeder was found quite satisfactory. The machine might be acceptable
because it is easy to operate, simple in design and mechanism, light in weight,
requires less labor and cost of planting and can also be used for seeding multiple
seeds.

v
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All praises are due to the Almighty “ALLAH” who is the creator of all things seen or
unseen. The author also makes sukria to “ALLAH” for enabling me to complete this work
successfully.

The author expresses profound appreciation, heartfelt gratitude and immense indebtedness
to my supervisor Dr. Md. Ashik-E-Rabbani, Department of Farm Power and Machinery,
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh for scholastic guidance,
supervision, instruction, constructive criticism and constant encouragement throughout
the whole period of this study and in the preparation of this manuscript.

The author sincerely expresses my profound gratitude to my co-supervisor Dr.

MurshedAlam, professor, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, BAU,
Mymensinghforcooperation and encouragement during this study.

The author likes to extend my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all other respected
teachers of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, BAU, Mymensingh for their
encouragement and valuable suggestions to complete this study.

The author expresses thanks to all staffs of the Farm Power and Machinery Workshop for
their assistance in conducting this study.
The author is grateful to my beloved parents Md. Kabir Hossain and Setara Begum and all
family members especially for their encouragement and blessings.

Special thanks are also extended to my dear friends.

The author

June, 2014

iv
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

ABSTRACT v

CONTENTS vi-ix

LIST OF TABLES x

LIST OF FIGURES xi-xiii

LIST OF APPENDICES xiv

ABBREVIATION xv

I INTRODUCTION 1-5

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6-11

III MATERIALS AND METHODS 12-27

3.1 Components of the maize seeder 12

3.1.1 Seed hopper 12

3.1.2 Plate type seed metering device 13

3.1.3 Seed tube 14

3.1.4 Disc type bed former 14

3.1.5 Runner wheel 15

3.1.6 Handle 16

3.2 Power Transmission System 17

3.3 Study area 18

3.4 Test of maize seeder 19

vi
 CONTENT (Contd.)

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

3.4.1 Laboratory test 20

3.4.1.1 Self weight of the maize seeder 20
3.4.1.2 Capacity of the seeder 20
3.4.1.3 Uniform of seed rate 21
3.4.2 Field test 21
3.4.2.1 Missing rate 22
3.4.2.2 Field capacity 23
3.4.2.3 Distance of dropped maize seed 23
3.5 Calculation of draft 25
3.5.1 Angle measurement 26
3.6 Cost analysis 26
3.6.1 Cost operation of maize seeder 26
IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 28-53
4.1 General background 28
4.2 Development of low cost maize seeder 28
4.3 Machine specifications 29

4.4 Performance test low cost maize seeder 30

4 4.1 Self weight of developed maize seeder 30

4.4.2 Test result of missing rate for 31

developed maize seeder

4.4.3 Test result of field capacity for

32
developed maize seeder

vii
 CONTENT (Contd.)

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

4.4.4 Test result of field efficiency for developed 33

maize seeder
4.4.5 Test result of distance of dropped seed 35
for developed maize seeder
4.4.6 Test result of plant population 37
4.5 Test result of modified low cost maize seeder 37
4.5.1 Self weight of the modified maize 37
Seeder
4.5.2Test result of missing rate for modified 37

maize seeder
4.5.3 Test result of field capacity for modified 39

maize seeder
4.5.4 Test result of field efficiency for 40

modified maize seeder

4.5.5 Test result of distance of dropped seed 41

for modified maize seeder

4.6 Modification of maize seeder 43

4.6.1 Differential mechanism of the 44

power transmission system

45
4.6.2 Modification of handle
46
4.6.3 Modification of metering device
4.7 Comparison between first maize seeder and
47
modified maize seeder
50
4.8 Force measurement

viii
 CONTENT (Contd.)

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

4.9 Total Cost of maize seeder 51

4.10 Cost comparison with manual application 52

V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 54-55
5.1 Conclusions 54

5.2Possibility of Further Research 54

5.3 Recommendations 55
56-58
REFERENCES
59-70
APPENDICES

ix
 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE

4.1 Specifications of a low cost maize seeder 29
4.2 Test of missing rate for first maize seeder 31
4.3 Test of field capacity for first maize seeder 32
4.4 Test of field efficiency for first maize seeder 34
4.5 Test of distance of dropped maize seed for first maize 35
seeder
4.6 Test of missing rate for modified maize seeder 38
4.7 Test of field capacity for modified maize seeder 39
4.8 Test of field efficiency for modified maize seeder 40
4.9 Test of distance of dropped maize seed for modified 42
maize seeder
4.10 Result of Average missing rate, average field capacity 47
and average field efficiency

4.11 Determination of pushing force and Draft 50

4.12 Fabrication Cost of the first maize seeder 51
4.13 Fabrication Cost of the modified maize seeder 52
4.14 Operational cost maize seeder and hand application of 52
maize see

x
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIG NO. TITLE PAGE

3.1 Isometric view of seed hopper 13
3.2 Orthographic view of a plate type seed metering device 14
for the seeder (8 teeth)
3.3 Disc type bed former(a) Isometric view,and (b) 15
Photographic view
3.4 Isometric view of runner wheel 15
3.5 Photographic view of Runner wheel 15
3.6 Handle of maize seeder 16
3.7 Photographic view of fabricating the maize seeder 16
3.8 Flow diagram of the power transmission system 17
3.9 Differential mechanism of the power transmission 17
system
3.10 Isometric view of bevel gear 18
3.11 Calibration of the maize seeder 19
3.12 Field test of the maize seeder 22
3.13 Detachment of the bed former to determine the seed 24
spacing
3.14 Photographic view of the dropped seed 24

3.15 Photographic view of the wheel spacing measurement 25

3.16 Draft measurement of Push type implements 25

xi
 LIST OF FIGURES (Contd.)

FIG NO. TITLE PAGE

4.1 A photographic view of a designed low cost maize 28
seeder
4.2 Isometric view of designed maize seeder 29

4.3 Graphical representation of test of missing rate (%)for 32

developed maize seeder

4.4 Graphical representation of test of effective field 33

capacity for developed maize seeder
4.5 Graphical representation of test of field efficiency for 34
developed maize seeder
4.6 Graphical representation of average distance of 36
dropped seed for developed maize seeder
4.7 Graphical representation of test of plant populationfor 37
developed maize seeder
4.8 Graphical representation of test of Missing rate (%) 38
for modified maize seeder

4.9 Graphical representation of test of effective field 40

capacityfor modified maize seeder
4.10 Graphical representation of test of field efficiencyfor 41
modified maize seeder
4.11 Graphical representation of average distance of 43
dropped seedfor modified maize seeder
4.12 Adjustment of bevel gear 44
4.13 GI pipe handle 45

xii
 LIST OF FIGURES (Contd.)

FIG NO. TITLE PAGE

4.14 MS bar handle 45

4.15 Inclined plate metering device 46

4.16 Flat metering device 46

4.17 Graphical representation of test of 48

averagemissing rate (%), for developed maize
seeder and modified maize seeder
4.18 Graphical representation of test of average field 49
capacity (ha/hr) for developed maize seeder and
modified maize seeder
4.19 Graphical representation of test of average field 50
efficiency (%) for developed maize seeder and
modified maize seeder
4.20 Cost of operation by hand planting and the maize 53
seeder

xiii
 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX NO. TITLE PAGE

Appendix – 1 Missing rate calculation for the developed 59

maize seeder
Appendix – 2 Field capacity calculation for the developed 60
maize seeder
Appendix – 3 Field efficiency calculation for the 61
developed maize seeder
Appendix – 4 Missing rate calculation for the modified 62
maize seeder
Appendix – 5 Field capacity calculation for the modified 63
maize seeder

Appendix – 6 Field efficiency calculation for the modified 64

maize seeder

Appendix – 7 Calculation of draft 65

Appendix – 8 Cost calculation of developed maize 66
seeder
Appendix – 9 Cost calculation of modified maize 67
seeder
Appendix – 10 Cost of hand application 68
Appendix – 11 Plant population calculation for the 69
developed maize seeder

Appendix – 12 Meteorological Parameters of the study area 70

xiv
 ABBREVIATIONS

BBS : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

et al : And Others.

BARI : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

BAU : Bangladesh Agricultural University

BAURES : Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System

CC : Capital Consumption

cm : Centimeter

CRF : Capital Recovery Factor

ha : Hectare

m : Meter

kg : Kilogram

ha/hr : hectare per hour

xv
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important grain crop and produced the under
diverse environments. Successful maize production depends on the correct
application of production inputs that will sustain the environment as well as
agricultural production. These inputs are inter alia, adapted, cultivars, plant
population, soil tillage, fertilization, marketing and financial resources.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important grain crop in the world. It is
introduced relatively as new cropping patterns of Bangladesh especially in the
northern region. Every year 1.2 million tons of maize is utilized, of which only 42%
is produced in the country and remaining Asian is imported from other countries
(BBS, 2011). More than 90% of maize is used as poultry feed and the remaining in
fish sector and as human food products. The country has a great potentiality to
improve and expand the maize production. Maize is a crop with versatile uses and
it has an enormous market potential in Bangladesh. The country’s poultry industry
continues to grow and so there is also a growing demand for maize.

In developed countries, maize is consumed mainly as second-cycle produce, in the

form of meat, eggs and dairy products. In developing countries, maize is
consumed directly and serves as staple diet for some 200 million people. Most
people regard maize as a breakfast cereal. However, in a processed form it is also
found as fuel (ethanol) and starch. Starch in turn involves enzymatic conversion
into products such as sorbitol, dextrine, sorbic and lactic acid, and appears in
household items such as beer, ice cream, syrup, shoe polish, glue, fireworks, ink,
batteries, mustard, cosmetics, aspirin and paint.

1
Maize cultivation has been conducted in Bangladesh since 1975, but did not get
popularity until 1992 due to low yield and no ensured market. With the
introduction of hybrid varieties in 1993 yield increased from 1 tonne to 7
tonnes/ha (Matin et al 2008). Again, expansion of poultry industry created a huge
demand for maize in the preparation of poultry feed. Shelling of maize was also
another barrier for maize cultivation and Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute (BARI) developed a powered maize sheller that has eliminated the barrier
by making the shelling easy and fast. Roy et al. (2007) reported that power
operated maize sheller could overcome the shortage of expensive labour during
peak harvesting season. In the last ten years (2000-01 to 2009-10) the maize area has
expanded from 2,834 to 50,202 hectares occupying the third position among cereals
(BBS 2010). There is still shortage of maize in Bangladesh and its cultivation area is
increasing every year. The Bangladesh government is providing credit at 2%
interest for maize cultivation which is further encouraging farmers.

Demand for maize is increasing day by day in the world as well as in Bangladesh
due to its diversified uses. If the rigid food habit of Bangladeshis is to be
diversified from rice to maize, it would probably be possible to reduce food
shortage to a great extent. Because, it is a high yielding and low-cost crop
compared to rice and wheat. So, comprehensible plan is needed to make the crop
popular and sustainable.

Bangladesh is one of the developing countries of the world. Almost half of the
people of this country are still below the poverty level in terms of calories intake
(2122 k. cal/day/person). So, the policy makers of Bangladesh are facing problems
to make policies regarding the solution of the problem of malnutrition. Thus, if
maize can be adopted in the existing cropping pattern, the food deficiency and
required nutritional intake of the low income-earning people can be overcome
substantially. But the rate of adoption and sustainability of maize depends largely
on its economic profitability. Since studies regarding economic profitability of

2
maize are very few, this study will provide valuable information that may be
useful both of different levels of GOs and NGOs policy makers for formulating
appropriate policy for widespread cultivation of maize in Bangladesh. With this
view in mind, the study was undertaken to know agronomic practices, input use,
cost and return of maize cultivation as well as to fmd out constraints to its higher
production

In Bangladesh, maize is cultivated mainly in winter season as the crop fits well into
rice based cropping pattern. Moreover, gross return is higher in winter maize (US$
509/ha) than summer (US$ 352/ha) (Kabir et al. 2005). Farmers cultivate maize
manually which is cumbersome, time consuming, and costly. After land
preparation, they plant maize manually in lines behind the plow which takes up to
240 man h ha-1. The furrows made by a country plough are deeper than
recommended and seed germination percentage is low and it is delayed. In the
case of maize cultivation, farmers practice labour intensive line sowing method
which is an advantage for the introduction of seeders.

Bangladesh is facing a problem of malnutrition due to high population growth and

low productivity of crops. The traditional crop including rice and wheat are unable
to meet up the nutritional requirements to the increasing population. So, it is a time
demand to introduce a new crop like maize to the existing cropping pattern of the
country. Maize can be a potential grain crop for nutritional support to the country
population. Moreover, the country environment is more suitable for cultivation of
this crop.

Maize has multifarious uses. Actually every part of the maize plant is useful. Green
cobs of maize are cooked by roasting or boiling in water. The top green portion of
the plant after harvest of the cob is fed to cattle as fodder, and the dry portion of
the stem along with fibrous roots are used as fire fuel. The greatest advantage of
maize over rice and wheat is its high bio-mass content. Maize grain, full or broken,

3
is used in khichuri, gruel often mixed with pulses. Popcorn is consumed as snacks.
Grains are the principal ingredients for poultry and cattle feed. Industries make
use of maize for corn oil, starch, adhesives, medicines and in the manufacturer of
various food products like corn flakes, chips etc. In Bangladesh, human
consumption of maize is observed mainly as boiled cob by tribal people living in
Chittagong hill tracts, Madhupur tract of Tangail and also in Mymensingh. The
Biharis also take maize as roasted cobs. Recently some uses of maize flour are
reported in Dinajpur and Rangpur region. They mix maize flour with wheat flour
in proportion of 1:4 for making Chapatis. These chapatis, according to consumers
are a bit sweet and look somewhat red and they consider them tasty. These are also
soft, and old people prefer them.

People of Bangladesh consider maize as animal feed or at best poor people food. In
other countries, (e.g. Mexico, chiele, Kenya, Central America and Zimbabwe)
maize is a staple food. Even in Indonesia more than 80 million people consume
maize as their staple food. Maize is more nutritious than rice in term of protein,
phosphorus and carotene content. Fats and mineral contents are also higher. It is
rich in vitamin B and trace elements. Also, its price is lower than rice. In recent
years several feed mills in the private sector have been established in the country.
Some of them are quite sophisticated. They include among others, Paragon Poultry
Ltd., Quality Feed Ltd., Phoenix Ltd., Aftab Ltd. and Saudi-Bangla. Some of the
feed mills have an annual production capacity of more than five thousand tons.
The public sector has also a few feed mills having a total capacity of 17,000 tons.
Poultry feeds use maize to the extent of 45-55% of carbohydrate feeds.

The major factors responsible for low maize yield are the use of low yielding
varieties and inadequate cultural management practices particularly in the area of
fertilization, insect, diseases, weed control, and most importantly, planting
operation. In Bangladesh maize is normally cultivated manually and in manual
planting, seeds sown per hill are more than the prescribed amount. This results to

4
over population and consequently reduce yield due to insect build-up and
nutrients and sunlight competition. This method of maize cultivation also requires
a lot of labor and time. Farmers practice broadcast sowing of cereals and pulses
which costs less, but ultimate income is also less due to higher intercultural
operation costs and lower grain yields. In the case of maize cultivation, farmers
practice labor intensive line sowing method which is an advantage for the
introduction of planters.

A recent study showed that seeding operation in maize is at low level as farmers
still use bare hands or hand tools to seed the furrow beds and then cover the seed
by hand. The maize planters available in the market are imported, designed to
operate in large farms, expensive and not suited to local conditions. Therefore, the
use of big maize planter under Bangladesh conditions is not economically feasible.
A low cost maize seeder is able to remove all this constraints and suitable for
maize establishment in Bangladesh. Thus, the specific objectives of the present
study are
1. To develop a low cost seeder for maize planting
2. To modify the low cost seeder
3. To compare the performance between existing and modified seeders.

5
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Maize needs to be planted in a timely manner. The majority of maize growers are
resource poor smallholder farmers. These farmers plant maize using a cutlass,
dibbler or hoe depending on local tradition (Tweneboah, 2000). The use of these
hand tools decreases the timeliness and quality of farm work, results in drudgery
and decreases the productivity of farmers. Additionally, the use of these tools
results in non-uniform germination and seedling emergence, lodging due to
shallow planting, rotting of seeds due to too deep planting and loss of seeds due to
improper covering. Inadequate stands ultimately lead to lower than potential
yields and are characterized by low ratio of plants emerged to seeds planted,
inconsistency of plant stand (population, spacing, emergence) and low plant
population, leading to increased weed pressure and low yield (Smith et al., 2002).

The single and double row planters developed at the University of Southern
Mindanao Agricultural Research Center (USMARC) can plant a hectare within 6-8
hours for single-row and half so much time for double-row. The equipment can
plant, fertilize, and cover the seeds and fertilizer in one operation. The use of this
planter in maize production substantially reduces cost of production by as much as
25 to 30%, because furrowing, planting, and fertilizing are done simultaneously
(Sarmiento, 1997). However, the machine cannot be operated without a draft
animal.

A disc type maize seeder developed which is simple in design and can be handily
operated with ease and comfort (Rolandoet al, 2011). It requires a pre-established
furrow and after the falling of seed they are covered by soil. This is a labor
intensive and time consuming process.

6
Lara-Lopez (1996) developed a single-row direct planter for maize. The planter
may be attached to a walking or riding type two-wheel tractor. The planter
performance was in accordance with the recommended plant population for
maize.

Singh (1984) designed and developed a two-row tractor drawn ridge planter for
winter maize. The inclined plate metering mechanism was mounted on a
commonly used three bottom ridge. The planter was tested in laboratory as well as
in the field. Laboratory tests showed that 50 seeds could be delivered in a strip of
10 m maintaining recommended seed-to-seed spacing of 20 cm. However, the
results varied in the field test.

Cortez, et al., (2007) found that the influence of factors related to sowing can
produce changes in the behavior of the maize. The experiment was carried out in
FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal (Sao Paulo, Brazil), in the Testing Track of the
Laboratorio de Maquinas and Mecanizacao Agricola of the DER. The experimental
design used was a completely randomized one with a factorial scheme of 4x3,
being four vertical loads (62.7, 160.7, 258.7 and 356.7 N) and three sowing depths
(3, 5 and 7 cm) with three repetitions. The analyzed parameters were: soil
deformation, mobilized area, depth of final sowing and plant height. This result
showed that the increase in the applied vertical loads on the soil in the sowing
produced deformation in the soil, with high determination coefficient. The sowing
depth affected the mobilized area. The depth of 5 cm affected the final height of
plants. The highest crop height was observed in the 5 cm sowing depth.

Roy et al. (2007) reported that power operated maize Sheller could overcome the
shortage of expensive labor during peak harvesting season.

Bicudo, et al.(2009) conducted research treatments consisted of two hybrids of

maize (DKB747 e CO32) cultivated in no-tillage system (SPD) and five rates of
fertilizer 08-28-16 (100, 200, 300, 400 e 500 kg ha-1). The randomized block design

7
was used, with subdivided plots and four replications. The maize was sowed using
seeder pneumatic of mechanics traction, with four individual lines, spaced of 0.45
m During maize flowering period, morphologic components were evaluated; the
harvest occurred on 150 days after the sowing. The result showed that the hybrid
of maize DKB747 has greater efficiency, than the hybrid of maize CO32.

Bamgboye and Mofolasayo (2006) tested a manually operated two row okra
planter developed from locally available materials. The planter had a field capacity
of 0.36 ha/h with a field efficiency close to 72%. The laboratory tests gave better
spacing results than under field tests due to clogging of seeds and germination
failure.
Pereira, et al., (2008) the forward speed of the seeder and three silage corn hybrids.
They factors in were arranged in completely randomized design in the factorial
array 3x2, being the factors the hybrids (BM 2202; BM 3061 and BRS 3003) and two
forward speeds of the seeder (6.0 and 8.0 km h-1), with three repetitions. Despite
the operational consumption has not been changed by the speed of sowing, speed
of displacement did not influence the number of days for emergency, initial stand
and productivity.

BARI developed a power tiller operated inclined plate planter (IPP) in 2002. This is
a multi crop planter for maize, wheat, soybean, and groundnut and pulses
available for a cost of US$ 200. The detail design of the planter is given by
Ahmmed et al. (2004). The planter was evaluated in three locations for planting and
earthing up of maize in two seasons in 2005 with the aims to test its performance
and study the profitability of using the planter.

Liu-Jia, et al., (2010) studied on the effects of maize seed grading on precise sowing
quality. Maize seeds were divided into four levels according to the shape and size.
Tests on pneumatic and vacuum precise seeder were carried out to investigate the

8
effects on sowing quality such as up to standard reseeding and miss-seeding etc.
The experiment results indicated that the pneumatic seeder is more adaptable to
the seed size and shape variation. Maize seed grading obviously affects the
qualified index and reseeding index, but affects miss-seeding index and coefficient
of variation little on condition that all the indexes reach the sowing quality
requirements. The qualified index of round seeds was 96%, which was higher than
flat seeds with the qualified index were 87.4%. There was great distinction between
them. The sowing quality of vacuum seeder was not so good whether the seed
graded or not, and has not significant influence on the whole indexes of it. The
experiment also shows that pneumatic seeder has better performance than the
vacuum seeder.

The jab planter appears to be a promising tool that could be used potentially for
reducing the drudgery of planting maize. It is an easy-to-operate dibble instrument
used in various types of soil, including untilled soil with stubble and tilled soil
with or without residues from previous crops. It is very portable. The amount of
seeds to be planted per hectare can be adjusted. The planting unit comprises a seed
hopper and a jabbing device. The hole is punched by the jabbing device before it
opens to release the seed (Kaul and Egbo, 1985). Since hole-making and seed-
dropping are done simultaneously, there is no bending or squatting. In using the
jab planter, small holdings of 0.5 ha to 1 ha can be planted in a few days. It can also
be used at sloping areas. The jab planter can also be used for fertilizer application
and replanting dead hills (Calkins, 1977). A jab planter could enable the small-scale
farmer work with improved timeliness and reduced drudgery (Ukatu, 2001).

Goncalveset al., (2010) carried out to evaluate the influence of the combination of
displacement speed and the load applied by the compacting wheel of a seeder-
fertilizer machine on the emergence of the seedlings and initial development of the
maize crop in the no-till system. The study was done with the use of three

9
displacement speeds of the seeder machine (1.11, 1.67 and 2.22 m s-1) in
combination with four loads applied by the compacting wheels (119.26, 131.11, 257
and 339 N). The load of 339N caused a lower seed deposition depth than the load
of 131.11. The maximum flattening of soil layer on the seed occurred with the load
of 339N, due to the pressure exerted by the compressing wheels. There was no
interaction between the factors, as well as no significant difference between the
evaluated speeds. The load applied by the compressing wheels and the
displacement speeds used for seeding had no influence on emergence and initial
establishment of the maize crop.

Trotset al., (2008) were conducted in Russia in an experimental field on common

medium-depth heavy loamy chernozem with 7.8% humus content using spring
wheat as a fore crop. Crops were grown according to the locally accepted method
of silage crop production. Seeds of maize and fodder mallow were sown into the
same wide rows (70 cm). Annual sweet clover was sown with a standard seeder
after maize sowing. Interrow cultivation was carried out twice during the summer
season. Higher yield of green fodder and well balanced digestible protein were
obtained in crop mixtures.

Ahmmed et al. (2004) reported that using well-designed planter attachments to

power tillers (two-wheel tractors) more area could be brought under maize, wheat,
pulses and oil seeds cultivation.

Wohab (2003) developed a minimum tillage planter with effective field capacity of
0.1 ha/hr. The planter saved 35% time and 27% cost when compared to traditional
methods.

In a related study, maize seeder was found to have no detrimental effect on yield
using a multi-seeder or a single row seeder (Roth, et al., 2001) and an air seeder
(Roth, et al., 2002).

10
Pradhan et al. (1997) developed a power tiller operated groundnut planter-cum-
fertilizer drill. The actual field capacity of the planter was 0.16 ha/hr with field
efficiency closes to 81%. The planter saved Rs. 237 per ha over manual dropping of
seed behind the plough.

The maize planters available in the market are imported, designed to operate in
large farms, expensive and not suited to local conditions. Therefore, the use of big
maize planter under Bangladesh conditions is not economically feasible. A low cost
maize seeder is able to remove all this constraints and suitable for maize
establishment in Bangladesh.

11
 CHAPTER III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This chapter deals with the materials and methods related to the development of
maize seeder including fabrication required for manufacturing a low cost maize
seeder, laboratory test principle, field test principle and principles for
determination of different parameters related to maize seeder. After the fabrication
of the maize seeder, the laboratory test of the maize seeder was done in the
workshop of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery of Bangladesh
Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

3.1 Components of the Maize Seeder

The main components of the maize seeder are:
1. Seed hopper
2. Plate type seed metering device
3. Seed tube
4. Disc type bed former
5. Runner wheel
6. Handle

3.1.1 Seed Hopper

It contains seed and the seed metering device. The amount of seed contained
depends upon the size of the seed hopper. The capacity of this seed hopper is
around 2 kg. The top and bottom diameter of the hopper is 21.6 and 17 cm,
respectively. The depth of the hopper was 20.3 cm. The seed hopper is made by
plastic for low cost, light weight and longer life. The Isometric view of seed hopper
is shown in Fig. 3.1.

12
 21.6 cm

20.3 cm
17 cm

Fig. 3.1 Isometric view of seed hopper

3.1.2 Plate Type Seed Metering Device

Metering device is the most important part of a maize seeder. The seed rate and
seed spacing are adjusted by metering device. The metering device should have
sufficient holes to fall optimum seeds without any overlapping of seed in the soil.
The performance of a maize seeder depends much upon right calibration of
metering device. Maize seeds are relatively large and flat plate type seed metering
device is well suited for planting maize seeds. The stationary ring surrounding the
plate should fit well for best performance. Plates with round or oval holes are used
for drilling and hill dropping seed. The diameter of the metering device is 16.8 cm
with 8 cells open for passing the seed. The entire metering device is attached to a
vertical shaft. A differential mechanism is used between the vertical shaft and a
horizontal shaft, attached to the runner wheels. So, when the wheels are rotated
the metering device is also rotated.

13
The orthographic view of a plate type seed metering device for the seeder (8 teeth)
is shown in Fig. 3.2.

Fig. 3.2 Orthographic view of a plate type seed metering device for the seeder (8 teeth)

3.1.3 Seed Tube

It is a plastic tube through which seeds are passes from the metering device to the
soil. The length of the seed tube is 30.48 cm and diameter is 2.54 cm. it is attached
to the bottom of the seed hopper.

3.1.4 Disc Type Bed Former

Bed former is used to form a ridge by gathering soil. The sweep type bed former of
the maize seeder makes a ridge by gathering soil from the two sides of the falling
seed in the land and cover the seeds with soil. The bed formers are made of rigid
MS sheet. The diameter of the bed formers is 25.4 cm. the bed formers are attached
to an adjustable frame maintaining a disc angle of 450 and tilt angle of around 100
to 150. There are holes on both sides of the frame by which the position of the bed
formers are adjusted. This affects in the height and width of the ridge. The
Isometric view and Photographic view of the Disc type bed former is shown in Fig.
3.3.

14
 (a) (b)

Fig. 3.3 Disc type bed former (a) Isometric view, and (b) Photographic view

3.1.5 Runner Wheel

There are two runner wheels in the maize seeder. Runner wheels are used to take
the seeder in forward or backward. The diameter of the runner wheel is 40.64 cm.
Distance between the runners wheels are fixed to 60 cm to maintain the spacing
between the rows.The Isometric view of runner wheel and Photographic view of
Runner wheel is shown in Fig. 3.4 and 3.5.

(All dimensions are in centimeter)

Fig. 3.4 Isometric view of runner wheel Fig. 3.5 Photographic view of Runner wheel

15
3.1.6 Handle
The handle is made by GI pipe. By pushing the handle the seeder go forward. The
length of the handle is 60.96 cm and diameter of the handle is 2.54 cm.The Handle
of maize seeder and Photographic view of fabricating the maize seeder is shown in
Fig. 3.6 And 3.7, respectively.

Fig. 3.6 Handle of maize seeder

Fig. 3.7 Photographic view of fabricating the maize seeder

16
3.2 Power Transmission System
The maize seeder was operated manually to make it cost effective. Power is
transmitted from the runner wheel to the seed metering device through bevel gears
using a differential mechanism. Flow diagram of the power transmission system is
shown in Figure 3.8, and the photographic view of the differential mechanism is
shown in Fig. 3.9

Handle

Pushing Force

Runner Wheel

Direct Coupling

Wheel Shaft

Differential Mechanism

Metering Device Shaft

Fig. 3.8 Flow diagram of the power transmission system

Fig. 3.9 Differential mechanism of the power transmission system

17
 5.08 cm

Fig. 3.10 Isometric view of bevel gear

3.3 Study Area

This study was conducted at the testing bed of Farm Power and Machinery
Workshop of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh in 2013 during the
major growing season according to tillage methodology recommended by the
ASABE. The experimental site is a flat land. The climate at the site is distinguished
by a bi-modal rainy season from March to July and from September to November,
when most of the rain falls as heavy convectional storms, followed by a dry season
from November to February/March. The average rainfall is about 1300 mm. The
average daily temperature is 26.88oC with a range between 10.36 and 32.085o C.
The experimental field was ploughed. The soil texture at the experimental site was

18
sandy loam with low moisture content. Maize can be grown successfully on soils
with a pH of 5.0-7.0 but a moderately acid environment of pH 6.0-7.0 is optimum.
The meteorological parameters of the experimental area are presented in
Appendix-12.

3.4 Test of Maize Seeder

According to the design the maize seeder was fabricated. Finally, the seeder was
tested both in the laboratory and testing bed, (13.41 m length and 2.13 m width,
loamy soil) behind the workshop of the department of FPM. The calibration of the
maize seeder is shown in Fig.3.11

Fig. 3.11 Calibration of the maize seeder

19
3.4.1 Laboratory Test
Parameters of laboratory test such as self-weight, missing rate, applicator or seeder
capacity, field capacity, distance to drop seed or seed spacing, height of the ridge
of the seeder was determined.

3.4.1.1 Self Weight of the Maize Seeder

Self-weight of machine or device is important, because less weight device is easy to
carry and also for maneuver in the field. In case of maize seeder, self-weight of the
machine is a very important factor. In the heat engine laboratory, the self-weight of
the applicator was measured.

3.4.1.2 Capacity of the seeder

The capacity of the seeder was considered as total weight of dropped seed per unit
time in laboratory. Four bricks were used in order to determine the capacity of the
seeder and the seeder was placed on the bricks. One polythene bag was kept just
below the seed tube to collect the seeds. Then weight of the seed was measured for
the experiment using electronic balance and kept into the hopper. One person
rotated the runner wheel manually equivalent to normal walking speed (2.75
km/hr) and gave 10 revolutions. It may be mentioned that here 10 revolution of
the runner wheel provided for 102 hill drops by the metering device are equipped
with 4 cells for seed. The time required for 10revoulations of runner wheel was
recorded by a stop watch. Uniform speed of the wheel was maintained during
rotation.

20
The capacity was estimated by the following equation.
W
Capacity of Seeder =
T

Where,

W= Weight of dropped seed in 10 revolutions of the hopper, kg

T= Time required for 10 revolutions of runner wheel, hr

3.4.1.3 Uniform Seed Rate

Seed rate is determined by calibration in the laboratory. Uniform seed rate in the
plate type seed metering device was maintained by adjusting gap of seed meter.
The seed rate of different types of seed for maize seeder machine was calculated by
using the following formula.

 kg  Seeds obtained by 10 revolution of drive wheel, (gm)

Seed rate,   =
 ha  Width of seeder, (m) × Circumference of drive wheel, (m)

3.4.2 Field Test

The field test was done in the testing bed behind the workshop of department of
Farm power and machinery. The length and width of the testing bed was 13.41m
and 2.13m, respectively. The Field test of the maize seeder is shown in Fig. 3.12

21
 .

Fig. 3.12 Field test of the maize seeder

3.4.2.1 Missing Rate

The accurate missing rate measurement during operation in the field is not an easy
task, keen attention is needed while operating the maize seeder in the field
(laboratory testing bed). So, during operation operator and one observer counted
the number of maize seed missed to drop into the seed tube. Then determined the
actual number of maize seed drop in experimental area if no missing occurred.
Then missing rate is determined by the following equation.
N1
% Missing Rate = × 100
N2

Where,
N 1 = No. of maize seed missing during pickup by metering device into seed
tube

22
 N 2 = No. of maize seed drop by the metering device if no missing occurred
and not more than one seed per cell.

3.4.2.2Field Capacity
Field capacity is defined as the rate of field coverage by the maize seeder. Turning
time at the end of the field was added with actual operating time for effective field
capacity determination.
Theoretical and effective field capacity of the maize seeder was determined by the
following two equations.
a) Theoretical field capacity:
Sw
C th =
10
Where,
C th = Theoretical field capacity, ha/hr
S = Forward speed, km/hr
w = Width of coverage, m

b) Effective Field Capacity:

A
C eff =
T
Where,
C eff = Effective field capacity, ha/hr
A = Field coverage, ha
T = Actual time of operation, hr

3.4.2.3 Distance of Dropped Maize Seed

Distance of dropped maize seed, maintained by the maize seeder is measured very
carefully. The bed former beside the seed tube were detached (Fig. 3.13). The
Photographic view of the dropped seed and Photographic view of the wheel
spacing measurement is shown in Fig. 3.14 and 3.15. After the observation, the
average distance of dropped maize seed is calculated.

23
Fig. 3.13 Detachment of the bed former to determine the seed spacing

Fig. 3.14 Photographic view of the dropped seed

24
 Fig. 3.15 Photographic view of the wheel spacing measurement

3.5 Calculation of draft

Draft may be defined as the horizontal component of pull parallel to the line of
motion. Mathematically,
Draft=P cosα
Draft= mg cosα
Where,
P= Pushing force
α =Angle between push with ground

Pu
shi
n gF
orc
e, P

α P Cosα

Fig. 3.16 Draft measurement of Push type implements

25
3.5.1 Angle measurement
The height and horizontal length of pulling and pushing handle were measured by
a tape for measuring the pulling or pushing angle as shown in Fig. 3.12. By
measuring the height and width of a triangle, angle of pull or push easily
determined using the following formula.

3.6 Cost analysis

When a new technology is introduced to the farmer, they are interested to know
whether the machine will be profitable for them or not. Costanalysis is very
important for a new technology.

Operational cost of the machine is the sum of fixed cost and variable cost of the
machine. The total cost of the machine was determined by knowing the cost of the
materials used to fabricate the applicator and fabricating cost of the machine
(Appendix-8). The operational cost (Tk./ha) was calculated using available data.

3.6.1 Cost Operation of Maize seeder

The cost of operation of the seeder was determined considering the fixed cost and
variable cost parameter of the applicator. The cost calculation of the seeder was
given in Appendix-8

Fixed Cost
Fixed cost is the total cost of depreciation, interest on investment, tax, insurance
and shelter. Straight-line method was used for calculating the depreciation of the
machine and tax, insurance and shelter cost did not consider.

26
a) Annual depreciation

Where, D = Depreciation, Tk/yr.

P = Purchase price, Tk.
S = Salvage value, Tk.
L = Life of machine, yrs.

b) Interest on investment

Where, i = Rate of interest

c) Tax, insurance and shelter

T = 2% of purchase price of machine (Assumed), Tk.

Total fixed cost per year, FC = Depreciation + Interest + Tax and insurance +
shelter

Variable Cost
Variable cost is related to the operation of the applicator. In calculation of variable
cost,
a) Labor cost per hour
L = Tk. / man-hr.

Total variable cost, VC = Labor cost + Repair & Maintenance cost

Total Cost of Operation

Total cost is the sum of fixed cost and variable cost of the applicator.
Total cost, TC = Fixed cost + variable cost

27
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 General Background

The study was undertaken to determine technical and economic performance of a
push type manually operated maize seeder in the laboratory testing bed. Self-
weight, missing rate, seeder capacity, field capacity, distance of dropped seed was
calculated and operating cost of the maize seeder was calculated.

4.2 Development Low Cost Maize Seeder

A photographic view of fabricated low cost maize seeder is shown in Fig. 4.1 and
also the Isometric view of the designed maize seeder is shown in Fig. 4.2

Fig.4.1 A photographic view of a designed low cost maize seeder

28
 (All dimensions are in cm)

Fig. 4.2 Isometric view of designed maize seeder

4.3 Machine Specifications

The Specifications of a low cost maize seeder are shown in Table 4.1
Table 4.1 Specifications of a Low Cost Maize Seeder

Name of the component No. of Dimension (cm) Material

items
Seed hopper 1 20.3 height, 21.6 and 17 Plastic
diameter sheet
Plate type seed metering 1 16.8 diameter, 8 cell Plastic
device
Seed tube 1 30.48 height and diameter Plastic
2.54
Sweep type bed former 2 diameter 25.4 MS bar
Runner wheel 2 Diameter 40.64 Rubber
Handle 1 length 60.9 and 2.54 MS bar
diameter
Nut & bolts 24 MS bar
Depth Control devices 2 length 33 MS bar

29
4.4 Performance Test of Low Cost Maize Seeder

In laboratory, the performance of the low cost maize seeder depends on the
following parameters:

• Self- weight of the seeder

• Missing rate
• Seeder capacity
• Field capacity
• Distance of dropped seed
• Plant population

There are some other factors on which the performance of maize seeder depends.
They are:
• Field condition
• Operator comfort
• Adjustment of the machine
• Type of soil
• Soil moisture
• Land topography
• Field size and shape

4.4.1 Self Weight of the Maize Seeder

The self-weight of the maize seeder is about 14 kg.

30
4.4.2 Test Result of Missing Rate for developed maize seeder

Missing rate of the maize seeder is presented in the Table 4.2 and Fig 4.3 shows the
result of missing rate in graphical representation. The missing rate calculation is
given in Appendix-1.

Table 4.2: Test of Missing Rate for developed maize seeder

Obs. Total Standard Number of Number Missing Average

No. length of distance seed of Actual rate missing
field to drop dropped Seed (%) rate
(cm) seed (cm) theoretical dropped (%)

1 1341 20 67 57 14.92

2 1341 20 67 59 11.94 13.43

3 1341 20 67 58 13.43

4 1341 20 67 58 13.43

From the above table, it is observed that the missing rate varies due to the changes
in speed of the machine. The missing rate was 14.92%, 11.94%, 13.43% and, 13.43%
for observation 1, 2, 3 and, 4 respectively. The average missing rate was 13.43%.

31
 Fig. 4.3 Graphical representation of test of Missing rate (%) for developed maize seeder

4.4.3 Test Result of Field Capacity for developed maize seeder

Field capacity of maize seeder is presented in Table 4.3 and Fig. 4.4 shows the test
result of field capacity in graphical representation. The field capacity is given in
Appendix-2.

Table 4.3: Test of Field Capacity for developed maize seeder:

Obs. Length Width of Area of Time taken Effective Average

No
of the the the row to cover the field
field
field coverage coverage area capacity
capacity
(cm) (cm) (ha) (sec) (ha/hr)
(ha/hr)

1 1341 60.96 0.000817 29 0.101

2 1341 60.96 0.000817 22 0.133 0.128

3 1341 60.96 0.000817 19 0.155

4 1341 60.96 0.000817 24 0.123

32
From the above table, it is observed that the effective field capacity varies due to
the changes in speed of the machine. The Effective field capacity was 0.101 ha/hr,
0.133 ha/hr, 0.155 ha/hr and, 0.123 ha/hr for observation 1, 2, 3 and, 4
respectively. The average field capacity was 0.128 ha/hr.

Fig. 4.4 Graphical representation of test of Effective field capacity for developed maize
seeder

4.4.4 Test Result of Field Efficiency for developed maize seeder

Field efficiency of the maize seeder is presented in Table 4.4 and Fig. 4.5 shows the
test result of field efficiency in graphical representation. The field efficiency
calculation is given in Appendix-3

33
Table 4.4: Test of Field Efficiency for developed maize seeder

Obs. No Theoretical Effective field Field Average field

field capacity capacity efficiency (%) efficiency (%)
(ha/hr) (ha/hr)

1 0.167 0.101 60.48

2 0.167 0.133 79.64 76.65

3 0.167 0.155 92.81

4 0.167 0.123 73.65

From the above table, it is observed that the field efficiency varies due to the
changes in speed, loading of the seed and/or turning of the machine, and also the
field condition. The Field efficiency was 60.48 %, 79.64 %, 92.81 % and, 73.65 % for
observation 1, 2, 3 and, 4 respectively for different pass with the average field
efficiency of 76.65 %.

Fig. 4.5 Graphical representation oftest of field efficiency for developed maize seeder

34
4.4.5 Test Result of Distance of Dropped Seed for developed maize
seeder
Distance of dropped seed in the test of maize seeder is presented in Table 4.5 and
Fig. 4.6 shows the result of distance of dropped seed in graphical representation.

Table 4.5: Test of Distance of Dropped Maize Seed for developed maize seeder

Obs. Length Standard Actual distance of dropped seed Average

No. of the distance to (cm) distance of
field seed drop dropped
(cm) (cm) seed (cm)

1 1341 20 18,30,20,19,15,45,18,23,9,24,15,9,10,12, 23.15

18,20,22,25,25,21,42,19,17,11,12,5,12,49,20,
18,69,29,33,20,29,15,17,23,49,12,17,
29,33,31,41,29,33,18,29,31,25,21,22,18,
13,15,16

2 1341 20 18,19,21,25,19,17,35,22,21,18,13,27,20, 22.57

11,16,10,23,31,18,19,31,21,29,25,29,25,
18,36,25,12,27,10,29,15,17,23,19,20,17,
21,15,30,31,39,22,17,29,33,18,30,29,33,
18,22,19,21,17,35,22

3 1341 20 20,15,9,23,15,19,24,19,11,22,23,14,20,19,20, 22.26

18,21,23,17,23,21,18,25,18,25,18,18,
18,18,23,23,20,12,29,41,29,18,31,25,18,
22,21,36,19,41,22,42,21,19,29,21,17,18,
23,41,27,18,31

4 1341 20 29,25,21,19,11,29,23,22,19,22,18,29,28, 22.03

21,19,23,21,17,24,23,19,31,18,14,21,24,
20,19,18,21,23,21,19,25,22,29,23,31,22,
24,23,18,19,32,21,23,22,24,28,20,23,20,
18,20,20,19,21,18

35
From the above table, it is observed that the distance of dropped seed varies since
the metering device was not uniformly rotated and changes in speed of the
machine. Some of the seeds were trapped in between the seed hopper and the
metering device due to its inclined face shape. The average distance of dropped
seed was 23.15, 22.57, 22.26 and, 22.03 for observation 1, 2, 3, and, 4 respectively
whereas the recommended distance was 20 cm.

Fig. 4.6 Graphical representation of Average distance of dropped seed for developed maize
seeder

36
4.4.6 Test Result of Plant Population
Fig. 4.7 shows the result of plant population of maize in a graphical representation.
Standard plant population is based on the reference by the CIMMYT as 83000
plants/ha. From the graph it was observed that the no of plant was much higher
for the manual planting which would have a downbeat affect the overall yield of
maize. Moreover, the plant population for the developed seeder was also low than
the recommended population. Therefore, the seeder was needed to modify to
obtain the appropriate plant population.

Fig. 4.7 Graphical representation of laboratory test of plant population for developed maize
seeder

4.5 Test Results of Modified Low Cost Maize Seeder

Test result of a low cost maize seeder is given below:

4.5.1 Self Weight of The Maize Seeder

The self-weight of the maize seeder is about 10 kg.
4.5.2 Test Result of Missing Rate for modified maize seeder

Missing rate result of the test of maize seeder is presented in the Table 4.6 and Fig
4.8 shows the result of missing rate in graphical representation. The missing rate
calculation is given in Appendix-4.

37
Table 4.6: Test of Missing Rate for modified maize seeder

Obs. No. Total Standard Number of Number Missing Average

length of distance to seed of Actual rate (%) missing
field drop seed dropped Seed rate
(cm) (cm) theoretical dropped (%)

1 1064 20 53 49 7.54

2 1064 20 53 51 3.77 6.12

3 1064 20 53 48 9.43

4 1064 20 53 51 3.77

From the above table, it is observed that the missing rate varies due to the changes
in speed of the machine and setting of the metering device. The missing rate was
7.54%, 3.77%, 9.43% and, 3.77% for observation 1, 2, 3 and, 4 respectively. The
average missing rate was 6.12%.

Fig. 4.8 Graphical representation of test of Missing rate (%) for modified maize seeder

38
4.5.3 Test Result of Field Capacity for modified maize seeder

Field capacity result of the test of maize seeder is presented in Table 4.7 and Fig.
4.9 shows the test result of field capacity in graphical representation. The field
capacity calculation is given in Appendix-5.

Table 4.7: Test of Field Capacity for modified maize seeder:

Length Width of Area of the Time taken Effective Average

of the the row to cover the field
field
field coverage coverage area capacity
capacity
(cm) (cm) (ha) (sec) (ha/hr)
(ha/hr)

1064 60 0.000638 16 0.143

1064 60 0.000638 15 0.153 0.147

1064 60 0.000638 18 0.128

1064 60 0.000638 14 0.164

From the above table, we can see the Effective field capacity varies since the field
condition was not satisfactory and contains heavy growth of roots and vegetative
matters. The Effective field capacity is 0.143 ha/hr, 0.153 ha/hr, 0.128 ha/hr, and
0.164 ha/hr for observation 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The average field capacity is
0.147 ha/hr.

39
Fig. 4.9 Graphical representation of test of Effective field capacity for modified maize seeder

4.5.4 Test Result of Field Efficiency for modified maize seeder

Field efficiency result of the test of maize seeder is presented in Table 4.8 and Fig.
4.10 shows the test result of field efficiency in graphical representation. The field
efficiency calculation is given in Appendix-6.

Table 4.8: Test of Field Efficiency for modified maize seeder

Obs. No Theoretical Effective field Field Average field

field capacity capacity efficiency (%) efficiency (%)
(ha/hr) (ha/hr)

1 0.169 0.143 84.61

2 0.169 0.153 90.53 86.98

3 0.169 0.128 75.73

4 0.169 0.164 97.04

40
From the above table, it is observed that the field efficiency varies due to the
changes in speed, loading of the seed and/or turning of the machine, and also the
field condition. The Field efficiency was 84.61 %, 90.53 %, 75.73 % and, 97.04 % for
observation 1, 2, 3 and, 4 respectively for different pass with the average field
efficiency of 86.98 %.

Fig. 4.10 Graphical representation of test of field efficiency for modified maize seeder

4.5.5 Test Result of Distance of Dropped Seed for modified maize

seeder

Distance of dropped seed in the laboratory test of maize seeder is presented in

Table 4.9 and Fig. 4.11 shows the result of distance of dropped seed in graphical
representation.

41
Table 4.9: Test of Distance of Dropped Maize Seed for modified maize seeder

Obs. Length Standard Actual distance of dropped seed Average

No. of the distance to (cm) distance of
field seed drop dropped seed
(cm) (cm) (cm)

1 1064 20 29,33,15,17,23,20,19,22,35,18,23,19,24,15, 21.12

9,
10,22,18,30,22,49,12,17,29,23,31,29,33,28,
26,25,25,21,32,29,17,21,12,15,12,20,18,49,
18,31,22,19,15,21

2 1064 20 18,14,11,24,25,21,32,19,17,15,12,20,18,39, 20.84

22,35,12,17,29,22,15,27,23,20,24,15,31,18,
23,9,22,15,9,10,12,28,20,29,23,21,29,33,18,
26,25,18,21,22,19,15,21

3 1064 20 17,15,12,20,18,39,22,35,12,17,34,9,20,12,2 21.52

8,20,29,23,21,29,33,18,18,14,11,24,25,21,3
2,
19,26,25,18,21,22,,27,23,20,34,15,31,18,22,
15,23,9,22,15

4 1064 20 22,35,12,17,34,9,20,29,23,21,29,33,18,18,2 21.94

2,25,21,32,19,26,25,18,21,22,27,23,20,34,1
5,
31,20,12,28,17,15,12,20,18,39,15,23,9,22,1
5, 29,32,25,18,14,11,24

42
From the above table, it is observed that the distance of dropped seed varies since
the metering device was not uniformly rotated and changes in speed of the
machine. Some of the seeds were trapped in between the seed hopper and the
metering device due to its inclined face shape. The average distance of dropped
seed was 21.12, 20.84, 21.52 and, 21.94 for observation 1, 2, 3, and, 4 respectively
whereas the recommended distance was 20 cm.

Fig. 4.11 Graphical representation of Average distance of dropped seed for modified maize
seeder

4.6 Modification of maize seeder

Low cost maize seeder has been used these days in the production process of
maize in Bangladesh. The performance of this machine is good and satisfactory.
But still there is a chance to increase its level of performance. To this regard,
several modifications in the low cost maize seeder have been done. The whole
modification process includes metering device, bevel gear and handle of the
machine. The existing metering device of the low cost maize seeder has been

43
modified in order to boost the performance. The handle of the machine has also
undergone a modification process with a view to attaining better performance.
Bevel gear has been modified to make the power transmission mechanism easier
and more convenient.

4.6.1 Differential mechanism of the power transmission system

The Adjustment of bevel gear is shown in Fig. 4.12

Fig 4.12 Adjustment of bevel gear

The modification of power transmission system has overcome the problem of the
previous machine where the adjustment of the bevel gear makes sometimes
trouble. In the machine before modification, the bevel gear often goes up causing
trouble in power transmission system. After the modification, the bevel gear has
been connected to a shaft with a screw which keeps the bevel gear always adjusted.
An improvement has been made to the low cost maize seeder this way to make the
power transmission convenient.

44
4.6.2Modification of Handle

The modification on the handle of the seeder is shown below. The modification
was made to make the seeder cost effective as well as reduce the self weight of the
machine. The GI pipe handle and MS bar handle is shown in Fig. 4.13 and 4.14

Fig 4.13 GI pipe handle

Fig 4.14 MS bar handle

45
Previously, the handle of the low cost maize seeder was made of GI pipe which
was heavy in weight. As the handle was heavy, it required more force to move the
machine. The handle of the maize seeder has now made of MS bar, which is lighter
than the GI pipe handle. This modification has made the low cost maize seeder
easier to move. After making the handle with MS bar, the machine now requires
less force to move.

4.6.3 Modification of metering device

The Inclined plate metering device and Flat metering device is shown in Fig. 4.15
and 4.16

Version- 1

Fig 4.15 Inclined plate metering device

Version-2

Fig 4.16 Flat metering device

46
Before modification the metering device of the low cost maize seeder was inclined
plate. Some of seeds were usually trapped into the inclined plate resulting to the
loss of seed. In order to make the machine more efficient, the metering device of
the machine has undergone through a modification process. The metering device
has finally been made of flat plate. Flat plate of the metering device does not allow
the seeds to be trapped into the metering device. As a result, the seed loss has
substantially been reduced and the machine has become more efficient.

4.7 Comparison between Developed maize seeder and Modified

maize seeder

Average missing rate, average field capacity and average field efficiency result of
the laboratory test of maize seeder is presented in the Table 4.10 and is shown in
Fig. 4.17, 4.18 and 4.19 .

Table 4.10: Result of Average missing rate, average field capacity and average
field efficiency

Average missing Average field Average field

Seeder
rate(%) capacity (ha/hr) efficiency (%)

Developed maize seeder 13.43 0.128 76.65

Modified maize seeder 6.12 0.147 86.98

From the above table, we observed for developed maize seeder, the average
missing rate (%), average field capacity (ha/hr), and average field efficiency (%)
are 13.43, 0.128, and 76.65 respectively. And for modified maize seeder, the average
missing rate (%), average field capacity (ha/hr), and average field efficiency (%)

47
are 6.12, 0.147, and 86.98 respectively. The overall performance of modified maize
seeder was better than developed maize seeder.

Fig 4.17 Graphical representation of test of average missing rate (%), for developed maize
seeder and modified maize seeder.

From the above fig, it was observed that the average missing rate of modified
maize seeder was lower than the developed maize seeder. So, the performance of
modified maize seeder was better than previous maize seeder.

48
Fig 4.18 Graphical representation of test of average field capacity (ha/hr) for developed
maize seeder and modified maize seeder.

From the above fig, we observed the average field capacity of modified maize
seeder is high than developed maize seeder. So, the performance of modified
maize seeder is better than developed maize seeder.

49
Fig. 4.19 Graphical representation of test of average field efficiency (%) for developed maize
seeder and modified maize seeder.

From the above figure, it was observed that the average field efficiency of modified
maize seeder was higher than developed maize seeder. So, the performance of
modified maize seeder was better than the developed maize seeder.

4.8 Force Measurement

The pushing force was measured by spring balance. Table 4.11 shows amount of
pushing force, draft and drawbar power of the low cost maize seeder. The draft
calculation is given in Appendix-7.

Table 4.11: Determination of pushing force and Draft

Obs. No. Pushing Force Pushing angle, Draft force Drawbar

(kg) degree (N) power
kW
Developed 10 79.49 0.044
maize seeder
Modified maize 8.5 35.87 67.57 0.037
seeder

50
The maize seeder required very less power to push. Only 10 kg pushing force or
0.044 kW drawbar power for developed maize seeder and 8.5 kg pushing force or
0.037 kW drawbar power for modified maize seeder was observed during the
performance test.

4.9 Total Cost of the Maize Seeder

The fabrication cost of the designed maize seeder is presented in the Table below.

Table 4.12: Fabrication Cost of the Developed Maize Seeder

Serial no. Fabrication materials Quantity, pcs Lump-sum cost,

(Tk.)
1 MS Flat bar 6 kg 240
2 Seed metering device 1 200
3 Seed tube 1 25
4 Seed hopper 1 85
5 Bed former 2 50
6 G.I pipe 4 kg 200
7 Bevel gear 2 175
8 Ball bearing 10 150
9 Wheels 2 500
10 Nuts and bolts 75 150
Total fabrication cost Tk. 1775/-

51
Table 4.13: Fabrication Cost of the Modified Maize Seeder

Serial no. Fabrication Quantity, pcs Lump-sum cost,

materials (Tk.)
1 MS Flat bar 6 kg 240

2 Seed metering 1 300

device
3 Seed tube 1 50

4 Seed hopper 1 100

5 Bed former 2 100

6 Square bar 3 kg 150

7 Bevel gear 2 220

8 Ball bearing 10 180

9 Wheels 2 500

10 Nuts and bolts 75 150

Total fabrication cost Tk. 1990/-

4.10 Cost Comparison with Manual Application

The manufacturing cost of the developed maize seeder was approximately Tk.1800 and
modified maize seeder was approximately Tk.2000. The annual cost of the developed maize
seeder per hectare was Tk. 324 and the modified maize seeder per hectare was Tk.282,
where as the manual seeding cost is Tk. 4762/ha (Table 4.14). Thus, the maize seeder can
save about 94% seeding cost for maize cultivation. The cost of operation by hand planting
and by the maize seeder is presented in Figure 4.20. The cost calculation is given in
Appendix-8, 9 and, 10.
Table4.14: Operational cost maize seeder and hand application of maize seed
Model Operational cost (Tk./ha)
Developed maize seeder 324
Modified maize seeder 282
Hand application 4762

52
Fig. 4.20 Cost of operation by hand planting and the maize seeder

53
 CHAPTER V

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

The development of maize seeder was so simple that it was very easy to fabricate
with locally available materials. Its operation was very easy and it required very
less power to push. Therefore, one person (male or female) can operate it. The
fabrication cost of the maize seeder was low. The cost of the developed maize
seeder was approximately Tk.1800, and the modified maize seeder was
approximately Tk.2000, which is within the buying capacity of the farmers of
Bangladesh. The average missing rates of developed maize seeder was 13.43% and
modified maize seeder was 6.12%. The field capacity of developed maize seeder
was 0.128 ha/hr and modified maize seeder was 0.147 ha/hr. The field efficiency
of developed maize seeder was 76.65% and modified maize seeder was 86.98%. So,
the overall performance of low cost maize seeder was satisfactory.

A good progress of the work has been made successfully. Therefore, the low cost
maize seeder may be accepted for demonstration and use.

5.2 Possibility of Further Research

Following problems are still remaining in this maize seeder:
1. The maize seeder can be used for multiple granular crops.

2. The maize seeder can be used for fertilizer application.

3. A furrow opener can be used in maize seeder for further development.

4. It is necessary to modify the wheels of the machine to avoid slip.

54
5. In case of sandy loam soil, the germination rate of the seeds are time
consuming because the surface soil content more heat than the soil below the
surface level.
6. The machine performance reduces due to clogging of the bed former when the
machine operates in soil of high moisture content.

5.3 Recommendations
Following are the recommendations for operation of the low cost maize seeder
below:

1. The Maize Seeder is needed to test in the farmer’s field to judge its
performances.

2. The machine should operate at normal working speed (2- 3 km/hr), because
too fast causing splitting the seed and slow walking decrease field capacity
of the machine.

3. Calibration of the seed metering device should be done accurately to get

right seed rate and seed spacing.

55
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58
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX – 1

Missing Rate Calculation for the developed maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 05.12.2013

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Standard distance to drop seed = 20cm
Number of actual seed dropped (theoretical) = 67
For observation # 1,
Number of actual seed dropped = 57
67 − 57
% missing rate = × 100
67
=14.92 %

59
 APPENDIX – 2

Field Capacity Calculation for the developed maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 05.12.2013

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Bed length=1341 cm
Row width= 60.96cm
Row area = (1341× 60.96) = 81747.36 cm2
81747.36
= [1 ha =108 cm2]
10 8
= 0.000817 ha
For observation # 1,
Time taken to operate = 29 sec
A
Effective field capacity =
t
0.000817 × 3600
=
29
= 0.101 (ha/hr)

60
 APPENDIX – 3

Field Efficiency Calculation for the developed maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 13.12.2013

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Here, Length of the field, L =13.41m
Time to cover the row, t = 17.5 sec
L 13.41
Forward speed, S = =
t 17.5
2.75 km/hr
Width of coverage, w = 0.6096 m
Sw
Theoretical Field Capacity =
10
2.75 × 0.6096
=
10
= 0.167 (ha/hr)
For observation # 1,
Time taken to operate = 29 sec
A
Effective field capacity =
t
0.00081 × 3600
=
29
= 0.101 (ha/hr)
Effective field capacity
Field efficiency = × 100
Theoretical field capacity
0.101
= ×100
0.167
60.48%

61
 APPENDIX – 4

Missing Rate Calculation for the modified maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 10.02.2014

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Standard distance to drop seed = 20cm
Number of actual seed dropped (theoretical) = 53
For observation # 1,
Number of actual seed dropped = 49

% missing rate =

= 7.54 %

62
 APPENDIX – 5

Field Capacity Calculation for the modified maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 10.02.2014

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Bed length=1064 cm
Row width= 60 cm
Row area = (1064 × 60 ) = 63840 cm2

= [1 ha =108 cm2]

= 0.000638 ha
For observation # 1,
Time taken to operate =16 sec
A
Effective field capacity =
t
=

= 0.143 (ha/hr)

63
 APPENDIX – 6

Field Efficiency Calculation for the modified maize seeder

Date of the Experiment: 10.02.2014

Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
Here, Length of the field, L =10.64 m
Time to cover the row, t = 13.5 sec
L
Forward speed, S = =
t
2.83 km/hr
Width of coverage, w = 0.60 m
Sw
Theoretical Field Capacity =
10
=

= 0.169 (ha/hr)
For observation # 1,
Time taken to operate =16 sec
A
Effective field capacity =
t

= 0.143 (ha/hr)
Effective field capacity
Field efficiency = × 100
Theoretical field capacity

84.61 %

64
 APPENDIX – 7

Calculation of draft

Draft=P cosα
Draft= mg cosα

= 35.87

For developed maize seeder,

m=10 kg

Draft= mg cosα = 10 = 79.49

Dbp = = = 0.044 KW

For modified maize seeder,

m=8.5 kg

Draft = mg cosα = 8.5 = 67.57

Dbp = = = 0.037 KW

65
 Appendix-8

Cost calculation of developed maize seeder

Assume yearly working hour = 300 hr
Rate of interest, I =8%

Effective F.C =0.128 ha /hr

Operational cost of maize seeder

i) Fixed cost of applicator
Total capital cost (purchase price), P =Tk. 1775 = Tk. 1800
Assume Economic life, L= 5 years.
Labor cost /hr =Tk. 40 (2011 value)
Salvage price, S = Tk. 180 (considering 10% of initial value)

a) Depreciation
= = 324

b) Tax, insurance & shelter, T = 2% of Purchase price = 36 Tk

b) Interest, I = = = 79.2 = tk. 79

Total fixed cost = 324 + 36 + 79 = 439 Tk.

ii) Variable cost of applicator

Labor cost = Tk. 40/hr × 300 hr = Tk. 12,000
Total cost /yr = Fixed cost + Variable cost

=439+12,000

=Tk. 12,439

Hectare covered per Year = 0.128 ha/hr × 300 hr =38.4 ha.

Operational cost/ha = 12,439/38.4= Tk.323.93

66
 Appendix-9

Cost calculation of modified maize seeder

Assume yearly working hour = 300 hr
Rate of interest, I =8%

Effective F.C =0.128 ha /hr

Operational cost of maize seeder

i) Fixed cost of applicator
Total capital cost (purchase price), P =Tk. 1990 = Tk. 2000
Assume Economic life, L= 5 years.
Labor cost /hr =Tk. 40 (2011 value)
Salvage price, S = Tk. 200 (considering 10% of initial value)

b) Depreciation
= = 360

b) Tax, insurance & shelter, T = 2% of Purchase price = 36 Tk

b) Interest, I = = = 79.2 = tk. 79

Total fixed cost = 360 + 36 + 79 =Tk. 475

ii) Variable cost of applicator

Labor cost = Tk. 40/hr × 300 hr = Tk. 12,000
Total cost /yr = Fixed cost + Variable cost

=475+12,000

=Tk. 12,475

Hectare covered per Year = 0.147 ha/hr × 300 hr =44.1 ha.

Operational cost/ha = 12,475/44.1= Tk. 282.87

67
 Appendix-10

Cost of hand application

Capacity of normal worker = 0.0084 ha/hr
Labor cost/hr =Tk. 40 (2011 value)
Operational cost /ha = Tk. (40/0.0084) = Tk. 4762

68
 APPENDIX – 11

Plant Population Calculation for the Developed Maize Seeder

Date of the Experiment: 13.12.2013
Location: Laboratory Testing Bed (Near the Workshop of DFPM)
83333
No. of plants =
10000
=8.3 plants/m2
For plot #1,
Area of the plot = 12.19m × 2m =24.38m2
Standard plant population= 24.38 × 8.3 =202
Plant population by the seeder= 163
Plant population by manually= 254
For plot # 2,
Area of the plot = 13.41m × 2.13m =28.61m2
Standard plant population= 28.61 × 8.3 =238
Plant population by the Seeder= 193
Plant population by manually= 300

69
 APPENDIX – 12

Meteorological Parameters of the study area

Range of values
Weather parameters Average Values
Maximum Minimum

Air Temperature (oC) 32.08 10.36 26.88

Relative Humidity (%) 96.5 64 82.68

Rainfall (mm) 2246 2246

Sunshine (hrs/day) 12.5 12.5

Evaporation Rate (mm/day) 5.8 5.8

Source:Weather Yard, Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh

Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

70