Community Involvement in The Development and Evaluation of Mechanized Seed Planter For The Farmers of Bokod, Benguet
Community Involvement in The Development and Evaluation of Mechanized Seed Planter For The Farmers of Bokod, Benguet
Community Involvement in The Development and Evaluation of Mechanized Seed Planter For The Farmers of Bokod, Benguet
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
By:
Engr. Marcelino N. Lunag Jr. (Faculty Research Promoter)
Miguel Ivan Kent M. Cortez
Hans Xavier P. Dy
Jade E. Ednalaguim
Kyle Christopher B. Manalo
Ana Allyzon A. Mejia
Jasper Ray H. Milo
Rizalino A. Olbinado Jr.
Kyle B. Pucti
Carl Louis R. Soriano
Tristan Kim Jordan M. Soriano
December 2018
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
School of Engineering and Architecture
Electronics Engineering Department
INDORSEMENT
ii
Table of Contents
Title Page i
Indorsement ii
Table of Contents iii
List of Figures v
List of Tables vi
a. Pre-test Investigations 20
iii
b. Field Test 22
2.4 Management 26
Appendix A 42
Appendix B 48
Appendix C 53
Bibliography 54
iv
List of Figures
Figure 2.6 Maintenance Procedure Flow Chart – Before Using the Planter 25
Figure 2.7 Maintenance Procedure Flow Chart – After Using the Planter 26
v
List of Tables
vi
Chapter 1 – The Problem & Its Setting
In this new innovative world, nation’s progress will always have a colossal
and technology are one of the main factors that affect the growth of the nation.
arable lands and 12.09 million people in the agricultural industry (Philippine
Statistics Authority, 2012). This comprises almost 35.6% of the country’s labor
Most of the country’s farmers are small scale farmers and they usually rely
on machete or wooden sticks to sow different seeds. These are used to open the
soil as the farmer drops the required number of seeds and covers them up. This
traditional planting method is tedious, causing fatigue and backache due to the
longer hours required for careful hand metering of seeds if crowding or bunching
livelihood of farming and instead, opt for more commercialized jobs in the urban
areas. There exists a common notion that farmers are living a poor lifestyle and it
requires a great deal of physical labor. This decreases the appeal of the farming
livelihood, therefore decreasing the already dwindling potential workforce of the
country with the young people tending to take jobs with less physical labor and
workforces for the agricultural sector of the country. The manual method of
human labor and often to achieve results well beyond the capacity of human
labor (Khan, 2017). Mechanizing labor not only decreases labor costs, it also
decreases the need for human input; thus, minimizes failure in production by -
benefits to farmers via increasing yields and savings in management costs and
input use. Moreover, the innovations also introduce some non-pecuniary benefits
in the farm operation due to their convenience in use and the increased flexibility
production practices of the system used by farmers. For example, farmers have
access to the government's non-collateral credit program which requires the use
2
pesticides which are actually destructive. Pesticides banned in most
the culture of tribal Filipinos and other marginal peasants in isolated or neglected
areas that maintains agricultural systems that preserve the ecological balance,
not only of material nature (soil, water, etc.), but also of social nature and its
comes to farming. Despite complex land areas, Cordillerans are able to have
abundant harvests due to nutritious soils and to its century-tested farming. The
municipality of Bokod, Benguet is one of the small towns in the Cordillera that is
source of income, food, and wealth. The town of Bokod’s main products are
plants farmed through seeds: beans, corns, and carrots, among others.
tractors and seed drill is known to them. Tractors are mainly used for the
preparation and tilling of the land but not on the actual planting operations. Also,
it costs quite some money to have one for small scale farmers. The seed drill has
3
been introduced to the farmers last year. Seed drill sow seeds at specified rate
and at the proper depth and in rows (Khan, 2017). However, its major drawback
is that farmers have to put a required number of seed in the drill every time they
sow a hole. A survey conducted by the researchers shows that, due to the
topographical characteristics of the place, high maintenance cost for some of the
machines used, and physical exhaustion due to bad ergonomics, Bokod citizens
yearn for change through a practical but efficient way of farming by the use of an
their planting techniques, manually operated seed planters can be used (Khan,
2017). A seed planter is simply a wheel or tool used to sow seeds. A mechanized
seed planter helps to improve their style of planting and increases the efficiency
limitation of a seed drill and deposit seeds at a specified rate in hills and rows
the farmers estimate the distance of every crop. Seed planters automatically drop
seeds in the holes created by the machine which will help farmers to finish
planting seeds, more time being consumed, risk of having back pain, lower
encountered by the farmers, the present study introduces the development and
4
benefactor, the farmers of Bokod, Benguet. The present work applies
The main problem of the study was how to develop and evaluate a
farmers.
The researchers used the design thinking framework for the study (Figure
1.1). Design thinking framework and processes are designed to emphasize the
5
participation, collaboration and understanding the desired end-user, i.e. farmers
of Bokod, Benguet.
the persona of the farmers. By collaborating with them, the researchers ensure
that the study was based on what the farmers really need to help improve their
planting operations.
6
Considering the output of the framework, the project was expected to
are intended to be the end-user of the mechanized seed planter. Also, interview
and questionnaire were used as data gathering tools to determine the farmers’
planter.
1. The farmers fully understand the questions asked and provide honest
2. The design of the mechanized seed planter does not include the function
of placing fertilizer into the soil. Farmers are to fertilize the soil manually or
3. Soil is already tilled using other device or manually before operating the
mechanized seed planter in the field. This is to ensure that the soil is soft
so.
7
1.5 Constraints of the Study
customer-based, that is, it was made for the farmers of Bokod, Benguet. Thus,
their economic capability was considered to ensure that the replication of the
mechanized seed planter, the materials used were the ones available locally for
easy construction and accessibility when there is a need in replacing parts. Big or
human-powered; thus it does not have emissions of any kind on the environment
operation. The parts are strong enough that it can last a long time without
understanding and future patronage of the farmers in using the mechanized seed
planter.
This study wanted to design a planter that would help the farmers of
8
Future Researchers: The ideas, design and methodologies presented in
this study may be used as a reference for future studies and could help make
through research.
Farmers of Bokod: The outcome of this study will greatly benefit the
farmers of Bokod, Benguet, as one of the objectives of the study was to help the
farmers plant more efficiently without exerting much effort and with a cost that
would be beneficial to them. As such, it would greatly improve their crop yield
more competitive and have social involvement. It developed minds and attitude
to make more researches that would benefit all. This would also serve as a
wakeup call for others at the university to go out and help people.
1. Field Capacity - rate of how fast the mechanized seed planter is planting a
land area; total land area that mechanized seed planter can plant over a
9
2. Field efficiency - a measure of how the mechanized seed planter can be
the planter is planting divided the total operating time of the planter.
3. Seed discharge rate - rate of how fast the planter is discharging seeds; the
germinated when the radical has emerged 2–3 mm from the ground.
tractor, or other implement where seeds are sown and fertilizer is placed
10
Chapter 2 – The Research Methodology
required factors to further improve the farming operations. Data was acquired to
following outlines the methods used to answer the problem and to attain the
planter.
the most frequently planted seed by the farmers: sweet peas. The seeds
were bought from a local garden center. The mechanized seed planter was
The design of the mechanized seed planter was based on the following
considerations:
included opening the furrow, metering the seeds, depositing the seed from
13
Figure 2.1 Isometric view of the planter
Metering Wheel – the heart of the device which distributes the seeds
of Barangay Bila, Bokod, Benguet. The metering wheel was made of nylon.
thermal resistant. This material will be safe from degradation brought about
14
by the moist infiltration in the seeds. The metering wheel consists of
rectangular cells bored equidistant from each other along the periphery.
The diameter of the wheel is 104 mm, with a thickness of 62.5 mm. The
cells’ dimensions were based on the size and number of sweet pea to be
shaft with a 35.2 mm diameter and 100 mm length. The housing is made of
mm were made at the upper and lower portions of the hollow pipe. The
seeds from the hopper will pass through the upper slot to the metering
wheel from where they will be discharged through the lower slot into the
discharge tube.
slit in the soil for seed deposition. The design adopted is for forming narrow
slit under heavy soils for placement of seeds at medium depths. The
material used for the construction is an angle bar with a length of 200 mm
and a height of 325 mm. The furrow opener was made of angle bar (with
length of 200 mm and height of 325 mm) and sheet metal with rake angles
(i.e. the angle made between the leading edge of the opener and the
the soil over the seeds in the furrow. It was made of rectangular mild steel
15
plate of dimension 200 mm x 320 mm. The pipe for attachment to the
support was welded to the middle of the upper edge of the plate. The
covering device was inclined at an angle of 45° to the direction of the travel
for optimum covering of the soil. It was fastened with nut and bolt to the
frame through a hole drilled on the frame. This was made perpendicular to
the direction of travel of the machine to facilitate proper covering of the soil.
pyramid cross section made of mild steel with open base and top
Chain and Sprocket – Two sprockets of the same size were utilized in
the device: standard sprocket with 18 teeth, inclined at an angle of 10° with
wheel to transmit power to the driven sprocket located on the sides of the
the planter having lugs on its periphery to increase traction and reduction
slip.
short cylindrical pipe from which the seeds drop into the furrow.
16
2.1.5. Design Computations
and parts were based from the formulae suggested by Khan (2017):
a) Power Transmission
𝑄 = 𝐾𝑡 𝑃𝑡
𝜑 = 35° 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 (𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒)
𝐾𝑡 = 1.15 (𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛)
𝑃𝑡 = 𝑝𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
17
𝑄 = 1.15(15.05)
𝑸 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟑𝟏 𝒌𝒈𝒇
Equivalent chain load on shaft, 𝑄𝑣 = 𝑄𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜑 = 17.31 𝑠𝑖𝑛(35°) = 𝟗. 𝟗𝟑𝒌𝒈𝒇
3 16𝑀
𝑒𝑞
𝐷=√
𝜋𝜏
𝜏 = 5.01 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚3
3 16(2.828)
𝐷=√ = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟐𝟐 𝒄𝒎
𝜋(5.01)
𝐻
𝑉= (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 + 2√𝐴1 𝐴2 )
3
18
400 2
𝑉= (71300 + 3300 + √(71300)(3300))
3
The number of cells for the seed metering wheel depended on the
desired plant spacing for the sweet peas and the size of the drive wheel
kinematic movement from the driving wheel to the seed metering wheel
determined by:
Drive Spacing
Spacing (required in the furrow) πDdrive wheel
Wheel
19
Smaller 1 1
𝑋 Dsmaller sprocket 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
Sprocket
Dmetering wheel
Seed
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑥Dmetering wheel
Dmetering wheel
Metering
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 1
=
Wheel 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
Spacing 1
𝑥 Dlarger sprocket = 𝑋 Dsmaller sprocket
πDdrive wheel 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
𝐷
but; 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = 𝐷 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡
𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡
thus,
𝜋 𝑥 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙
𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 =
𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑥 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔
a) Pre-test Investigations
The machine was calibrated in the laboratory to determine the depth of the
hole made, the rate of discharge, the precision of seed planting mechanism,
20
Calibration. The middle part of the machine is where the seed hopper
and the adjustable planting wheel are located. To determine the rate of seed
discharge, the seed hopper was loaded with seeds at approximately ¼ of the
volume of the hopper. The planter was jacked up to allow for free rotation of
the drive or transport wheels. A mark was made on the driving wheel to
indicate the reference point to count the number of revolutions when turned,
and a plastic bag was placed on the seed discharge tube to collect the seeds
discharged. The driving wheel was rotated for ten times at low speed as
would be obtained on the field. A stop watch was used to measure the time
taken to complete the revolutions. The seeds collected in the plastic bag were
spaces properly corresponding to the required seed spacing per row. The
diameter of the metering wheel was based on the desired discharged seeds
per revolution of the machine. A 10m run was marked out on the plain ground
and the planter was run within that length at a walking speed. A measuring
tape was used to measure the distance between successive hills dropped.
Damage Test. The seeds that were discharged from the tube were
observed for any external damage. Seeds with visible sign of damage were
separated from good seeds. Damaged and good seeds released in the 10
procedure was repeated for 10 trials. The percentage damaged seeds was
21
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔
𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆 = 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔
b) Field Test
A field of 25 square meters was used for the performance test of the
planter. This land was properly tilled (ploughed and harrowed) to obtain a
good soil condition for the crop, and workable condition for the planter. The
field efficiency, field capacity, planting depth of seeds and uniformity of seed
while planting the area of the prepared field. The effective operating time
excludes the time spent to fill the seed hopper, remove stumps and other
Condra (2017):
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝑻𝒆
𝜺 = 𝑻𝒕
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒:
𝜀 = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 (%)
𝑇𝑒=𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑚𝑖𝑛)
𝑇𝑡 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑚𝑖𝑛)
22
Field Capacity. The capacity of the planter was determined in terms of
the area of land covered per time during planting. The capacity of the planter
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒:
by running the planter to and from over an area of 25 square meters without
the furrow covering device and with medium setting of the furrow opener
(Bamgboye & Mofolasayo, 2006). During the process, the time taken to travel
the length of the field was recorded to determine the average speed of
operation in the field. Along the furrow, each hill was investigated for depth of
2.3 Management
with the control of activities, people, and materials of the research for an easier
and systematic approach of the study. The following basically outlines the
The delegation of tasks for this research (Table 2.2) was based on the
23
were responsible for the collaboration with the right people to help in
Member Task
Engr. Marcelino N. Lunag Jr. Faculty Promoter
Milo, Jasper Ray H. Leader
Ednalaguim, Jade E. Assistant Leader
Financial Manager
Dy, Hans Xavier P. Treasurer
Mejia, Ana Allyzon A. Material Manager
Representative/ Spokesperson to
Pucti, Kyle B.
Farmer
Manalo, Kyle Christopher B. Design Manager
Olbinado, Rizalino A. Jr.
Manufacturing/Fabrication
Cortez, Miguel Ivan Kent
Soriano, Carl Louis R.
Testing
Soriano, Tristan Kim Jordan
The chronogram of activities (Table 2.3) was made to track the progress
ACTIVITIES MONTH
MAR
MAY
AUG
NOV
OCT
DEC
APR
SEP
JAN
FEB
A. Finalization of research X X
groups lecture on
24
research, approval of
project topic
B. Preparation of research
proposal
1. Literature review, X X
preliminary interviews,
needs assessment
2. Writing of Introduction X X
(with problem
objectives research
questions, significance
etc.)
3. Writing of the methods X X
section (with identified
research design,
preliminary overview
of operation of the
proposed project,
preliminary block
diagram)
4. Identification of X X
minimum material
requirements,
preliminary design of
the planter/materials
needed
5. Finalization of X
proposal and defense
6. Incorporation of X
suggestions/
recommendations
C. Project Design and
Construction
1. Finalization of the X X
mechanical design of
the planter
2. Procurement of the X X
materials,
construction of the
design
D. Testing/Troubleshooting
1. Testing of the X X
prototype
2. Testing/Troubleshooti X X X
ng to complete the
project, recording of
25
results
E. Preparation of final
report/output
1. Writing the X X X X
manuscript
2. Editing X X X
3. Presentation and Oral X X
defense
4. Revisions X X
together with the composition and revision of the manuscript, was done
26
Chapter 3 – Review of Related Literature
Modern era is marching towards the rapid growth of all sectors including
the agricultural sector. To meet the future food demands, the farmers have to
implement the new techniques which will not affect the soil texture but will
sowing machine is designed for small farmers to improve their productivity. This
machine can be made by raw materials also which saves the cost of whole
project and is easily manufactured in available workshops. The only cost is of the
distance and control depth variation for different seeds hence usable to all seeds.
fewer working hours, more uniform spacing in the row and depth of planting, and
for these reasons it follows that the crop will be uniform in height and strength,
For most farmers, the planting operation causes more anxiety than any
results in low seed placement and spacing efficiencies, and serious back ache
for the farmers which limit the size of field that can be planted. The cost price of
imported and local planters have also gone beyond the purchasing power of
most of our farmers (Khan et al., 2015). Moreover in manual seeding, it is not
desired seed rate but inter-row and outer-row distribution of seeds are likely to be
uneven resulting in bunching and gaps in field and poor control over depth of
great concern for the farmers and labor cost is more, the seed planter reduces
the efforts and total cost of sowing the seeds (Andure et al., 2018).
Planting machinery can be broadly classified on the basis of: the number
of rows planted in one pass of the machine; the type of planting machine based
on the resultant planting pattern; and the type of power source used to propel the
The basic requirements for small scale cropping machines are that they
should be suitable for small farms, simple in design and technology and versatile
28
The basic objectives of sowing operation is to put the seed and fertilizer in
rows at a desired depth and seed-to-seed spacing, cover the seeds with soil, and
provide proper compaction over the seed (Kyada & Patel, 2014).
rows; transverse displacement of seed from the row; prevention of loose soil
getting under the seed; uniformity of soil cover over the seed; mixing of fertilizer
with seed during placement in the furrow (Upadhyaya et al., 2017). To achieve
the best performance from a seed drill or planter, the above factors are to be
To achieve the best performance from a seed planter, the above limits are
the machine to suit the needs of crops (Andure et al., 2018; Khan et al., 2015).
Iya, Kabri, Aliyu, and Umaru (2010) developed precision rice planter for
single seeds or groups of seed almost equidistant apart along a furrow. They are
typically used to plant crops that require accurate control of plant population, and
spacing between and along the rows. Precision seed metering systems giving a
precision drill, hill drop or checking row planting pattern are used on this type of
device that rotates and receives constant flow of seeds from a bottomless
29
hopper, a furrow opener, and covering device. There is a front land wheel from
which the seed-metering device is directly driven through chain and sprockets.
Kyada and Patel (2014) focused on four main types of mechanism set in
sprockets is used to transmit the motion to plunger and speed variation to get
variable distance between the two seeds. A total of eight types of variable
distances like 5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm, 60cm are
shifting chain from one sprocket to another sprocket through mechanism which is
the optimum yield of a crop (Aikinse et al., 2010). Seeding at rates below the
optimum increases the risk of not attaining the maximum yield potential for a
increases the risk of encountering stress at critical growth stages and suffering
yield reductions.
Due to different crops having different requirements for the seed planting
in the field, the usefulness of the single crop planter is limited. Hence the
requirement of the manually operated multi-crop planter is very high (Khan et al.,
30
2015). Khan (2017) designed a manually operated multi-crop planter based on
physical properties of maize, pigeon pea okra and red gram seeds by developing
Seed metering devices are those devices that meter the seed from the
seed box and deposit it into the delivery system that conveys the seed for
placement (Kyada & Patel, 2014). The operational requirements for seed
metering systems include: the ability to meter the range of seed types to be
planted by the machine; the ability to meter these seeds over the range of
conditions; the ability to maintain the predetermined rate (output) and spacing
(accuracy) over the range of conditions likely to exist at planting; and a high level
planting window available (Murray et al., 2006). The metering system selected for
the seed should not damage the seed while in operation (Andure et al., 2018).
primarily on their principle of operation and the resulting planting pattern. Mass
flow meters attempt to meter a consistent volume of seed per unit of time to give
an average seed spacing equal to the desired spacing, while precision type seed
meters attempt to select single seeds from the seed lot and deliver them from the
meter at a pre-set time interval. If this time interval is maintained as the seed is
being delivered to, and placed in, the seedbed, the seeding pattern will be one
where the seeds are equidistant along the furrow (Murray et al., 2006).
31
Gunavant, Shinde, & Yadav (2017) used scotch-yoke mechanism as the
main working mechanism of this seed planting machine. Bevel gears are used for
transmitted to the strip which controls the seed rate by opening and closing the
hopper outlets. When the strip reciprocates with constant stroke by this
mechanism at constant intervals, the holes of the strip and the hopper matches
The pneumatic seeding system was applied by Lijing, Hui, and Shaochun
distributor, and final tubes. Seeds were metered from the seeding wheel of the
centralized metering device. The high-pressure air from the pump and the seeds
met in the mixing chamber, and then mixed into air-seed two-phase flow. They
flowed through the conveying tube and the guide tube, and then were distributed
and lack of control on planting depth growth related problems and degrades the
Moghaddam, and Kim (2008) to develop a precision seed drill with a roller-type-
were studied from the view point of roller and brush geometry. Appropriate
32
design of the groove profile as well as spiral shape of the groove results to easier
The seed metering mechanism used for the work of (Ikechukwu et al.,
2014) was the wooden roller type with cells on its periphery. For this design, the
drive shaft directly controls the seed metering mechanism which eliminates
reduced cost.
the principle of bicycle braking system where the seed metering component is
linked to the regulator handle. Applying the regulator handle causes the seed
meter to open for a seed from the hopper to pass through the lower slot tube, into
The stationary ring surrounding the plate should fit well for best
performance. Plates with round or oval holes were used for drilling and hill
dropping seed. The diameter of the metering device fabricated by (Rabbani et al.,
2016) was 16.8 cm with 8 cells open for passing the seed. The entire metering
the vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft, attached to the runner wheels.
Plate type precision seed meters are taken here to be those that
principally use a moving plate with indents, i.e. holes, cells or cups, around its
the size (length, breadth and thickness) of the indents to the size of the seed.
33
Plate meters can be sub- classified as ‘horizontal plate’, ‘inclined plate’ or
‘vertical plate’ types-The top of the plate is exposed to the seed and the close
tolerance between the disc and the housing provides for both cut-off and the
retention of seeds in the cells until deposited into the seed delivery system at the
base of the meter. Typically, the metering rate is adjusted by changing the
velocity ratio of the plate or by selecting a plate with more or less cells around its
seed and the match between the seed and cell sizes. The width of the meter
housing is usually fixed, so the overall width of the plate must remain constant,
irrespective of the seed size. The plate is usually made up from a number of
matched thinner plates of varying thickness to account for the seed size as well
There have been various ways of sowing the seeds, but precision planting
number of seed in the soil at desired plant spacing in a row. Keeping this in mind,
field capacity, field efficiency and seed damaged by the planter (Francis, 2017).
right seed rate and seed spacing. The machine should operate at normal working
speed (2- 3 km/hr), because too fast causing splitting the seed and slow walking
34
Field efficiency is defined as the percentage of time a machine operates at
its rated speed and width while in the field (Condra, 2017). Condra (2017) also
cited that field efficiencies for row crop planters range from 50 to 75 % for
planting speeds of 6.5 to 11.0 km/h. Field efficiency indicates how well machinery
is suited for use within a particular field. It examines the relationship between
actual productive time in the field and overall time spent in the field. Actual
productive time in the field for planting operations is time spent planting. Non-
productive times include turning time, infield travelling time, time loading seed,
equipment and any other items relative to planting when not in the field.
defined as the actual rate of land or crop processed in a given time. An operator
does not operate a machine at constant theoretical field capacity field due to
various factors that include field characteristics; obstacles within fields; turning
Optimum planting depth has two essential components: the depth of the
furrow relative to the original soil surface and the depth of soil covering the seed.
The depth from the original soil surface has implications for the level and likely
duration of moisture availability to the seed (Murray et al., 2006). Uniform seed
spacing and depth result in better germination and emergence and increase yield
35
by minimizing competition between plants for available light, water, and nutrients
three different speeds of sowing, 6, 8 and 10 km/h. At a speed of 6 km/h all three
planters worked with a coefficient of variation less than 25% and with values from
19.25 to 22.72%, which meets the criteria of quality planting. The percentage of
pairwise ranges from 1.66 to 2.64%. The percentage of empty spaces were from
4.24 to 4.93%. The proportion of seeds sown at a given space were from 92.5 to
okra planter and it was evaluated for performance by conducting field and
discharged from the two hoppers of 4.97% was obtained during testing; while the
attained with spacing varying from 59cm to 70cm, and an average depth
between 8mm and 9mm. The overall average efficiency of the planter was
71.75%.
the test, at the planting space varying from 48.4cm to 49.6cm obtained from the
field and laboratory test respectively. The planter effectively metered out two
seeds per discharge at average planting depth of 2.22cm with minimum seed
damage of 2.34% during operation. The planter could be adjusted to metre more
36
seeds at more or less planting depths depending on the choice of the farmer.
The field efficiency of 71.71% and average field capacity of 0.260 ha/hr were
37
Chapter 4 – Project Design, Construction, and Testing
The planter is operated by pushing it through the soil where the seed is to
be planted. The drive wheel rotates and drives the mechanisms to plant seeds.
The mechanism of the mechanized seed planter has to perform the following
functions:
Furrow opener is the specific device that opens the furrow into which the seed is
placed. The furrow opener used in the present study was made of angle bar and
sheet metal with rake angles (i.e. the angle made between the leading edge of
the opener and the direction of travel) of less than 90 degrees. Furrow opener
digs a furrow by penetrating the soil and displacing the soil upward and outward
Seed metering mechanisms include the hopper, metering house, and the
metering wheel as its heart. Cells of the metering house are filled with a
predetermined amount of seeds from the hopper through the upper hole of the
metering house. The cells must be precise in dimensions suited for the sweet
peas. Overlapping seeds and excess seeds due to unfitting dimension of cell
results to shearing and clogging of seeds; thus, difficult operation of the planter
minimum clearance from the seeds was considered in the design of the cell
which has resulted to a better effect in the operation. Furthermore, the metering
wheel is centered in the metering disc to allow smooth and consistent rotation of
Seeds from the metering wheel are discharged to the furrow as the
metering wheel is rotated until the filled cell passes through the lower hole of the
metering house. The seed is the deposited through the discharge tube. This
Seed spacing is affected by the speed of the planter and the height of seed
metering mechanism from the ground. Higher speeds decrease the effectiveness
of seed rate; thus, more chance of missed hole and space. Also, operational
speed can offset the time of the seeds falling in the discharge tube. Thus the
delay causes a wider seed spacing compared to the recommended value. The
39
Finally, as the planter is pushed, the furrow closing device drags back the
soil into the furrow to cover the discharged seed. The furrow closing device is
composed of steel rod made into a rectangular and flat cover design. It operates
by dragging the soil through plowing action like in the gardening. A horizontal rod
was also added near the bottom to help with dragging the soil back effectively. It
is rigidly fixed at the parking stand of the planter for the user’s ease in the control
Figure 4.1 presents the block diagram of the whole process in the
have economic advantage. There are two inputs in the process; that is, the push
As the planter is being pushed by the user, the action is transmitted to the
chassis which rotates the drive wheel. The wheel itself drives two sprockets
40
through a chain. The second sprocket rotates with the shaft into which the
Seed that is put in the hopper pass through the upper hole of the metering
house to fill each cells of the metering wheels as the metering wheels rotates.
The seed in a specific cell is discharged to a tube through the lower hole of the
the necessary work in the soil for planting. The mechanized seed planter makes
a furrow; then seeds are discharged at specific spacing; and lastly, the furrow is
diagram of the planter is shown if Figures 4.2a to 4.2c. The picture of the actual
planter and its parts are shown in Figures 4.3a and 4.3b.
41
Figure 4.2a Side view of the planter
42
Figure 4.2b Front view of the planter
43
Figure 4.2c Top view of the planter
44
Figure 4.3b Mechanized seed planter with parts
10 trials. It shows a mean discharged seeds weight of 59.33 g. The planter has
It was observed that the seed discharge rate was affected by the speed of
the planter. At higher speeds, seed filling rate considerably decreases. In this
a forward speed of 0.86 km/h; while Oduma (2014) implemented 2.03 km/h and
Bamgboye and Mofolasayo (2006) used 1.58 km/h. The relative lower speed of
45
the planter was to help in achieving proper metering of seeds into the cell and
Table 4.2a & Table 4.2b present the seed spacing per seed discharge for
the span of 10m. Table 4.2a shows the data of the seed spacing between holes
with successfully discharged seeds, while Table 4.2b shows data for the missed
The counted numbers of discharged seeds per hole were only good seeds
as for seed germination. The planter effectively metered out the required 3
46
The planter shows fairly uniform seed spacing with an average value of
5.88 in. The value was based only on the data with successful discharged seed
4.2b. From a total of 67 holes of the span, the test incurred 14 missed holes. A
five percent missed rate is considered insignificant (Khan, 2017). The planter,
hopper and on the hole of metering house. Frequent shaking while operating the
planter were done to help in moving the seeds and fill the metering wheel
continuously as possible.
47
Table 4.2a Seed Spacing of Successfully Discharged Holes
Number of Seed Number of Seed Number of Seed
Seeds Spacing Seeds Spacing Seeds Spacing
Discharged (in) Discharged (in) Discharged (in)
4 6 4 5 2 5
4 5 3 6 4 8
4 5 3 5 4 6
5 6 2 6 3 4
4 5.5 5 6 1 5.5
3 6 4 6 3 6.5
4 5 4 5 4 5
2 5.5 3 7 4 5
2 7 4 6.5 3 6
3 5 3 5.5 3 6
3 5.5 4 5.5 3 6
3 6 4 5.5 3 6
3 5.5 4 6 3 6
3 5.5 3 6 2 6
4 6 3 5.5 1 5
3 6 3 7 Average 5.88
Table 4.3 shows the average percentage of seed damage from the
operation of the planter with 10 trials. The test resulted in an average of 9.08% of
48
which resulted an average of 3.51% damaged seeds. Khan (2014) found a 2.2%
damaged seed for a pigeon pea planter. Higher percentage damage of seeds of
the present studies happened mainly because of the variability of sweet pea
sizes which causes some shearing between the metering disc and the rotating
metering wheel. Higher speeds of the planter were seen to contribute to seed
clogging in the seed hopper, increasing damaged seeds. 20 in (50 cm) drive
wheel used in the prototype is larger compared to the drive wheels of existing
literatures, 35-cm (Oduma, 2014) and 30-cm (Bamgboye & Mofolasayo, 2006).
Having a larger drive wheel results to a higher gear ratio, resulting to faster
rotational speed of the metering wheel. High speeds in the metering wheel
seed planter sweet pea was still relatively effective as it still discharged the
49
Average Percent Seed Damage (%) 9.08
The field test was done on an agricultural farm in Balaoan, La Union. The
length and width of the testing field was 15m and 1.67m, respectively. The total
The effective field capacity of the planter is defined as the area covered by
the planter per unit time. Thus, for the measurement of the effective field
capacity, the area covered by the planter in one row for a particular time has
been calculated.
The result for the field capacity test is presented in Table 4.4. The time for
every stoppage was recorded, and the total trial time was also recorded. Thus,
the actual planting time was obtained by deducting the total stoppage time from
the total trial time. The calculation for the field capacity is shown below:
𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒
Trial 1:
25 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚. 3600
𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = ×
173.67 𝑠 10000
Trial 2:
50
25 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚. 3600
𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = ×
154.76 𝑠 10000
For the first trial, it took a total of 173.67 seconds to cover the whole area,
while it took 154.76 seconds for the second trial. The effective field capacity was
recorded as 0.0518 and 0.0582 ha/hr for the first and second trial, respectively.
Basing on the test results, the planter can cover a large area under a
small amount of time. The data also justifies the goal of the researchers to
improve work ergonomics, lessen time of seed preparation, and plant effectively
and efficiently.
The field efficiency was found by taking the percentage of the actual
planting time with regards to the total time of usage of the planter. The total time
of usage of the planter included the time used in preparation of seeds, refilling
seeds, turning at field end, stoppage due to various reasons, and actual planting
Trial 1:
138.67 𝑠
𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
173.67 𝑠
51
Trial 2:
121.84 𝑠
𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
154.76 𝑠
The first trial yielded a field efficiency of 79.85%, while the second trial
yielded 78.73%. The average field efficiency is 79.29%. This compares favorably
with field efficiencies of 71-78% as obtained by Oduma (2014) and Iya (2010).
The satisfactory result may be due to the planter’s maneuverability, which saves
The test on planting depth is to determine whether the planter satisfies the
parameters of planting sweet peas in Bokod. The results are shown in Table 4.5.
These were obtained by measuring the hole made by the furrower of the planter.
52
The feed hopper was empty during the test and the researchers used steel tape
to measure the depth on a flat field which is similar to the fields of Bokod.
planting depth for the 16 trials, the results show that the planter satisfies the
standard of the Bokod farmers in terms of the planting depth of beans which is 2-
3 cm (refer to Appendix A). Source of data variations may be traced from speed
53
Maintenance of the Mechanized Seed Planter
before and after using the planter. This is to ensure the functionality of the
mechanized seed planter for its longer life span. The procedures were based on
Proper maintenance is the key to achieving longer seed planter life. Thus,
various inspections on the planter are to be made before and after using the
planter.
Before using the planter, the first inspection to be made is to check for the
presence of visible foreign substances on the planter. If there is, it must first be
removed. Next is to check the air pressure of the tire. If it is lacking, pump air to
the tire until the pressure is of the desirable amount. Also, lubricate the chains by
54
55
After using the planter, the dust, mud, and other foreign substances must
be removed. If the paint is fading or starts to chip, repaint the planter as the paint
also serves as protection apart from aesthetic purposes. The chains must also be
56
Bill of Materials
The budget used in the research, particularly in the fabrication of one unit
of money that the farmers of Bokod, Benguet are willing to spend on the planter,
which was found from the results of the interviews with them (Appendix A).
P 2,212.50
GRAND TOTAL
57
Chapter 5 – Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
The development of the mechanized seed planter was carried out with the
aim of achieving efficient seed planting based on the preferences of the farmers
improving the planting ergonomics and planting time. Fabrication is also cost
effective as the materials used were locally available. The planter is able to
mechanize the farmer’s traditional way of farming, making their jobs easier as
that the planter is able to discharge seeds 3.308 kg/h at a slow pace to prevent
clogging. The planter was able to discharge the recommended number of seeds
per hole but with a percentage missed rate of 21.21% due to clogging at the
metering mechanism and differences in planter speed. The 9.08% average seed
damage could also be attributed to high planter speeds and uneven terrain.
0.0550 ha/hr and have an average field efficiency of 79.29%. The average
planting depth is 2.6375 cm. The planter was able to effectively meter an
average of 3 seeds per hill with minimum damage to the seeds, and this
planter was relatively satisfactory. Therefore, the planter may be accepted for
Recommendations
researchers:
1. Find the optimum speed at which the planter may be ran to achieve
4. Resolve the problem in the bulking of seeds in the planter for better
5. Add test for the uniformity of spacing after seed germination. The
determined for the whole area of land planted. All operational and
adjustment problems can then be detected and ratified during the field
59
6. Focus in improving the percentage missed rate and percentage seed
damage of the planter. The design of the cell at the periphery of the
60
Appendix A
Interview Questions
61
Summary of Interviews
October 6, 2018
From farmers of Brgy. Bila, Bokod, Benguet
Interviewee: Kgd. Reynaldo Mendoza
Contact No.: 0928 3081 913
Standards for planting
Kind of Crops planted – Corn, Peanut, Peas, High Valued Crops (Cauli,
Cabbage, Tomato)
Spacing of seeds – 5” for Peanut, 1’ for Corn
Volume of seeds used per area of land
Spacing of rows – 1 ft
Preparation of land before planting – tilling of soil, formation of plot (for
high valued crops), basal (application of fertilizer) for HVC
Seed preparation – no seed preparation, they are directly planted from
purchase
Depth of planting the seeds – 1” for beans & peas
Number of seed/s per hole – 2 seeds for corn
Fertilizer used – chicken manure, compost
Total area of land used for planting – 1 hectare
P50,000.00
gabyon
62
Interviewee: Agustina C. Madilat
Contact No.: 0910 359 6864
Standards for planting
Kind of crops planted – Cauli, Tomato, Beans
Orientation of field – Flat (Terraces)
Spacing of seeds – 5” for beans, 10” for cauli
Volume of seeds used per area of land
Spacing of rows – 5” (square) for beans, 12” or wider for cauli for the
leaves to grow
Preparation of land before planting – tilling/cultivate, formation of plot
(kama – 10” to 12” height)
Seed preparation – no seed preparation; beans, peanuts and corn are
directly planted from purchase
Depth of planting the seeds – 3” for beans, ½” for cauli
Number of seed/s per hole – 2 seeds per corner for beans (square)
Fertilizer used - granules
Total area of land used for planting – 500m2
63
Interviewee: Nancy Pares
Contact No.: 0928 3081 913 c/o Kgd.
Standards for planting
Kind of crops planted - Tomato
Spacing of seeds – 4”
Volume of seeds used per area of land
Spacing of rows – 4”
Preparation of land before planting – tilling of the soil
Seed preparation – ‘bunubon’ of seedling for 30 days then transplant
Depth of planting the seeds – 1”
Number of seed/s per hole – 1
Fertilizer used – granules
Total area of land used for planting – 500 m2
she was the caretaker of the field, her son is the one who started the
64
Interviewee: Romeo Saguid
Contact No.: c/o Kgd. William Saguid
Standards for planting
Kinds of crops planted – Carrots, Beans
Spacing of seeds – 8”
Volume of seeds used per area of land
Spacing of rows – 4”
Preparation of land before planting – cultivation of soil, digging of holes
Seed preparation – no seed preparation; they are directly planted from
purchase
Depth of planting the seeds – 2”
Number of seed/s per hole – 3 to 4 seeds
Fertilizer used – none
Total area of land used for planting – 500 m2
planter’
65
Interviewee: Edgar Caparas (President of the Farmer’s Association)
Contact No.: 0948 1526 363
Standards for planting
Kinds of crops planted – Cauli, Tomato, Broccoli, Beans, Sweet Peas,
Carrots
Spacing of seeds – 1’ for Tomato, 6” for beans
Volume of seeds used per area of land
Spacing of rows – 1’
Preparation of land before planting – tilling/cultivation of soil, formation
of plot, digging of holes
Seed preparation - bunubon for cauli, broccoli, tomato; direct planting
for beans & sweet peas
Depth of planting the seeds – 1 ½” or 2”
Number of seed/s per hole – 4 to 6 seeds
Fertilizer used – chicken manure, granules
Total area of land used for planting – 500 m2
Earnings in Planting
66
Appendix B
Questionnaire
67
Answered Questionnaires
68
69
70
71
Appendix C
Seed Metering Wheel
72
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75
Overview of the Study
Bokod, Benguet. Farmers’ traditional way of planting seeds that uses repeated or
prolonged bending and reaching for seeding on the ground often leads to strain
injuries over a period of time. It has been that way until recently when mechanical
mechanism the seed planter provides have geared towards a need for the
improvement of its existing design. The research will further improve the
ergonomics of planting and will make processes of planting faster and easier
where the seeds are planted) and eliminating overworked hours for farmers