jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Jayalakshmi Institute of Technology

NH-7, Salem Main Road, T. Kanigarahalli, Thoppur,
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu 636 352.
www.jit.net.in Email: principal@jit.net.in Gmail: info@jit.net.in
(Approved by AICTE-New Delhi, Affiliated to Anna University-
Chennai)
Department of Agricultural Engineering
AI3501 FARM EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

UNIT III SOWING AND FERTILIZING EQUIPMENT

Crop planting - methods - row crop planting systems - Devices for metering
seeds – furrow openers – furrow closers- types – Types of seed drills and
planters – calibration-fertilizer metering devices - seed cum fertilizer drills –
paddy transplanters – nursery tray machines.

Crop Planting and Their Methods

Crop Planting – Definition
Crop planting is the process of placing seeds (or seedlings) in the soil at the required depth,
spacing, and soil conditions to ensure optimum germination, plant growth, and yield.

Methods of Planting
1. Broadcasting
 Seeds are scattered manually over the soil surface.
 Example crops: Wheat, paddy (in traditional method), grasses.
2. Dibbling
 Seeds are placed in holes at fixed depth and spacing using a dibbler or stick.
 Example crops: Maize, cotton, pigeon pea.
3. Drilling
 Seeds are dropped in continuous furrows with the help of seed drills.
 Example crops: Wheat, barley, groundnut.
4. Hill Dropping
 Seeds are dropped in small groups (hills) at fixed intervals along the row.
 Example crops: Maize, cotton, sorghum.
5. Check Row Planting
 Seeds are planted in both directions to form a grid or square pattern.
 Example crops: Maize, sugarcane.

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 1

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

6. Transplanting
 Raising seedlings in a nursery and then planting them in the main field.
 Example crops: Rice, tomato, chilli, brinjal.
7. Specialized Planting
 Paired Row Planting – two rows close together, followed by a wider gap (used in
cotton, maize).
 Contour Planting – along field contours to reduce soil erosion (used in hilly areas).
 Bed/Ridge Planting – crops planted on raised beds or ridges for better irrigation and
drainage (vegetables, cotton, sugarcane).

Summary Table: Crop Planting Methods

Method Features Example Crops
Broadcasting Seeds scattered manually Wheat, Paddy
Dibbling Seeds in holes with fixed spacing Maize, Cotton
Drilling Seeds in rows using seed drill Wheat, Groundnut
Hill Dropping Seeds in groups at intervals Maize, Sorghum
Check Row Planting Seeds in grid pattern Maize, Sugarcane
Transplanting Seedlings raised & transplanted Rice, Tomato
Bed/Ridge Planting Seeds on ridges/beds Vegetables, Cotton
Broadcasting Planting
Definition
Broadcasting is the method of scattering seeds manually or mechanically on the soil
surface in a random manner, without maintaining uniform spacing or depth.
Types of Broadcasting
1. Manual Broadcasting
2. Mechanical Broadcasting.
Steps Involved
3. Field is prepared (ploughed and leveled).
4. Seeds are mixed with sand/soil for uniform distribution.
5. Seeds are broadcasted manually or with a spreader.
6. Light planking/harrowing may be done to cover seeds.
7. Irrigation is applied as required.
o

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 2

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Advantages
 Simple and quick.
 Requires no special equipment.
 Suitable for small-scale farmers.
 Low initial cost.
Disadvantages
 Uneven seed distribution (irregular spacing).
 High seed requirement due to wastage.
 Poor plant population and competition among plants.
 Difficult to do intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing).
 Lower yield compared to row planting.
Crops Suitable for Broadcasting
 Cereals: Paddy (traditional), wheat, barley, oats.
 Forage crops: Grass, clover.
 Green manure crops.

Manual Broadcasting
Definition
Manual broadcasting is the simplest method of sowing, where seeds are scattered by hand
over the soil surface without using any implement.
Process
1. Farmer holds seeds in hand.
2. Walks across the field and scatters seeds uniformly by hand movement.
3. After broadcasting, seeds are sometimes covered with soil using a plank, harrow, or
rake to improve germination.

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 3

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Crops Suitable
 Small-seeded crops like wheat, rice, sesame, mustard, bajra, jowar.
 Also used for grass and fodder crops.
Advantages
 Very simple and cheap method.
 Requires no special equipment.
 Can cover large areas in less time.
 Suitable for small or marginal farmers.
Disadvantages
 Seeds are not placed at uniform depth → uneven germination.
 More seed rate required (10–15% extra).
 Difficult to maintain uniform plant population.
 Not suitable for intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing).
 Seed wastage due to birds and wind.

Mechanical Broadcasting
Definition
Mechanical broadcasting is the method of scattering seeds uniformly on the soil surface
using mechanical devices like hand-operated or tractor-mounted seed broadcasters, instead
of by hand.
Process
1. Seeds are filled into a mechanical broadcaster (hand-cranked, battery-operated, or
tractor-mounted).
2. The device spreads seeds evenly across the field using a rotary disc, blower, or
spinner mechanism.
3. After broadcasting, seeds are covered with soil by light harrowing or planking.

Crops Suitable
 Wheat, rice, sorghum, pearl millet, grass seeds, fodder crops, oilseeds (like mustard,
sesame).
Types of Seed Broadcasters

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 4

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

1. Hand-operated rotary broadcasters – lightweight, carried by the operator.

2. Power-operated broadcasters – tractor-mounted or self-propelled, used for large
areas.
3. Aerial seed broadcasters – used in forestry and reclamation (by aircraft).
Advantages
 Saves labour and time compared to manual broadcasting.
 Ensures better uniformity of seed distribution.
 Suitable for sowing in large areas quickly.
 Reduces drudgery for farmers.

Disadvantages
 Seeds still not placed at uniform depth (like manual broadcasting).
 Slightly higher cost than manual method (equipment required).
 Not suitable for crops requiring exact row spacing.

Dibbling
Definition
Dibbling is a manual method of planting where seeds are placed in holes made at a uniform
depth and spacing in the soil.
Process
1. Holes are made in the soil using a dibbler, stick, or small hoe.
2. 1–3 seeds are dropped in each hole.
3. Holes are then covered with soil.

Crops Suitable
 Maize
 Cotton
 Sorghum (jowar)
 Pigeon pea (red gram)
 Vegetables (pumpkin, bottle gourd).
Advantages
 Ensures proper seed depth → good germination.
 Uniform spacing → easy intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing).
 Saves seed compared to broadcasting.
Disadvantages

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 5

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Labour-intensive and slow.

 Not suitable for large farms.

Drilling
Definition
Drilling is a method of planting in which seeds are placed continuously in furrows at a
uniform depth and spacing with the help of a seed drill or planter.
Process
1. A furrow opener makes small furrows in the soil.
2. The seed metering device of the drill releases seeds into the furrows.
3. Seeds are covered with soil using a furrow closer or plank.
4. Fertilizer can also be applied simultaneously (in seed-cum-fertilizer drills).

Crops Suitable
 Wheat
 Barley
 Chickpea (gram)
 Groundnut
 Soybean
 Other pulses & oilseeds.

Advantages
 Uniform depth and spacing → good germination.
 Saves seed compared to broadcasting.
 Easy for intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing).
 Can sow seed and fertilizer together.
 Suitable for mechanization → fast and efficient.

Disadvantages
 Requires equipment (seed drill/planter).
 Higher cost than manual methods.

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 6

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Needs technical knowledge for calibration.

Hill Dropping
Definition
Hill dropping is a method of planting where 2–3 seeds are dropped together in small pits
(hills) at fixed intervals along rows, instead of continuous sowing.
Process
1. Furrows are opened in the field.
2. At regular spacing (row-to-row and hill-to-hill), small pits or hills are made.
3. 2–3 seeds are placed in each hill, then covered with soil.
4. Later, thinning may be done to keep 1–2 healthy plants per hill.

Crops Suitable
 Maize 🌽
 Cotton 🌿
 Sunflower 🌻
 Cucurbits (pumpkin, bottle gourd, cucumber).
 Pigeon pea.
Advantages
 Ensures proper spacing between plants.
 Better germination since multiple seeds per hill (if some fail, others survive).
 Facilitates intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing, irrigation).
 Suitable for wide-spaced crops.
Disadvantages
 Requires thinning → extra labour.
 Slightly more seed consumption than precision planting.
 Not suitable for small-seeded crops.

Check Row Planting

Definition

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 7

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Check row planting is a method where seeds are planted at equal spacing both within and
between rows, so that plants are arranged in a grid (row × row = check pattern).
Process
1. Furrows are opened in both directions (row-to-row and crosswise).
2. Seeds are dropped at the intersections of these furrows (checks).
3. Plants grow in a square/rectangular pattern.
4. Implements like a check row planter are used.
Crops Suitable
 Maize 🌽
 Cotton 🌿
 Sorghum (jowar)
 Sugarcane
 Other row crops needing intercultural operations.

Advantages
 Plants have equal space in all directions → better growth.
 Easy for intercultural operations (weeding, hoeing) in both directions.
 Facilitates mechanical cultivation.
 Better aeration and light penetration.
Disadvantages
 More time-consuming than simple row planting.
 Requires special planter equipment.
 Not economical for small-seeded crops.

Transplanting
Definition
Transplanting is a method of crop planting where seedlings are first raised in a nursery and
then transferred to the main field at proper spacing and depth.
Process
1. Seeds are sown densely in a nursery bed.

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 8

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

2. Seedlings are allowed to grow until they reach a suitable size (15–45 days depending
on crop).
3. Healthy seedlings are carefully uprooted.
4. They are transplanted into the prepared main field at correct row and plant spacing.
5. Soil is pressed around roots to ensure contact.

Crops Suitable
 Cereals: Rice
 Vegetables: Tomato , Brinjal , Chilli , Cabbage, Cauliflower
 Commercial crops: Tobacco , Onion, Flowers
Advantages
 Ensures healthy crop stand (weak seedlings removed).
 Requires less seed compared to direct seeding.
 Facilitates better crop management (spacing, irrigation, weeding).
 Crops get a head start in nursery → reduced competition with weeds in main field.
 Higher yield potential.
Disadvantages
 Labour-intensive and time-consuming.
 Transplanting shock may reduce initial growth.
 Requires more irrigation during establishment.
 Not suitable for all crops (e.g., wheat, groundnut).

Specialized Planting
Specialized planting refers to advanced methods of crop establishment that are different from
conventional sowing or broadcasting. These techniques are mainly used for specific crops,
soils, or environmental conditions to achieve higher efficiency, better crop stand, uniform
growth, and higher yields.
Types of Specialized Planting Methods
1. Transplanting
o Raising seedlings in nurseries and then planting them in the main field.
o Commonly used for paddy, tomato, brinjal, chili, sugarcane, tobacco, etc.
o Advantages: ensures better plant stand, early maturity, and saves seed.

prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering) 9

 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

2. Dibbling with Spacing Devices

o Seeds or seedlings are placed at precisely fixed intervals with special markers
or devices.
o Used in vegetables, maize, cotton, and fruit crops.
o Advantage: uniform spacing → better aeration and light penetration.
3. Hill Dropping Method
o Planting 2–3 seeds at specific hill points instead of continuous rows.
o Crops: maize, cotton, sunflower, and pigeon pea.
o Advantage: facilitates intercultural operations and reduces seed wastage.
4. Check Row Planting
o Seeds are placed at exact row and column intersections forming a grid
pattern.
o Crops: maize, sugarcane, cotton.
o Advantage: enables both row-to-row and cross cultivation (mechanized
weeding).
5. Planting with Special Implements
o Seed-cum-fertilizer drills – plant seeds and apply fertilizers simultaneously.
o Paddy Transplanters – mechanical transplanting of rice seedlings.
o Sugarcane Planters – automatic cutting and placing of cane setts.
o Nursery tray machines – for vegetable seedling raising.
6. Specialized Horticultural Planting
o Pit Planting – for fruit trees (mango, guava, banana, etc.).
o Trench Planting – grapes, sugarcane in some areas.
o Ratoon Management – specialized replanting technique in sugarcane and
banana.
Paired Row Planting
 Seeds are sown in pairs of rows with a wider gap left after each pair.
 Purpose: Saves irrigation water, facilitates inter-cultivation, and allows for
intercropping.
 Crops: Sugarcane, maize, cotton.
Contour Planting
 Planting is done along the contour lines across the slope, not up and down.
 Purpose: Reduces soil erosion, conserves moisture on sloping lands.
 Crops: Maize, groundnut, pulses, millets in hilly areas.
Bed/Ridge Planting
 Seeds are planted either on raised beds or on ridges between furrows.
 Purpose: Improves drainage, saves irrigation water, prevents waterlogging, and
facilitates fertilizer application.
 Crops: Wheat, maize, cotton, vegetables.

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
0
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Row Crop Planting Systems

Row crop planting systems involve growing crops in linear patterns to allow for efficient
cultivation, irrigation, and harvesting. This contrasts with broadcasting, where seeds are
scattered randomly across a field.
 Uniform rows and spacing: Seeds are planted in straight, parallel lines with consistent
distance between rows. This arrangement makes it easy to use machinery for tasks such as
tilling, weeding, and harvesting.

 Precision planting: Modern mechanized seed drills and planters accurately drop seeds at
controlled depths and intervals, ensuring an optimal number of plants per row.


 Variable row spacing: The distance between rows can be adjusted depending on the crop.
o Wide rows, often used for maize or soybeans, provide space for large machinery and enable
effective weed control between rows.
o Narrow rows are used for closely spaced crops like cereals. They lead to quicker canopy
closure, which helps suppress weeds by blocking sunlight.

o
Common planting patterns

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
1
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Monocropping: This is the most common system for large-scale production, where a single
crop is planted in rows across a field.
 Intercropping: Two or more crops are grown in the same field at the same time, often
alternating rows. For example, growing nitrogen-fixing legumes between rows of a staple
crop like maize can enhance soil fertility.
 Contour planting: Rows are planted along the natural contours of sloped land. This
technique minimizes soil erosion and conserves moisture by slowing water runoff.
Advantages and disadvantages
System Advantages Disadvantages

Monocropping Simple to manage with large-scale Can encourage the buildup of pests
machinery and maximizes the yield and diseases specific to that crop.
of a single crop. Continuous use can also deplete
specific nutrients in the soil.

Intercropping Increases overall yield per unit of More complex to manage and can
land and enhances soil health. Can introduce competition between
also provide natural pest control crops for light, water, and nutrients.
and reduce reliance on chemical
fertilizers.

Wide-row Facilitates machine-based weed Slower canopy closure can lead to

spacing control and can lower initial seed more weeds and higher moisture
costs. evaporation from the soil.

Narrow-row Promotes faster canopy closure, Can increase the risk of certain
spacing which suppresses weeds and fungal diseases due to higher
increases yield in some crops. humidity within the denser canopy.

Devices for Metering Seeds

1. Fluted Roller Metering Device

 A roller with longitudinal flutes (grooves).
 Seeds pass through the flutes and are dropped continuously in furrows.
 Best for: Wheat, barley, groundnut.
 Advantages: Simple, uniform flow, adjustable rate.

2. Internal Double Run / Feed Cup

 A feed wheel with inner and outer rims carrying seeds.
 Common in seed drills for small grains.
 Best for: Wheat, barley, small seeds.

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
2
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur


3. Rotating Cell / Vertical Plate
 A vertical plate with small cells picks seeds one by one.
 Used for precision sowing of larger seeds.
 Best for: Maize, soybean, cotton, groundnut.

4. Horizontal Plate with Cells

 A horizontal plate with small holes/cells rotates and drops seeds.
 Best for: Maize, cotton, sunflower.

5. Inclined Plate Planter

 An inclined rotating plate with cells picks up and drops seeds at regular intervals.
 Best for: Maize, cotton, groundnut.
 Advantage: Ensures hill dropping and spacing.

6. Cup Feed Mechanism

 Small cups attached to a chain/roller pick up seeds and drop them into the furrow.
 Best for: Groundnut, maize, beans.

7. Pneumatic (Air Suction / Air Pressure)

 Uses suction or air pressure to pick single seeds and drop them precisely.
 Best for: Cotton, maize, sunflower (precision planting).
 Advantage: Very accurate, used in modern planters.

Furrow Openers

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
3
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Definition
Furrow openers are attachments fitted to seed drills or planters that cut the soil and open a
furrow (small trench) at the required depth, so that seeds and/or fertilizers can be placed
properly.
Types of Furrow Openers
1. Pointed Bar (Peg Type)
 A simple narrow bar that makes a slit in the soil.
 Suitable for light soils.
 Low draft requirement.
2. Shoe Type
 Has a shoe-shaped blade that opens a wider furrow.
 Commonly used in seed drills for cereals.
 Works well in medium soils.
3. Shovel Type
 Triangular or narrow shovel attached at the bottom.
 Opens wider furrows, places seed at uniform depth.
 Suitable for trashy or stony soils.
4. Disc Type
 A single or double rotating disc cuts into the soil.
 Best for hard soils, heavy soils, and fields with residue.
 Common in no-till drills.
5. Runner Type
 Long narrow runner (shoe-shaped) that opens a continuous furrow.
 Simple, cheap, but not suitable for trashy fields.

6. Inverted T-Type (Zero-Till Opener)

 Special opener that makes a narrow slit with horizontal wings at the bottom (T-
shape).
 Used in zero-till seed drills to minimize soil disturbance.
7. Chisel Type
 Narrow chisel-shaped point penetrates hard soil.
 Used for deep placement of fertilizer.

Pointed Bar (Peg Type) Furrow Opener

Construction
 It is the simplest type of furrow opener.
 Made of a narrow pointed bar/peg, attached to the bottom of the seed drill frame.
 Usually made of hardened steel.

Working Principle

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
4
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 As the seed drill moves, the pointed bar penetrates the soil and makes a narrow
slit/furrow.
 Seeds from the seed tube are dropped into this slit.
 Soil naturally falls back and covers the seed (sometimes aided by a furrow closer).

Suitable Conditions
 Works best in light and friable soils (loamy/sandy soils).
 Not suitable for heavy clay soils or fields with crop residue.

Shoe Type Furrow Opener

Construction
 Has a shoe-shaped blade with a narrow opening at the front.
 Seed tube is attached just behind the shoe to drop seeds.
 The blade can be single-shoe or double-shoe depending on design.

Working Principle
 As the planter moves forward, the shoe penetrates the soil and opens a small furrow.
 Seeds drop just behind the shoe into the opened furrow.
 Soil then covers the seeds naturally or with the help of a covering device.

Suitable Conditions
 Works well in medium to light soils.
 Commonly used in bullock-drawn and tractor-drawn seed drills.

Shovel Type Furrow Opener

Construction
 Made of a triangular or narrow shovel-shaped blade.
 Attached at the bottom of the seed drill frame.
 Seed tube is fixed just behind the shovel.

Working Principle
 As the drill moves, the shovel penetrates and lifts the soil, creating a furrow of
required depth.
 Seeds from the seed tube fall into the opened furrow.
 The displaced soil naturally falls back, covering the seeds.

Suitable Conditions
 Works well in trashy soils (with stubbles, residues).

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
5
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Suitable for hard or medium soils.

 Common in both animal-drawn and tractor-drawn seed drills.

Disc Type Furrow Opener

Construction
 Consists of one or two circular discs (plain or notched).
 Mounted at an angle to the vertical so they cut into the soil.
 Seed tube is placed just behind the discs to drop seeds into the furrow.
 Types:
o Single disc opener
o Double disc opener

Working Principle
 As the machine moves, the rotating disc(s) cut through the soil and residues,
creating a furrow.
 Seeds are dropped through the seed tube into the furrow.
 Soil pushed aside by the discs partly falls back, covering the seeds.

Suitable Conditions
 Works well in hard soils, clay soils, and trashy fields with stubbles/crop residue.
 Commonly used in no-till drills and heavy soils.

Runner Type Furrow Opener

Construction
 Has a long, narrow, runner-shaped shoe (like a small plough bottom).
 Seed tube is attached just behind the runner.
 Sometimes made with a replaceable tip for durability.

Working Principle
 As the drill moves, the runner penetrates the soil and opens a continuous furrow.
 Seeds drop through the seed tube into the furrow.
 The furrow is then closed either by soil falling back naturally or by furrow closers.
Suitable Conditions
 Works best in loose, well-prepared soils.
 Commonly used for small-seeded crops like wheat, barley, pulses.
 Mostly found in animal-drawn seed drills.

Inverted T-Type (Zero-Till) Furrow Opener

Construction

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
6
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Shaped like an inverted “T” with a narrow vertical shank and two horizontal wings
at the bottom.
 Seed and fertilizer tubes are fitted just behind the opener.
 Made of strong, wear-resistant steel.
Working Principle
 As the opener moves, the narrow shank makes a vertical slit in the soil.
 The horizontal wings create small cavities (pockets) at the bottom of the slit.
 Seeds and fertilizers are placed precisely in these pockets.
 Minimal soil disturbance occurs, making it ideal for zero-tillage farming.
Suitable Conditions
 Works in hard soils, clay soils, and fields with residues.
 Best for zero-tillage systems (no prior ploughing).
 Suitable for crops like wheat, maize, pulses under conservation agriculture.

Chisel Type Furrow Opener

Construction
 Made of a narrow, strong, chisel-shaped point (like a tooth).
 Fitted at the bottom of a long shank.
 Can penetrate deeper than shoe or runner type.
Working Principle
 As the opener moves, the narrow chisel point penetrates deeply into the soil,
opening a narrow furrow.
 Seed or fertilizer is dropped into this furrow through the seed/fertilizer tube.
 Soil then partially covers the furrow naturally or with the help of a furrow closer.
Suitable Conditions
 Used in hard, compact, and dry soils.
 Best for deep placement of fertilizers and sometimes for seeds requiring deeper
sowing.
 Common in tractor-drawn seed-cum-fertilizer drills.

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
7
jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
8
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Furrow Closers

Definition
Furrow closers are attachments on seed drills/planters used to cover the seeds placed in
furrows after sowing. They ensure proper soil–seed contact, protect seeds from birds/pests,
and improve germination.

Types of Furrow Closers

1. Drag Chains
 A simple chain attached behind each opener.

1
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
9
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 As the machine moves, the chain drags loose soil into the furrow.
 Advantages: Cheap, simple, works well in light soils.
 Limitation: Not effective in heavy/trashy soils.

2. Covering Plates / Boots

 Small flat or curved plates fitted just behind the opener.
 Push soil sideways into the furrow to cover seeds.
 Advantages: Provides uniform covering.
 Limitation: May not work well in cloddy soils.

3. Press Wheels
 Small wheels placed behind each opener.
 They press the soil over the seeds to ensure good seed–soil contact.
 Advantages: Excellent for uniform depth and moisture conservation.
 Limitation: Heavier, costlier, and needs adjustment.

4. Packer Wheels (Ring Type / V-Type)

 V-shaped or ring-type wheels that press soil around the seed zone, leaving loose soil
above.
 Prevents crust formation and helps seedlings emerge easily.
 Common in precision planters.

Drag Chains (Furrow Closer)

Construction
 Made of a small length of chain attached behind each furrow opener.
 Usually iron/steel chains, light in weight.
 Free to drag on the soil surface.
Working Principle
 As the seed drill/planter moves, the chain drags loose soil from the sides of the
furrow.
 This soil falls over the seeds dropped by the opener.
 Provides a simple covering action without pressing the soil.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
0
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Suitable Conditions
 Best for light and friable soils (sandy/loamy).
 Works in animal-drawn and tractor-drawn seed drills.
Advantages
 Very cheap and simple design
 Requires no extra draft power
 Easy to maintain and repair
 Suitable for light soils

Covering Plates / Boots (Furrow Closers)

Construction
 Small flat or curved plates (metal boots) mounted just behind each furrow opener.
 Placed at a slight angle to push soil sideways.
 Fixed to the seed drill frame.
Working Principle
 As the drill moves, the plate/boot pushes soil from the sides of the furrow into the
seed trench.
 This covers the seeds dropped by the opener.
 Provides more uniform covering than drag chains.
Suitable Conditions
 Effective in medium soils (loamy/clay loam).
 Suitable for cereal crops and pulses in well-prepared seedbeds.

Advantages
 Provides uniform soil covering of seeds.
 Better protection than drag chains.
 Simple, low-cost, and easy to use
 Suitable for most seed drills

Press Wheels (Furrow Closers)

Construction
 Small wheels (flat, concave, or V-shaped) mounted behind the furrow openers.
 Each wheel is connected to the drill frame with adjustable pressure springs.
2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
1
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 May be single wheels (per opener) or gang-mounted wheels.

Working Principle
 After seeds are dropped in the furrow, the wheels press soil over the seeds.
 This ensures good seed–soil contact and maintains proper seed depth.
 Helps conserve soil moisture and improves germination.

Suitable Conditions
 Works well in medium to heavy soils.
 Especially useful for crops requiring precise planting depth (cotton, maize,
soybean, sunflower).
Advantages
 Provides excellent seed–soil contact → better germination
 Helps in moisture conservation
 Prevents seeds from being eaten by birds/insects
 Maintains uniform depth of sowing
 Suitable for mechanized seed drills and planters

Packer Wheels (Ring Type / V-Type Furrow Closers)

Construction
 Two wheels arranged in a “V” shape or ring-shaped wheels mounted behind each
opener.
 Made of steel or rubber with adjustable spring pressure.
 Narrow contact area to avoid over-compaction above the seed.

Working Principle
 After seed placement, the V-shaped/ring wheels press the soil around the seed
zone (side firming).
 Leaves loose soil directly above the seed → prevents crust formation.
 Provides firm side contact while keeping top soil open for easy seedling emergence.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
2
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Suitable Conditions
 Effective in all soil types including medium and heavy soils.
 Commonly used in precision planters for crops like cotton, maize, soybean,
sunflower.
Advantages
 Ensures excellent seed–soil contact without compacting seed top
 Reduces soil crusting → seedlings emerge easily
 Conserves moisture around seeds
 Gives uniform germination and plant stand
 Very effective for row crops requiring precision planting

Types of Seed Drills and Planters

Seed drills and planters are implements used for sowing seeds at proper depth, spacing,
and seed rate.
They are classified based on power source, function, and construction.
1. Based on Power Source
 Manual Seed Drills
o Operated by hand or with animal power.
o Eg: Hand-pushed seed drills, animal-drawn seed drills.
 Tractor-Drawn Seed Drills
o Mounted or trailed behind a tractor.
o Eg: Tractor-drawn seed-cum-fertilizer drills, precision planters.
2. Based on Seed Placement
 Plain Seed Drill
o Sows only seeds.
o Eg: Conventional wheat drills.
 Seed-Cum-Fertilizer Drill
o Places seed and fertilizer simultaneously in separate furrows.
o Eg: Tractor-drawn seed-cum-fertilizer drill.
 Specialized Drills/Planters
o Designed for specific crops.
o Eg: Paddy transplanter, sugarcane cutter planter, potato planter.
3. Based on Feed Mechanism (Metering Device)
2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
3
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Fluted Roller Drill

o Uses fluted rollers → suitable for cereals (wheat, barley).
 Internal Double Run / Feed Cup Drill
o Suitable for small and medium seeds.
 Rotating Cell / Vertical Plate Planter
o Used for precision planting of maize, cotton, soybean.
4. Based on Seed Bed Conditions
 Conventional Seed Drills
o Used in tilled seedbeds.
 Zero-Till Drills
o Inverted T-type openers → sow seeds without prior tillage.
o Useful for wheat after paddy (to save time & cost).
5. Based on Crop Requirement (Specialized Planters)
 Row Crop Planters
o Precision planters for maize, cotton, sunflower.
 Paddy Transplanters
o Mechanical transplanting of rice seedlings from nursery to field.
 Potato Planter
o Places tubers in rows at required spacing.
 Sugarcane Cutter Planter
o Cuts cane setts and plants them in rows.
 Vegetable Planters
o For crops like tomato, chili, onion (nursery seedlings).

Seed Drills and Planters – Based on Power Source

1. Manual Operated
 Operated by hand (push type) or simple tools.
 Suitable for small fields, garden crops.
 Eg: Hand push seed drill, manual dibblers.
 Advantages: Low cost, simple.
 Limitations: Low capacity, labor intensive.
2. Animal-Drawn
 Pulled by bullocks or horses.
 Mostly 2–4 row drills with simple seed metering (fluted roller/feed cup).
 Used in small to medium farms.
 Eg: Bullock-drawn seed drill.
 Advantages: Affordable, suitable for traditional farming.
 Limitations: Slow operation, limited capacity.
3. Tractor-Drawn
 Mounted, semi-mounted, or trailed behind tractors.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
4
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Can be multi-row drills or planters with seed + fertilizer attachment.

 Suitable for large-scale farming.
 Eg: Tractor-drawn seed-cum-fertilizer drill, precision maize planter.
 Advantages: High capacity, accurate, time saving.
 Limitations: Expensive, requires tractor.

4. Power Tiller Operated

 Seed drills attached to power tillers (2-wheel tractors).
 Best for small and medium holdings in rice-wheat areas.
 Eg: Power tiller operated seed drill, power tiller paddy transplanter.
 Advantages: Medium cost, flexible in small fields.
 Limitations: Not suitable for very large farms.

5. Self-Propelled / Automatic
 Powered by engine/motor.
 Used for specialized crops.
 Eg: Self-propelled rice transplanter, automatic vegetable planter.
 Advantages: High precision, labor saving.
 Limitations: Very costly, used only in commercial farming.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
5
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Functions of a seed drill:

Seed drill performs the following functions
i) To carry the seeds.
ii) To open furrows at uniform depths
iii) To meter the seeds
iv) Todeposite the seeds in furrows in an acceptable pattern
v) To cover the seeds and compact the soil around the seed.

SEED CUM FERTILIZER DRILL

Seed drills fitted with fertilizer dropping attachments are called seed-cum-fertilizer
drills, They deliver both the seeds and fertilizers simultaneously in an acceptable pattern.
Seed cum fertilizer drill has a large seed box which is divided lengthwise into two
compartments, one for seed and another for fertilizers distribution.

Functions of a seed cum fertilizer drill :

Seed cum fertilizer drill performs the following functions
 To carry the seeds and fertilizer in separate compartments.
 To open furrows at uniform depths
 To meter the seeds and fertilizers
 To deposit the seed and fertilizer in the furrows in an acceptable pattern
 To cover the seed and fertilizer and compact the soil around the seed.

COMPONENTS OF A SEED DRILL

A seed drill with mechanical seed metering device mainly consists of:
(i) Frame (ii) Seed box (iii) Seed metering mechanism (iv)drive transmission system
v)Furrow openers (vi) Covering device (vii) clutch viii) hitch frame ix) Transport wheels.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
6
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Frame
The frame is usually made of mild steel angle section and flats . It is strong enough to
withstand all types of loads in working condition. All other parts of a seed drill are fitted to
the frame

Seed box
It is a box like structure made up of either mild steel or galvanized iron and provided
with a lid. In some designs a small agitator is provided at the bottom of the box which
agitates the seeds while the drill in operation and prevents clogging of seeds. Seed metering
mechanism is placed at the bottom of the box.

Seed metering mechanism

The mechanism which picks up seeds from the seed box and delivers them in to the
seed tube is called seed metering mechanism. Seed metering mechanism may be of several
types: (a) Fluted feed type (b) Internal double run type (c) Cup feed type (d) Cell feed type
(e) Brush feed type (f) Auger feed type (g) Picker wheel type and (h) Star wheel type. Usually
seed metering mechanism is provided at the bottom of the box.

Drive transmission system

The drive transmission mechanism consists of a wheel, sprocket-chain assembly and a
driven shaft thatcarry the seed picking discs. When the seed drill moves in the field, the drive
wheel rotates due to its contact with soil and the sprocket wheel also rotes. The chain
connecting the drive wheel sprocket and driven wheel sprocket rotates the shaft carrying the
seed metering discs.

Furrow openers
These are the parts which open up furrows in the soil for placing the seeds.
Different types of furrow openers in use namely
1. Hoe type
2. Shoe type
3. Stub runner type
4. Full or curved runner type
5. Single disc type
6. Double disc type etc. In cultivator type seed drills the tines work as furrow openers.

Covering device or furrow closer

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
7
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

It is a device which closes the furrow with soil after the seed has been dropped in it.
Covering the seeds is usually done by chains, bars, packers, rollers or press wheels, designed
in various shapes and .sizes

Transport wheel
There are two wheels fitted on an axle for transporting the drill on roads. Iron wheels
are used as transport wheels . Some manufacturers use pneumatic wheels. One of the
transport wheels is fitted with a suitable attachment to transmit the motion of the wheel to the
seed metering mechanism when the drill is in operation.

TYPES OF SEED METERING MECHANISMS

Some of the seed metering mechanisms used in seed drills are explained here.

(a) Fluted feed type

The fluted wheel also known as fluted roller is driven by a square shaft. There are
horizontal groves provided along the outer periphery of the wheel and wheel can be shifted
sideways depending upon the seed rate. These rollers are mounted at the bottom of the seed
box. They receive the seeds in the longitudinal groves and pass on to the seed tube through
the seed hole

(b) Internal double run type

The internal double run feed mechanism has a double face wheel. One face has a
larger opening for course seeds while other face has smaller openings for small seeds. Flapper
gate is provided at the bottom of the box which covers the opening not in use. The rate of
seeding is controlled by changing the speed of the internal feed wheels. This is done by
meshing appropriate gears.

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
8
jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

2
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
9
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

(c) Cup feed mechanism

The mechanism consists of a circular shaft mounted with many circular discs. Each disc is
provided with several cups or spoons in a circular path...This arrangement is kept at the
bottom of the seed box. When the shaft rotates, the discs also rotates. Seeds are picked up by
the cups and then dropped in to a funnel from where the seeds travel through the seed tube
and reach the furrows. The cups have two faces, one for larger seeds and the other for smaller
seeds

(d) Cell feed mechanism

It is a mechanism in which seeds are collected and delivered by a series of equally spaced
cells engraved on the periphery of a circular plate or wheel

(e) Brush feed mechanism

It is a mechanism in which a rotating brush regulates the flow of seed from the hopper in to
the seed tube. A number of bullock drawn planters in the country use brush feed mechanism.

(g) Picker wheel mechanism

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
0
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

It is a mechanism in which a vertical plate provided with radially projected arms picks up and
drop the seeds in to the furrow. It is suialble for large size seeds like potatoes..

(h) Star wheel mechanism

It is a feed mechanism which consists of a toothed wheel, rotating in a horizontal plane and
conveying the fertilizer through a feed gate below the Star wheel.

(f) Auger feed mechanism

It consists of an auger which moves the substance from the container and delivers in to the
field uniformly. Fertilizer drills are usually provided with auger feed mechanism. Some
manufacturers use this mechanism in seed drills also.

PLANTER
Planter is a sowing equipment used for sowing those seeds which are larger in size and can
not be handled by seed drills. Row to row and plant to plant spacing is maintained in a
planter. Potato planter, maize planter , cotton planter are popularly used Functions of a
planter:
(i) to open the furrow
(ii) to meter the seed
(iii) to deposit the seed in the furrow
(iv) to cover the seed and compact the soil over the seed.

Components of a planter:
A planter consists of:
(i) hopper
(ii) feed metering device
(iii) knock out mechanism
(iv) cut-off mechanism
(v) furrow opener
(vi) furrow closer
(vii) Drive mechanism
(viii) clutch etc..
A planter has separate seed hopper for each row. Hopper is usually made of mild steel
or any other suitable material. Seed metering device in a planter: There are a number of seed
metering devices available for use in a planter. The most common device is a rotating circular
plate with cells which is provided at the bottom of seed hoppers.
In some planters, vertical rotors , inclined rotors , canvas belts are also used The
circular seed plates have notches or
holes provided along the periphery called cells which pick up the seeds from seed hopper and
drop them in to the seed tube.

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
1
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Depending upon the type of notches provided on the plates, the rotor is further
classified in to.
(ix) Edge drop
(x) Flat drop and
(xi) Hill drop rotors.
The cells carry the seeds in the cells of the rotor. The flat drop cell carries the seed on
a platform of thickness half of the cell depth. Only one seed is allowed in the cell each time.
In hill drop rotor, the cells are larger in size and admit many seeds at a time. The rotating
plate receives the seeds from the hopper.
The plate moves under an arrangement called cut-off which allows only those seeds
which are accommodated in the cells.

Cut-off mechanism:
It cuts-off or brushes out or removes the excess seeds carried away by the cells thus
allowing corrected number of seeds for delivery.
Knock out mechanism: It is a device which knocks out the seeds from the rotor cells . It
consists of rollers or star wheels which by pressure releases the seeds from the cells. Seeds
fall in to the seed tube and reach the furrow.

Spacing of seeds or hills:

The spacing of seeds or hills in the row is determined by the ratio of peripheral speed
of the rotor to the forward speed of the planter and the spacing between the cells in the rotor.
The accuracy of the planter depends upon several factors such as:
(i) speed of seed plate
(ii) shape and size of cells
(iii) shape of hopper bottom
(iv) uniformity of seed size

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
2
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

POTATO PLANTER
Potato is an important crop in India. It requires a lot of labour for sowing in the fields. Potato
planter have two types of potato dropping mechanisms namely
i.) automatic and
ii.) Semi-automatic

POTATO PLANTER (AUTOMATIC SEED DROPPING)

The automatic potato planter consists of a hopper for each row and cups with chain
drive mechanism. The graded potatoes are picked up by the cups and carried to furrow opener
spout and released in the furrows. A feeder roller connected to the compensating tray which
carrying spare potatoes checks up each cup.
If a cup is found empty, a potato is released from compensating tray ensuring uniform
seed spacing with no missing .The fertiliser and pesticide can also be placed simultaneously.
It can plant in 2-4 rows. Capacity is 6000- 14000 potatoes /hr

POTATO PLANTER ( SEMI-AUTOMATIC)

 It is used for planting of potatoes. The semi automatic potato planter consists of a
hopper , metering disc and furrow openers.
 The fertilizer application unit can be attached separately.
 The potatoes from the hopper are placed in the metering disc which contains several
compartments.
 The metering disc is rotated by gear drive mechanism.
 The ridges are formed by the furrow openers .
 The potatoes drop in the furrows due to gravity.
 It may plant in 2-4 rows. Field capacity is 0.15-0.35 ha/hr.

CALIBRATION OF SEED DRILL

Laboratory testing of a seed drill to determine the rate of seed delivery is called
calibration of a seed drill.
This is done to ascertain whether a seed drill delivers the seed in accordance with the
recommended seed rate or not.
If any discrepancy is found between seed delivery of the drill and the recommended
seed rate, then the seed metering mechanism is adjusted to deliver correct seed rate.
This method avoids the difficulty of setting the seed delivery rate of the seed drill in
actual field conditions.

Procedure
i. Determine the width of sowing of seed drill (W)
W = M x S, metre
Where,

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
3
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

M = number of furrow openers

S = Spacing between the furrow openers, meter

ii) Find the length of the strip of land (L) for an area of 1/25 ha taking the width of sowing
as cover 1/25 ha
L = (1 /25) x 10000 m2) x 1/ w , meter
= 400/W

iii. Determine the number of revolutions (N) of the ground wheel of the seed drill required to
cover a strip of length L meter
L = P x D x N = 400/W metre
N = 400 P x D / W revolutions per minute
iv. Jack the seed drill so that the drive wheel turn freely. Make a mark on the drive wheel and
a corresponding mark at a convenient place on the body of the drill to help counting the
revolutions of the drive wheel

v. Fill the seed in the seed hopper. Place a container under each boot for collecting the seeds
dropped from the hopper

vi. Set the seed rate control adjustment for maximum position and mark this position on the
control for reference

 Engage the clutch and rotate the ground wheel for N revolutions
( N = 400 Π D / W)

viii. Weigh the quantity of seed collected in the container and record the observation Ws kg
ix. Calculate the seed rate in kg/ha
Calculation:
Seed collected for an area of 400 m2 = Ws kg

Seed rate per hectare = kg/ha

x. If the calculated seed rate is higher or lower than the desired rate of selected crop, repeat
the process by adjusting the seed rate control adjustment till the desired seed rate is obtained.

SOLVED EXAMPLES
1. Calculate the cost of sowing one hectare of land with a bullock drawn seed drill of
size 5 x 22 cm. The speed of bullocks is 3 km/hr. Hire charge for bullocks is Rs.100/-
per pair/ day, hire charge for seed drill is Rs.50 /- per day and wages for operator is
Rs.100/- per day of 8 hours.
3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
4
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Sol: Width of seed drill = 5x22 = 110 cm = 1.1 m

Area covered, FCT =

Time taken to cover one hectare = 1/FCT = 1/0.33 = 3.03 hrs.

Cost of sowing / ha =

2 The following results were obtained while calibrating a seed drill. Calculate the seed
rate per hectare.
(i) No. of furrows = 10 (ii) Spacing between furrows = 20 cm (iii) Diameter of drive
wheel = 1.5 meter (iv) Revolutions of ground wheel rotated for seed delivery = 500 (v) seed
collected = 20 kg.
Solution;
width of seed drill = 10 x 20 cm = 2 m
Circumference of drive wheel = Õ x 1.5 m
Area covered in one revolution = Õ x 1.5 x 2 m 2
Area covered in 500 revolution = Õ x 1.5 x 2 x 500 = 4712.3m2
Seed dropped for 500 revolutions= 20 kg
20 X 1000
Seed delivery rate = = 42.22 kg / ha.
4712.3

Calibration of Seed-cum-Fertilizer Drill

Calibration means adjusting the drill to deliver the required amount of seed and fertilizer per
unit area. It ensures uniform application and prevents losses.

Steps in Calibration (General Method):

1. Check and Clean – Ensure seed and fertilizer boxes are clean and free from old
material.
2. Fill – Put a known quantity of seed/fertilizer in the boxes.
3. Jack up Drive Wheel – Raise the ground wheel so it can rotate freely.
4. Mark Area – Calculate the area covered in one wheel revolution using:

where
DDD = wheel diameter (m),
WWW = effective drill width (m).
5. Collect Output – Place polythene sheets/trays under seed/fertilizer outlets and rotate
the wheel for a known number of revolutions.
6. Weigh – Collect and weigh the discharged seed/fertilizer.
7. Calculate Application Rate –

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
5
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

8. Adjust Metering Mechanism – Change gate opening/gear ratio until desired rate is
achieved.
9. Final Test – Recheck by running the drill on the field for a short distance.

Fertilizer Metering Devices

These control and deliver fertilizer uniformly into the soil along with the seed or separately.
Types of Fertilizer Metering Devices:
1. Gravity Feed Type
o Fertilizer flows by gravity through adjustable openings.
o Simple, low-cost.
o Not very accurate (depends on granule size & flowability).
2. Fluted Roller Metering Device
o A fluted roller (grooved cylinder) meters fertilizer as it rotates.
o Quantity controlled by:
 Length of roller exposed,
 Speed of roller.
o Suitable for granular fertilizers.
o Widely used in seed-cum-fertilizer drills.
3. Rotating Cell / Cup Feed
o Fertilizer is carried in cells/cups fixed on a rotor.
o Each rotation drops a fixed amount.
o More precise than gravity type.
4. Aperture Feed Mechanism
o Fertilizer passes through calibrated holes/apertures.
o Flow rate adjusted by changing opening size.
o Suitable for powdered fertilizer.
5. Auger Feed Mechanism
o Screw/spiral auger conveys fertilizer to the outlet.
o Useful for sticky or moist fertilizers.

Gravity Feed Type

A "gravity feed type" refers to a system or device that utilizes the force of gravity to
move materials, liquids, or energy downwards, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or
power sources to initiate flow.
This method is used in various applications, such as aircraft fuel systems, food and
material processing, and medical tube feeding, where a simple, reliable flow is required

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
6
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Fluted Roller Metering Device

A fluted roller metering device is va volumetric flow mechanism used primarily in
gricultural seed drills and fertilizer applicators to precisely and consistently dispense granular
materials. It is valued for its simple construction, low cost, and durability, especially for
metering cereal grains.

Working:
The device consists of a rotating roller with longitudinal "flutes" or grooves along its
outer surface, which is mounted at the bottom of a hopper filled with seeds or fertilizer.
Filling:
As the roller turns, the flutes move through the material in the hopper, filling the
grooves with a measured volume.

Transport and discharge:

The rotating motion carries the filled flutes towards the discharge opening at the
bottom of the device. A discharge flap helps guide the material, which then drops through a
seed tube into the furrow.

Adjustable output:
The volume of material dispensed can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of
the roller or by altering the "active length" of the roller—the portion of the fluted roller
exposed to the material.

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
7
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Types of fluted rollers

Straight flutes:
In this basic design, the grooves run parallel to the axis of the roller. This
configuration leads to a pulsating or "surging" flow of material as each flute discharges its
contents.

Helical flutes:
In this more advanced design, the grooves are arranged in a helix around the roller.
This staggered arrangement results in a more continuous and stable flow of material,
significantly reducing the pulsating effect.
Rotating cell / cup feeder
A rotating cell or cup feeder is a type of volumetric feeder used in industrial settings
to dispense a precise, controlled amount of bulk material, such as powders, granules, or
pellets. It is also known as a rotary airlock feeder or rotary valve.
While some versions are used to feed animals, the term "rotating cell/cup feeder"
most often refers to a piece of industrial equipment that ensures a steady and uniform flow of
material from a storage container into a processing system.

Working:
The main components and working principle of a rotating cell/cup feeder are:

Rotor:
The feeder's central component is a rotor with multiple "cells," "pockets," or "cups"
attached to its outer surface.
Housing:
The rotor is enclosed in a sealed housing with inlet and outlet ports.
Inlet:
Bulk material from a silo, hopper, or cyclone enters the feeder through the inlet port.
Rotation:
As the rotor turns, the individual cells are filled with material from the inlet.
Controlled discharge:
3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
8
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

The rotating motion carries the filled cells to the outlet port, where the material is
discharged in a consistent, metered flow.

Airtight seal:
The airtight seal between the rotor and housing is crucial for applications involving
pressure differences. This "airlock" function is essential for preventing pressure loss or air
leakage in pneumatic conveying systems.

Industrial applications
Rotating cell/cup feeders are essential in manufacturing and processing for ensuring
reliable, precise material flow. Common applications include:

Volumetric dosing:
Accurately metering materials into batching, mixing, or blending systems.

Pneumatic conveying:
Feeding materials into a pressurized or vacuum-driven conveying line without
disrupting the air or gas flow.

Dust control:
Sealing dust collectors and filters to discharge collected dust into a hopper while
preventing air from leaking back into the system.

Material processing:
Feeding bulk materials into other process equipment, such as pulverizers, dryers, and
crushers.

3
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
9
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Aperture Feed Mechanism

Construction
 The fertilizer box has calibrated holes (apertures) at its bottom.
 Each opening has a sliding gate or shutter to adjust the size of the hole.
 Sometimes multiple holes are provided, depending on the number of rows.

Working
1. Fertilizer in the box flows downward through the apertures by gravity.
2. The size of the opening regulates how much fertilizer passes through.
3. Fertilizer is delivered to the outlet tubes → placed in furrows.
4. The application rate is controlled by:
o Changing aperture size,
o Opening/closing the number of apertures.

Features
 Simple design.
 Works for both powdered and granular fertilizers.
 Flow depends on fertilizer physical properties (free-flowing or sticky).

Advantages
1. Very simple and cheap construction.
2. Easy to adjust discharge rate by changing aperture size.
3. Suitable for powdered fertilizers, unlike fluted rollers and cup feed.
4. No complex moving parts → less maintenance.

Limitations
1. Accuracy is poor – discharge rate varies with flowability and moisture content.
2. Chances of choking/clogging if fertilizer is sticky.
3. Not suitable for precision application.
4. Difficult to maintain uniformity across all rows.

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
0
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Auger Feed Mechanism

An auger feed mechanism uses a rotating helical screw to convey and distribute
materials, such as powders, granules, or seeds, in a controlled and uniform manner.
The screw, known as an auger, turns within a hopper or a tube, pushing the material
forward for controlled discharge at the desired rate.

Principal:
The fundamental principle relies on the rotation of a spiral blade, or auger, to move
material along a path.

Material is supplied:
Bulk material is loaded into a hopper, which funnels the material into the auger
mechanism. For difficult-to-flow materials, an agitator within the hopper may be used to
prevent clumping.

Auger rotates:
 A motor provides the power to rotate the auger screw.
 Material is conveyed: As the auger rotates, the material caught between the flights of
the screw is continuously pushed forward.

Material is discharged:
The material exits through a discharge spout at the end of the auger. The amount
dispensed is controlled by the auger's rotational speed, which regulates the flow rate.

Components
Hopper:
A large container that holds the bulk material to be fed.
Auger screw:

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
1
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

The central, helical blade that rotates to move the material.

Drive motor:
Powers the rotation of the auger.
Agitator (optional):
A device, often used for non-free-flowing powders, that prevents the material from
clogging in the hopper.
Enclosure (Tube or Trough):
A protective housing for the auger. It can be a tube for fully enclosed conveying or a
U-shaped trough for applications where access is needed.
Discharge spout:
The outlet from which the material is dispensed.

Types of auger feed mechanisms

Shafted auger:
Features a helical screw fixed to a central shaft within a tube or trough. This is a very
common design for moving most materials.
Shaftless auger:
Uses a heavier, flexible spiral that moves material without a central shaft. This is ideal
for handling sticky or difficult materials that might jam a shafted auger.

Vertical auger:
Used to transport materials upwards, often to fill elevated hoppers or bins.

Flexible auger:
Enclosed in a flexible tube, allowing it to navigate corners and obstacles for complex
layout configurations.

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
2
jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
3
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

PADDY TRANSPLANTERS, TYPES, WORKING PRINCIPLE, FIELD AND

NURSERY REQUIREMENTS
Transplanter is equipment used for transplanting mat type paddy seedlings in the main
field. It is suitable for all types of paddy varieties grown by transplanting. Both manually
operated and mechanically operated transplanters are available. Before transplanting, the field
has to be puddled well and allowed for one or two days for consolidation of soil so that the
machine can work with out sinkage

MANUAL RICE PLANTER

The machine consists of a seedling tray, six numbers of forks, handle and skids. By
pressing the handle, the forks pick-up the seedlings and plant them in 6 rows. For every
stroke of the handle the seedling tray moves sideways for uniform picking of seedlings by the
forks. The operator has to pull the machine after finishing planting in a row.
The row to row spacing is 200 mm. Plant to plant spacing can be set as per space
recommendation by pulling the unit manually to the required distance. It can cover 0.25 ha/
day. Two men labour are required one for pulling the unit and another for transporting the
mat seedlings. It saves time and money when compared to manual transplanting

Six row manual rice transplanter

SELF PROPELLED PADDY TRANSPLANTER

The self propelled paddy transplanter consists of (i) Air cooled gasoline engine (ii)
Main clutch (iii) Running clutch (iv) Planting clutch (v) Seedling table (vi) Float (vii) Star
wheel (viii) Accelerator lever (ix) Ground wheel (x) Handle (xi) Four bar linkage mechanism
etc. The planter is powered by a 1.2-1,8 HP petrol engine.
Operation
The mat seedlings of age 15-20 days are used for machine planting. Mats are placed
on the seedling table. After starting the engine, the running clutch and planting clutch are

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
4
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

operated. Four bar linkage mechanism picks up 3 or 4 seedlings in each fork at a time from
the mat and plant them in the puddled soil.
A fiber glass float supports the machine on the soil while working in the field. Two
ground wheels driven by the gear box moves the unit. There is a marker which demarcates
the transplanting width while in operation. The machine maintains a row to row spacing of 28
cm to 30 cm and plant to plant spacing of 14 to 16 cm. The planting capacity of the machine
is about 0.05 to 0.1 hectare per hour Power requirement is about 1.2 to 1.8 HP petrol engine.
It saves time and money when compared to manual transplanting.

Drive for four bar mechanism

Power from the engine goes to the main clutch from where it is divided into two
routes, one goes to planting clutch and the other goes to running clutch. Unless the planting
clutch is operated , the four bar linkage mechanism does not work. Self propelled rice
transplanter

Self propelled rice transplanter in operation

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
5
jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Self propelled rice transplanter in operation

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
6
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

MODIFIED MAT NURSERY FOR MACHINE PLANTING

A modified mat nursery establishes seedlings in a layer of soil mix, arranged on a firm
surface. Seedlings are ready for planting within 15-20 days after seeding (DAS). The
modified mat nursery uses less land, can be installed closer to the house than traditional field
nurseries, and uses less labor for both transporting seedling mats and replanting.
As a result, root damage is minimal while separating seedlings.

Establishing a Modified Mat Nursery

1. Seed:
To plant 1 ha (with 2 seedlings/hill at 20 X 20 cm spacing), use 18-25 kg good quality seeds
(i.e., >80% germination and establishment).: Good seeds result in lower seed rate, more
uniform germination, vigorous seedlings, less replanting, fewer weeds, and 5-20% higher
yields.
2. Nursery area:
Prepare 100 m2 nursery for each 1 ha to be planted. Select a level area near the house and/or
a water source. If area is not sufficiently compacted, then spread a plastic sheet or banana
leaves on the marked area to prevent roots growing into soil.
3. Soil mixture:
Four (4) m3 of soil mix is needed for each 100 m2 of nursery. Mix 70- 80% soil + 15-20%
well-decomposed organic manure + 5-10% rice hull or rice hull ash. Incorporate around 20
kg N/ha (1.5 kg powdered di-ammonium phosphate or 2.0 kg 15- 15-15 powdered NPK
fertilizer for every 100 m2 of nursery area).
4. Pre-germinating seed:
Soak the seeds for 24 h (some varieties may need longer to bud). Drain and incubate (cover
and keep moist) the soaked seeds for 24 h. In this time, the seeds sprout (bud) and the first
seed root grows to 2-3 mm long.
5. Laying the soil mixture: Place a wooden frame of 0.5 m long, 1 m wide and 4-cm deep
divided into 4 equal segments on the plastic sheet or banana leaves. Fill the frame almost to
the top with the soil mixture. Cover the seed with soil mix and wet.
6. Sowing:
Sow the pre-germinated seeds uniformly and cover them with a thin layer of dry soil.
(Approximately 1 seed/cm2)
7. Soaking the seedbed:
(a) Sprinkle water immediately to soak the bed.
(b) Remove the wooden frame and continue the process (i.e., fill soil mix-sow seed-cover
seedwater) until the required nursery area is completed.
8. Watering:
Water the nursery as needed to keep the soil moist. Protect the nursery from heavy rains for
the first 5 days. If the nursery can be flooded then at 7 DAS, maintain a 1-cm water level
around the mats. Drain the water 2 days before removing the seedling mats for transplanting

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
7
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

9. Fertilizer topdressing (optional):

If temperature and water are adequate, but the seedlings show yellowing (N deficiency).
Sprinkle seedlings with 0.5% urea (1.5 kg Urea in 300 l water/100 m2).m
10. Lifting seedling mats:
Seedlings reach sufficient height for planting in 15-20 DAS. Lift the seedling mats and
transport them to main field.

FIELD PREPARATION FOR RICE TRANSPLANTING

Plough the filed 20-25 cm deep using a mould board plough or wooden plough to
expose the eggs of harmful insects, pests and rhizomes of weeds. Keep the field flooded or
saturated with water.
After two or three days, puddle the soil using a puddler three or four times with
standing water and complete a week ahead of transplanting. Puddling helps to kill the weeds
and buries them in puddle layer.
The rate of germination of weeds is also reduced in subsequent growing period of
crop. Puddling helps to create beneficial physical, biological and chemical conditions for the
growth of rice plants. Soil surface is left in a more even condition.
Apply uniformly half of nitrogen and total quantities of phosphorus and potash on
drained surface at the time of last puddling and incorporate in the top 10-15 cm deep soil.

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
8
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

A. Nursery tray and machine overview

 Purpose: Mechanized nursery tray preparation is necessary for automated or manual

rice transplanters, which use seedlings from trays to plant in the main field.

4
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
9
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Mat-type nursery: The most common mechanized method uses "mat-type" nurseries.
These are thin layers of soil where seeds are germinated, allowing a machine to pick
up and plant the seedlings with their attached soil mat.

 Machine types:

o Seedling machine: This specialized equipment fills trays with soil, seeds
them, and covers them. They are more common in larger, factory-style nursery
operations.

o Transplanter components: Simpler setups involve manual tools or using a

transplanter's built-in tray mechanisms. In this case, the notes focus on the
preparation process for loading the trays onto the transplanter. [1, 3, 6, 7, 8]

B. Machine preparation and setup

1. Prepare the field: For a successful nursery, a level, well-puddled bed is required.
Some methods involve laying plastic sheeting over the bed to serve as a base for the
trays.

2. Prepare the soil:

o Sift the soil to remove stones and pebbles, which can clog or damage the
machine's seedling fingers during transplanting.

o Create a mix of fine soil, compost (such as FYM), and optionally rice hulls, in
a specified ratio (e.g., 70% soil, 20% compost, 10% rice hulls).

3. Frame the tray: Place a wooden or metal frame (often 0.5m x 1m) onto the leveled
plastic sheet. This frame guides the soil filling process.

4. Fill the trays:

o Fill the frame with the soil mixture to a uniform thickness, typically 15–25
mm. The mat should not be too thick, as it will become too heavy for the
machine and risks breaking.

o Level the surface before seeding.

C. Seeding process

1. Prepare seeds: Use pre-germinated seeds for uniform germination and establishment.

2. Seed the tray: Broadcast seeds evenly across the mat surface, either by hand or with
a seeding machine, at the correct density (e.g., 1 seed per square centimeter).

3. Cover the seeds:

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
0
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

o Apply a thin layer of compost or well-ground FYM over the seeds.

o Cover the mat with straw, gunny bags, or a shade net for the first 4–5 days to
protect it from birds and to maintain moisture.

D. Operational and maintenance notes for transplanter trays

 Tray loading: When loading a mat onto the machine's tray, sprinkle a little water on
the tray to help the mat slide easily.

 Tray mechanism check: On the transplanter, ensure the tray's oscillating or sliding
mechanism is working correctly. Adjust the pins or other fittings behind the tray if it
doesn't move properly.

 Handle with care: Disengage the main clutch when feeding the nursery mats to avoid
any breakage of the picking fingers.

 Machine cleaning: After each use, wash the transplanter with water, dry it, and store
it in the shade. Grease the main moving parts to prevent corrosion and wear.

 Field notes: If a machine finger fails to pick up a seedling, a second downward stroke
at the same spot may be required. However, some manual gap-filling will still be
needed a week after transplanting

Tray Seeder

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
1
jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Nursery Tray Making Machine

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
2
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

2 marks questions:

1 "What are the different types of furrow openers used in a seed planter?"
2 Define calibration of seeddrill.
3 Write the commonly used fertilizer metering mechanisms?
4 What do you mean by check row planting?
5 List out the advantages of transplanting.
6 Mention the main components of a seed cum fertilizer drill.
7 How will you make adjustments in the seed drills?
8 Brief some commonly used fertilizer metering mechanisms?
9 Write the function of crop planting?
10 Explain the need for calibration of seed drill?
11 State different methods of sowing?
12 How drilling can be done in field?
13 What do you mean by lister planting?
14 Write the components of seed drill?
15 Categorize seed metering mechanisms.
16 What are the parts of furrow opener?
17 Summarize the objectives of planting?
18 Demonstrate the functions of seed planter.
19 Define precision planting.
20 Give formula for width of seed drill.

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
3
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

21 What are components of Chinese Rice transplanter.

22 Write the various types of paddy transplanter.
23 State the purpose of transplanter?
24 Write the effect of planter on emergence factors.
25 List out the factors affecting germination.

Part- A - Important Question

1. What are the different types of furrow openers used in a seed planter?
 Shoe type furrow opener
 Shovel type furrow opener
 Disc type furrow opener
 Runner type furrow opener
 Inverted T-type opener
 Chisel type furrow opener

2. Define Calibration of Seed Drill:

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
4
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

Calibration of a seed drill is the process of adjusting and verifying the drill to deliver the
required quantity of seed per hectare under actual field conditions.

3. Commonly Used Fertilizer Metering Mechanisms:

 Gravity type
 Rotating disc type
 Fluted roller
 Auger feed type
 Adjustable orifice with agitator

4. What do you mean by Check Row Planting?

Check row planting is a planting method where crops are sown in rows both longitudinally
and laterally, allowing cultivation in both directions.

5. Advantages of Transplanting:
 Better crop establishment
 Uniform plant spacing
 Weed control is easier
 Efficient use of water and fertilizers
 Early maturity and higher yield
 Reduced seed rate

6. Main Components of a Seed-cum-Fertilizer Drill:

 Frame
 Seed box
 Fertilizer box
 Seed metering mechanism
 Fertilizer metering mechanism
 Seed and fertilizer tubes
 Furrow openers
 Covering devices
 Ground wheel
7. How to Make Adjustments in Seed Drills:
 Adjust fluted roller opening for seed rate
 Adjust gear settings or sprockets for metering
 Adjust furrow opener depth
 Calibrate with test runs before field operation
 Use depth control wheels for uniform seeding

8. Brief Some Commonly Used Fertilizer Metering Mechanisms:

 Fluted roller type: Most common; allows uniform flow

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
5
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Rotating disc type: Used in tractor-operated drills

 Gravity feed: Simple but not precise
 Agitator + adjustable orifice: Helps in continuous flow
 Spiked feed wheel: Effective in moist or sticky fertilizers

9. Function of Crop Planting:

 Place seeds at proper depth and spacing
 Ensure uniform seed coverage
 Provide good seed-soil contact
 Optimize germination and crop establishment

10. Need for Calibration of Seed Drill:

 To ensure uniform seed rate per hectare
 Avoid seed wastage
 Ensure proper plant population
 Achieve accurate spacing
 Match seed drill performance with crop needs

11. Different Methods of Sowing:

 Broadcasting
 Line sowing
 Drilling
 Dibbling
 Transplanting
 Hill dropping
 Check row planting
 Precision planting

12. How Drilling Can Be Done in Field?

 Attach seed drill to power source (animal or tractor)
 Calibrate the drill for seed and fertilizer rate
 Adjust furrow openers to desired depth
 Operate in straight lines with uniform speed
 Monitor seed flow and adjust as needed
13. What Do You Mean by Lister Planting?
Lister planting is a method where seeds are dropped into furrows created by a lister plough,
commonly used for crops like maize and cotton in dryland areas.

14. Components of Seed Drill:

 Seed box
 Metering mechanism

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
6
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Seed tubes
 Ground wheels
 Furrow openers
 Covering device
 Frame and hitch

15. Categorize Seed Metering Mechanisms:

 Mechanical:
o Fluted roller
o Cup feed
o Cell feed (vertical & horizontal plate)
o Brush feed
o Auger feed
 Pneumatic:
o Air suction type
o Air pressure type

16. Parts of Furrow Opener:

 Shank or leg
 Boot or tube holder
 Shoe or disc
 Share (cutting edge)
 Depth control mechanism

17. Objectives of Planting:

 Proper seed placement (depth and spacing)
 Uniform plant population
 Maximize germination and yield
 Minimize competition between plants
 Facilitate intercultural operations

18. Functions of Seed Planter:

 Meter seeds accurately
 Place seeds at the correct depth
 Maintain row and plant spacing
 Cover seeds with soil
 Sometimes apply fertilizer simultaneously

19. Define Precision Planting:

Precision planting is the method of planting seeds at accurate spacing, both within and
between rows, to optimize plant population and resource use.

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
7
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

20. Formula for Width of Seed Drill:

Width=Number of furrow openers×Row spacing\text{Width} = \text{Number of furrow
openers} \times \text{Row spacing}Width=Number of furrow openers×Row spacing

21. Components of Chinese Rice Transplanter:

 Seedling tray
 Pickup arms (fingers)
 Transplanting mechanism
 Power transmission system
 Float/frame
 Wheels
 Operator seat

22. Types of Paddy Transplanters:

 Manual rice transplanter
 Self-propelled rice transplanter
 Walk-behind type
 Riding type
 Semi-automatic rice transplanter
 Fully automatic rice transplanter

23. Purpose of Transplanter:

 To transplant seedlings at uniform spacing and depth
 Reduce labor requirement
 Improve field efficiency
 Ensure better crop establishment
 Increase yield through uniform growth

24. Effect of Planter on Emergence Factors:

 Accurate depth → better germination
 Proper spacing → reduces competition
 Uniform coverage → protects seed
 Good soil contact → enhances moisture availability
 Reduced damage to seed → better emergence

25. Factors Affecting Germination:

 Seed quality and vigor
 Soil temperature

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
8
 jayalakshmi institute of technology, thoppur

 Soil moisture
 Depth of sowing
 Oxygen availability
 Seed-soil contact
 Light (for some seeds)
 Presence of pests/diseases

Part- B

1. What is a seed drill? What are its functions?

2. Explain about the steps to be followed for calibration of seed drill or seed-cum
fertilizer drill.
3. "With neat sketch explain about manual operated paddy transplanter."
4. "Briefly explain about bucket type sprayer with the help of a diagram"
5. Brief about fluted feed type metering mechanism?
6. "Explain in briefly about different types of seedling mat transplanter."
7. Distinguish between seed drill and seed cum fertilizer drill
8. What are the functions of furrow openers in seed drill? Explain in briefly about
different types of furrow openers
9. Explain about seed cum fertilizer drill
10. List out the steps involved in preparing mat nursery.
11. Explain the working principle and adjustments in transplanter
12. Write about paddy transplanter components and function.
13. Brief about the devices for metering single seeds.
14. Discuss briefly about any two types of furrow openers with the help of diagrams.
15. "Summarize Japanese paddy transplanter components and its function."
16. Detail potato planter functions with neat sketch.

5
prepered by – m.selvabharathi (agricultural engineering)
9