Effects of Using Seed Tube on Seed Distribution Uniformity in Single Seed Planters

In single-seed sowing of small seeds, in addition to seed size and shape, critical problems can be experienced due to the electrostatic force that occurs during seeds adhering to the plate holes. To find a solution to these problems, the effect of using seed tubes in single-seed planters was the subject of the study. For this purpose, the study, designed with two different seed drop heights (115 mm and 200 mm) and without and with seed tube, was carried out at three different forward speeds (0.5 m s-1, 1.0 m s-1, and 1.5 m s-1). According to the analysis results applied to the data, it was determined that the seed distribution uniformity was negatively affected by the increase in seed drop height and progress speed, and the planting quality deteriorated. While it was expected that the use of seed tubes in single-seed planters would have a positive effect on the uniformity of seed distribution intra-rows and inter-rows, it was found that on the contrary, the uniformity of seed distribution deteriorated and there was a high degree of variation. The best values for seed distribution uniformity were obtained with a forward speed of 0.5 m s-1, a seed drop height of 115 mm, and no seed tube.