Design Features of the Seeder for Direct Sowing of Grain Crops

In energy-saving technologies for cereal crop cultivation; the soil preparation and sowing stages are the most critical. Therefore; improving the efficiency of sowing machines is a pressing task. ( Research purpose )To develop a physical prototype of a seeder with a significantly simplified design compared to existing analogues. The proposed design aims to reduce metal consumption; enhance manufacturability; and ensure optimal conditions for crop growth. ( Materials and methods ) The design of the electronic model (digital twin) of the seeder and its physical prototype were developed using system analysis methods; mathematical modeling; and experimental planning. Experiments were conducted in both field and laboratory conditions using certified equipment. ( Results and discussion ) The seeder contains a seed hopper mounted on a frame; equipped with sowing devices and seed tubes. Seeds are supplied through hollow rotating shafts of spherical cutting discs. These discs are mounted on a frame with their concave part facing the soil surface. At the same time the cutting discs are positioned at an angle relative to both the soil and the direction of movement with the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination between 0 to 90 degrees. In one row; the inclination of the discs is the same; and in the adjacent row; the inclination is reversed. Additionally; the cutting discs in the second row are positioned perpendicularly relative to those in the first row. The cutting discs in the third row are offset relative to the discs in the first and second rows in a perpendicular direction at varying intervals. This arrangement ensures complete soil coverage; preventing untreated gaps. Behind the third row of discs; loosening elements are installed in the form of vertical spherical discs with alternating teeth and grooves along the cutting edge. These elements are positioned on the left and right sides relative to seeder’s movement and arranged in pairs above each cutting disc; with opposite attack angles. ( Conclusions ) The proposed solution for the seeder simplifies its design and reduces metal consumption; enabling the use of smaller class tractors for high-speed continuous sowing of cereals; legumes; oilseeds; and perennial grasses.