Determination of low mass flow rate of wheat in a seed drill using a microwave Doppler sensor

Aim of study: to develop a low-cost non-contact measurement system that can be used both in the field and in the laboratory for low volumetric flow. Area of study: Türkiye. Material and methods: A measurement system was developed to determine the flow rate of wheat seeds left at different flow rates from the seed metering unit, which has a studded feed roller, with a low-cost microwave sensor. Flow rates were determined for 16 different seed rates, and these flow rates were measured with precision scales. A microwave sensor was mounted on the seed tube. The precision scales and microwave sensors were operated simultaneously. Main results: The obtained values were subjected to correlation and regression analysis. According to the analysis, it was found that the voltage values obtained from the microwave sensor increased linearly with the increase in the flow rate. There was a significant linear relationship (R2 = 0.974) between the means of mass flow measured from the scales and the means of mass flow measured from the microwave sensor. Research highlights: It has been determined that the developed microwave sensor measurement system can be used to evaluate the performance of sowing machines in the laboratory and to monitor the amount of seed flow in the field.