Development of low-cost multi-hybrid variable rate system for horizontal disk planter

ABSTRACT To enhance the yield of agricultural crops, variable rate seed distribution and multi-hybrid technologies are increasingly being utilized. However, such technologies compatible with horizontal disk seed meters, which are the most commonly used metering mechanisms in planters in emerging countries, are scarce. The objectives were (1) to develop a low-cost, electric-driven multi-hybrid variable rate system compatible with horizontal disk planters; and (2) to compare the developed system’s planting performance to that of a ground-wheel-driven seed meter. A prototype of the system was manufactured using a desktop 3D printer. The controller operates the multi-hybrid system and an electric-driven horizontal disk seed meter in fixed or variable rate application. The experiment was conducted in Rio Paranaiba city, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in July and August 2022. The multi-hybrid variable rate seed meter was compared to a ground-wheel-driven seed meter at three seeding rates (3, 3.5, and 4.1 corn seeds per meter), and achieved satisfactory planting performance. The multi-hybrid variable rate seed meter performance in switching between two hybrids - seed type A and B - was evaluated at two transition sequences (A to B and B to A) and three seeding rates. The results have shown that the switch from B to A occurred in a shorter transition distance than from A to B.