1Development of Precision Planter and Fertilizer Applicator for Onion (Allium Cepa L.)

This study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a precision planter and fertilizer applicator for onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation in the Philippines. The machine was designed to enhance planting efficiency, optimize fertilizer application, and reduce labor costs, thereby addressing key challenges faced by small-scale farmers, such as labor shortages and inefficient resource utilization. Powered by a gasoline-driven walk-behind tractor, the system integrates a chain conveyor for planting pre-germinated bulbs and a metering device for precise fertilizer delivery. Field trials were conducted on a 1,200 m² area in the City of Ilagan, Isabela, using a two-factor factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The study assessed single- and double-pass soil cultivation under three operating speeds: 0–1.0 m/s, 1.01–1.5 m/s, and 1.51–2.0 m/s. Results revealed that the machine achieved a maximum field efficiency of 95.98% at a speed of 1.51–2.0 m/s, with a mean field capacity of 0.087 ha/h. Compared to manual planting, labor costs were reduced by 86.03%, while onion output capacity increased from 42.78 kg/hr to 81.30 kg/hr. Similarly, fertilizer application improved, rising from 37.41 kg/hr to 82.97 kg/hr, with the lowest missing-hill rate of 4.76% observed at 1.01–1.5 m/s.Economic analysis indicated a benefit-cost ratio of 7.89, a payback period of 46 days, and a return on investment (ROI) of 788.95%. The results demonstrate that the developed machine operates efficiently under varying soil conditions and speeds, significantly reducing labor dependency, minimizing fertilizer waste, and improving productivity. Overall, the innovation supports sustainable and cost-effective onion farming, offering small-scale farmers a practical solution to improve operational efficiency and profitability. Keywords: Precision agriculture, onion cultivation, field efficiency, economic viability, Philippines