Design and Development of Two-Row Power Tiller-Mounted Direct Seeder for Cabbage Cultivation

Abstract A two-row upland seeder for cabbage was designed, developed, and tested to improve sowing efficiency and crop establishment in small-scale farming. It featured precision seeding and was evaluated with and without press wheels. Seed delivery rates decreased as ground speed increased, with the highest rate of 0.267 kg·ha −1 achieved at 0.6 m·s −1 ; faster speeds lowered accuracy. Slippage tests at 10 RPM showed stable traction with an average slippage of 3.92%. Field trials revealed that press wheels significantly enhanced seeding performance, providing more consistent sowing depths (mean 6.6 mm), higher germination rates (61%), and fewer missing hills than without press wheels. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD) confirmed that press wheels had significant effects on sowing depth, germination rate, and seedling count ( p <0.05). Despite some issues like seed clogging and hopper damage, the seeder was user-friendly and effective. The study highlights the need for optimal speeds and press wheels to improve planting precision and crop establishment.