A bionic furrow opener-based real-time monitoring method for maize sowing depth

The issue of insufficient accuracy in monitoring sowing depth during maize planting negatively impacts sowing quality. In response to this problem and in accordance with the agronomic requirements for maize cultivation, this study proposes a real-time monitoring method for maize sowing depth based on a bionic furrow opener. Furthermore, a sowing depth monitoring system has been developed based on this method, enabling real-time and precise measurement of maize sowing depth. Through dynamic analysis involving the bionic mackerel and seed sowing, a Bionic Mackerel-Style Side Baffle (BMSSB) furrow opener was designed, with key structural parameter ranges established. The opening process was simulated using the Discrete Element Method (DEM), and the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the monitoring method. Furthermore, when the width of the side flaps of the BMSSB furrow opener is set to 32 mm, the consistency index ( C i ) between the monitored depth and the actual sowing depth reaches its maximum value of 90%. System response speed tests were conducted, revealing that the response time did not exceed 0.1 s. In addition, field experiments were conducted to monitor the seeding depth of maize. The results indicated that when the operating speed was set at 10 km/h and the sowing depth was maintained at 60 mm, the consistency index ( C i ) between the monitored and actual depths, as well as the standard deviation, were found to be 90.14 ± 0.11%.