Seed sowing machine

Types of seed sowing machine

The seed sowing machine is also known as the seed planter. It is an essential agricultural machine that helps sow seeds in a uniform pattern and evenly space them as per the required depth. This machine helps to improve crop production and save time. There are several types of seed sowing machines available for different agricultural tasks.

• Broadcast Seeders:

  The broadcast seeder is the most common type of seed sowing machine used in the agricultural field. It operates by scattering seeds across the soil surface. The machine is mounted on tractors and pulled at the rear while being towed by chains or cables. Therefore, this allows for even spreading of seeds and can be used for various seed sizes and shapes.

• Drill Seeders:

  This type of sowing machine is designed to plant seeds in rows. It also ensures proper soil coverage and is useful for planting small crops, grains, and forage. Drill seeders come in different models which include the drop box, cyclone seeder, and single seed plate. The seed plate works by allowing seeds to be dropped on the soil in specific intervals and when rotated.

• No-Till Seeders:

  The no-till seeder is a sowing machine that can plant seeds without prior soil tillage. It is an industrial-style planter that divides the soil as it sows. The seeder creates furrows, adds fertilizer, and plants seeds, all in one motion. This machine is suitable for conservation agriculture or direct seeding applications.

• Transplanters:

  These machines are ideal for uniformly planting seedlings grown in trays or nurseries. Transplanters can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, depending on their design. They have systems for picking, spacing, and planting seedlings, which can be adjusted to suit various crops.

• Air Seeders:

  Just like the name suggests, air seeders are sowing machines that use air to transport and place seeds into the soil. They have a fan-driven air column that carries seeds from a hopper to a furrow opener. This allows for precise seeding and are useful for large-scale farming.

• Mechanical Planters:

  These machines use various mechanisms to evenly distribute seeds at consistent intervals and depths. Mechanical planters come in different designs. They include plate planters, flapper style, and cup planters among others. The planters are commonly used for high-value row crops such as cotton, soybeans, and vegetables.

• Flexible seeders

  Those machines can be adjusted to accommodate different crop types and field conditions. They often have interchangeable planting units, set configurations, and precision adjustments for optimal seed placement. This flexibility makes them suitable for diverse agricultural operations.

Specification and Maintenance

Specification

For large-scale farming, it is best to use a seed sowing machine with an electric power type. Electric-powered seed sowing machines usually have a power of about 650 to 850 watts. Their working widths range from 400 mm to 1,500 mm. With a heavy-duty battery, some machines can work continuously for about 2 to 4 hours. Electric-powered sowing machines are suitable for all kinds of seeds.

Another type that is also suitable for large-scale sowing is the tractor-mounted seed sowing machine. It is suitable for deep sowing and large-area sowing. It can be mounted on a tractor and pulled along by the motor of the tractor. When fully mounted, it can cover a width of about 690 mm to 2,500 mm. Such machines usually have a gear-driven seed distribution system and a chain-driven feeding system.

In contrast, hand-held or manual seed sowing machines are more suitable for small-scale farming. They can be used to sow seeds for tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beans, and other crops. These compact machines usually have a seed tray that is interchangeable for different types and sizes of seeds. Their working width is about 30 to 50 cm. These manual machines are more economical because they do not need electricity or batteries to work.

Maintenance

• Before sowing the seeds, inspect and adjust the machine.
• Make sure there is no broken seed left in the seed box from the previous use of the machine.
• After using it, wash the machine thoroughly with water and a brush. This will prevent any leftover seed from blocking the seed-dispensing holes.
• Before using the seed-dispensing device, make the necessary adjustments to the seed-dispensing holes. Change the settings according to the size of the seed to achieve the best results.
• Periodic lubrication and maintenance of the machines should be done according to the operating manual provided by the manufacturer. All manually adjustable parts should be lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Tracked machines should be checked to ensure that all nuts and bolts are securely in place and lubricated where required.

Seed sowing machine industry scenarios

• Row crops and vegetables

  Continuous planting of crops along with the rows at equal spaces and depth is what the sowing machines are mainly utilized for. Carrots, lettuce, cotton, corn, and soybeans are all commonly utilized with seed sowing devices.

• Orchards and vineyards

  Machinery are also useful in the inter-row area where crops are planted between trees or grapevines. Cover crops, legumes, or cash crops may all be used here, depending on the farming system.

• Grasslands and pastures

  Sowing machines can also be utilized to spread seeds for grasslands or pasture recovery. The restoration of the ecosystem will need the use of sowing machines to allow for better growth.

• Land reclamation and restoration

  Once a parcel of land has been degraded, either due to environmental disasters or human actions, sowing machines may be applicable during the process of land restoration. Machines can help introduce the necessary vegetation to stabilize the soil and enhance biodiversity by efficiently distributing seeds across degraded land.

• Precision sowing and scientific agriculture

  In addition to the above applications, sowing machines can be beneficial for those farmers who wish to practice precise agriculture techniques. Precision planting refers to the concept of accurately putting seeds in the desired locations, which may be aided by machinery that is GPS-guided or has automated features.

How to Choose Seed Sowing Machines

When choosing the right sowing equipment for the desired crop, it is necessary to analyze the benefits and features of the appropriate machine. The ideal seed planter machine should be compatible with the soil and the ground where the crops will be planted. The machine should also correlate well with the crop type to ensure proper growth and the agricultural method used in the farming system.

When selecting the proper seed-sowing machine, it is essential to consider a few factors:

• Field Size:The type of sowing machine should be picked according to the size of the field where the crops need to be planted. For smaller fields, manual sowing machines or a small-handled planter may be suitable. On the other hand, larger fields may require a tractor-mounted planter for efficient planting.
• Sowing Method:It is essential to determine how the seeds need to be sown. Whether broadcasting, dibbling, or line sowing, the chosen machine should be appropriate for the desired sowing technique.
• Soil Type:The type of soil should also be considered when picking the right sowing machine. It is necessary to pay attention to the soil's texture, such as whether it is sandy, clayey, or loamy, and its condition, like wet or dry. The compatibility of the soil with the sowing machine in use is crucial to avoid damaging the soil structure.
• Seed Type:Before choosing a seed-sowing machine, it is important to consider the variety of seeds that need to be sown. Different seeds may require distinct sowing techniques and levels of precision. The size and shape of the seeds are also crucial, and the machine chosen should be compatible with the seeds in question.

FAQ

Q1: How does a seed sowing machine work?

A1: The sowing machine works by distributing the seeds at the desired rates, depths, and spacing. It can either be pulled by a tractor or be a part of a bigger machine like the seed drill where it is pushed in front of the plowed land.

Q2: What are the benefits of using a seed sowing machine?

A2: The sowing machine ensures precision plantation, uniformity, and optimal seed-to-soil contact. It saves time and can be cost-effective in the long run.

Q3: What types of seed sowing machines are commonly used?

A3: Some common types are broadcast seeders, air seeders, chain and slat seeders, drill seeders, dibble plate seeders, and precision planters.

Q4: Can a seed sowing machine be used for all types of seeds?

A4: No, it cannot be used for all types of seeds as it depends on the size and weight of the seeds. Small and light seeds need to be sown on the surface of the earth without any pressure applied.

Q5: What are the limitations of seed sowing machines?

A5: The limitations of sowing machines are uneven field conditions, very row-specific cropping systems, and soil moisture requirements for particular crops.