İsmet Önal

Optimization of the Seed Spacing Uniformity Performance of a Precision Seeder Using Spherical Materials and Response Surface Methodology

The objective of this study was to optimize the seed spacing uniformity performance of a precision seeder using spherical materials and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and to verify the optimum levels of the variables. The variables considered in the study included vacuum on seed plate, the diameter of seed holes and peripheral speed of the seed plate. Spherical materials made of plastic were used and experiments based on Central Composite Design (CCD), one of the designs in RSM were carried out in the laboratory. The data obtained were divided into three different groups in order to obtain the values of Multiple Index, Quality of Feed Index, Miss Index. Other performance indicators called root mean square deviation and CP3 were also calculated and evaluated in the study. Prediction functions mostly for quality of feed index in polynomial form allowed the calculation of the optimum level of each independent variable. Optimum levels of the variables obtained for each spherical material were tested and verified.