Optimization of the Performance of a Precision Planter Metering Cotton Seed Using Response Surface Methodology

摘要

The objective of this study was to optimize the seed spacing uniformity performance of a precision planter using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and to verify the optimum levels of the variables. The variables considered in the study consisted of the vacuum on seed plate, the diameter of seed holes and peripheral speed of the seed plate. Cottonseeds were used for planting and experiments conducted in this study were based on Central Composite Design (CCD), one of the designs in RSM, in the laboratory. The data obtained in the laboratory were divided into three different groups in order to obtain the values of Multiple Index, Quality of Feed Index and Miss Index. An additional performance criterion was also proposed and used as an indicator of theplanting performance in this study and this was called root mean square deviation. The data obtained in the laboratory were then used to develop functions in polynomial form that allowed the calculation of the optimum level of each independent variableconsidered in the study. The optimum levels of vacuum pressure and the diameter of holes for precision seeding of cottonseeds were found to be 5.5 kPa and 3 mm, respectively. No optimum value was obtained for the peripheral speed of the plate.