Designing a Precision Planter to Place Oriented Corn Seeds

摘要

Research studies have shown opportunities for increased corn yield by orienting seeds during planting. Corn seed that is properly oriented results in leaves that grow into the row middles, which improves light interception and reduces competition. This research focused on two concepts for mechanically placing oriented corn seed. A planter was built based on the concept of orienting the seed perpendicular to the row and lying flat. While laboratory tests indicated planter performance was acceptable, extensive field tests during 2013 found otherwise. Thus a second concept was considered whereas the seed was placed tip down, parallel to the row. This concept was evaluated in 2014 by hand planting seed within different tolerances to determine design requirements for a mechanical planter. These results indicate that a planter capable of placing the seed tip down within 30 degrees of the row direction would provide sufficiently oriented leaves.