Optimization of Tine Spacing of Seed Drill for Dual Banding of Fertilizer

Abstract

Dual banding of fertilizer is one of the most effective techniques for plants, which is achieved with a combination of tines mounted on seed drill. Optimization of spacing between tines is essential for band placement of fertilizer and ease of operation of machine. The experiments were conducted in soil bin to optimize the spacings between tines using response surface methodology (RSM). The lateral, vertical and longitudinal spacings between tines were 50–100, 25–75 and 250–300 mm, respectively. Analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation analysis showed that tines spacings significantly influenced the draft, soil disturbance area, specific draft and seeding depth. The optimum lateral, vertical and longitudinal spacings between dual tines were found to be 50, 53 and 250 mm; 50, 51 and 279 mm; and 50, 45 and 283 mm for soil compaction levels of 400, 600 and 800 kPa, respectively. The RSM successfully optimized the spacing between dual tines and predicted the soil-tool interaction parameters with an error of 0.12 to 5%. Dual banding of fertilizer can be accomplished by mounting this dual tine system to an existing seed drill at optimal spacing. It will aid in the performance of seed drill by reducing soil disturbance and power requirement.