Development of Real Time Seed Depth Control System for Seeders

Proper and uniform seed depth within the optimum range increases crop germination rate, which directly affects yield. Seed depth mainly depends on seed placement techniques. In conventional seed drill and planters, variations and fluctuations in seeding depth were recorded. This issue can be resolved by adaption of intelligent crop sowing machinery. A real-time seed depth control system was designed and developed to monitor and maintain the required seed depth. The developed system was installed on a tractor-mounted conventional seed drill. The materials used were ultrasonic sensors, a micro-controller, an RTC module, buzzers, an LCD, an SD card module, a power battery, and switch buttons. The system read height difference as a reference value. The seeding depth data was stored in the SD card. The results showed by introducing real time depth control system in existing seeders, it is possible to achieve desired plant population and homogeneous germination. The average cumulative germination rate (GR) of wheat with the seed depth control system was 126 plants/m2, and with a conventional seed drill (without SDCS) 117 plants/m2. The yield of wheat with the seed depth control system was 1225 kg/acre, and with the conventional seed drill (without SDCS) 1124 kg/acre in an arid region. Result shows that the crop yield could be enhanced by proper seed placement at the required seed depth by using the seed depth control system. Further field trials on different soils, regions and environmental conditions could improve the results.