Experimental study on physical properties of coated rice seed

The physical properties of coated rice seed are fundamental data for parameter design and performance analysis of a coated rice seed involved seeder. In this paper, some properties of coated seed of three hybrids (IIyou838, IIyouduoxi57, and Gangyou22) widely cultivated in Southwest China were experimentally studied. They are bulk density, particle density, restitution coefficient and drag coefficient. Experimental arrangements were planned via method of orthogonal experiment design, and analysis of variance (Anova) was conducted. Major factors and their significant levels affecting these properties were determined. Tested results and analysis show: seed condition (coated or not) has a significant effect on bulk density, a comparatively significant effect on drag coefficient, and little effect on particle density and restitution coefficient of rice seed; moisture content significantly affects bulk density, particle density and drag coefficient of coated rice seed; variety of seed has little effect on the properties of coated rice seed. Practical data of tested properties of coated rice seed of different factors and at any level of the factors are available from the study.