Development of plot precision planter based on seed tape planting method

In order to improve the accuracy and uniformity of plot sowing, precision planter based on seed tape which can be available in many variations was developed. The sowing equipment includes a seed-rope weaving machine and a seed-rope seeder. Seeds can be sown on the seed tape by a vacuum meter of the seed rope weaving machine, and then the seed tape containing seeds can be twisted into a seed rope. The vacuum meter can suit different seeding rates and different row spacing by changing different drums which have different size or number of the seed cells. The seed-rope seeder can accomplish the functions of ridging, shaping the ridge, opening the furrow, laying seed ropes, covering the furrow and firming the soil against the seeds. Sowing tests of machine performance were carried out. The miss-seeding rate was 2.7% and the passing rate of seed spacing was 96.3%, which proved that the seed metering had good accuracy and uniform intervals within rows. The passing rate of seeding depth and the germination rate were up to 92.3% and 96.7% respectively, which showed that the seed-rope seeder can meet the agriculture requirements well.