Development of a Smart Seed Sowing Machine for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

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Volume: 11 Issue:11 | NOV 2024

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Development of a Smart Seed Sowing Machine for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Kilje Pradip1, Prof. V. D. Dhanke2, Prof. S. S. Mane3 1U.G. Student, 2,3 Assistant Professor

Department of mechanical engineering, Shree Tuljabhavani College of Engineering Tuljapur.

---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------with challenges—they are expensive, less accessible in India, Abstract - Agriculture is a critical component of India's and often have complex designs. These machines usually feature separate seed storage compartments for each distributor, increasing their cost. Additionally, their bulky size and weight make them difficult to transport.

economy, with seed sowing being a fundamental activity in farming. Seed sowing involves placing seeds in rows, ensuring uniform spacing between them, covering the seeds with soil, and applying proper compaction for optimal germination and growth. To address the rising demands of a growing population and rapid industrialization, modernizing agricultural practices is essential. This modernization not only enhances operational efficiency but also boosts productivity.

1.1 Traditional Sowing Techniques:

Traditional sowing methods, often reliant on tractors or animal labor like bullocks, can be expensive and less practical for small-scale farmers. To overcome these challenges, a costeffective seed sowing machine has been developed. This innovation simplifies the seed planting process, making it more accessible and beneficial for small-scale farmers, ultimately improving productivity and reducing manual labor requirements.

Key Words: seed sowing machine, seed spacing, feed rate, crop, fabrication , etc.

The agricultural sector is experiencing rapid advancements in the modern era. Crop planting involves embedding seeds into the soil, scattering them across the field surface, or transplanting seedlings under favorable soil moisture and temperature conditions. For optimal crop yield, it is crucial to plant seeds accurately—at the appropriate time, depth, and spacing. The depth of seed placement often depends on soil moisture and the ability of seeds to sprout effectively.

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Plough and Drop Method: A plough creates furrows while seeds are manually dropped, sometimes using a funnel attached to the plough.

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Dibbling: Small holes or slits are made using a stick or tool, and seeds are placed manually.

4.

Multi-Row Seeding: These devices, operated manually by experienced farmers, allow for multiple rows to be seeded simultaneously.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT To address the growing demand for food in the future, farmers must adopt advanced techniques that optimize seed sowing and ensure minimal losses. Traditional seed sowing methods, as well as inefficiencies in modern equipment, present several challenges

India's economy relies heavily on agriculture, and progress in this sector directly contributes to improving the nation's economic well-being. However, Indian farmers face several challenges, including labor shortages and reliance on traditional farming techniques. These issues emphasize the need for innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainable farming practices. Farming with outdated or inefficient equipment often requires significant time and effort, leading to higher labor costs.

Modernizing operations such as seed sowing and fertilization through improved machinery is essential for efficiency. Traditional seed sowing machines, however, come

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Manual Broadcasting: Seeds are scattered by hand across the field.

While these methods are widely practiced, they are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Introducing compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly seed sowing machines can help address these issues, making farming more efficient and accessible for small-scale farmers.

1. INTRODUCTION

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1.

1.

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Seed Placement Issues: Proper seed placement is crucial for achieving optimal crop yields. Delays in seed delivery through pipes or manual methods can disrupt the precision of planting, leading to uneven growth patterns and reduced yields. This issue becomes pronounced when soil conditions, such as compaction or moisture variability, are not properly addressed during sowing.

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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue:11 | NOV 2024

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

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2.

Time and Productivity Loss: The time consumed in feeding seeds manually or with inefficient machinery can significantly impact productivity. This delay may result in missed planting windows, especially critical in seasons with short or irregular rainfall periods.

3.

Equipment Limitations: Existing seed sowing machines are often costly, complex, and not tailored for smallscale farming. Their unavailability and difficulty in use further hinder widespread adoption by farmers, especially those in developing regions like India.

Additionally, these machines may not effectively address soil variations or provide adequate seed coverage.

4.

Economic Impact: High labor costs and reliance on traditional methods further reduce the economic viability for small and marginal farmers. This creates a cycle of low productivity and increased effort, affecting the overall agricultural output.

the acceleration or vibration levels of machine components.

A sudden change in vibration might indicate a blockage or mechanical issue. Benefits: Early detection of potential issues helps prevent machine failure and ensures smoother sowing operations .Pressure Sensors: Purpose: These sensors measure the pressure within the pipes and mechanisms of the seed sowing machine. A significant increase in pressure can indicate a blockage or restricted seed flow, while a drop in pressure might suggest a malfunction or leak. Types: Piezoelectric Sensors: Detect pressure changes within the sowing system by generating an electrical charge in response to pressure fluctuations. Capacitive Pressure Sensors: Measure the change in capacitance caused by variations in pressure as seeds or fertilizers flow through the system.

Benefits: By monitoring pressure levels, these sensors can signal when a blockage occurs, allowing the operator to address the issue before it affects productivity. Optical or Vision Sensors: Purpose: These sensors can visually inspect the seed sowing pipe or mechanism to detect blockages or irregularities in seed flow. Some systems use cameras or optical sensors to monitor the condition of the pipes and ensure that seeds are being distributed evenly. Types: Infrared Cameras: Can detect temperature changes due to blockages or disruptions in seed flow by scanning the sowing mechanism. Laser Scanners: Use laser beams to detect objects or blockages within the pipe. Benefits: Real-time monitoring allows for faster troubleshooting and corrective actions, ensuring that blockages are addressed promptly.

Ultrasonic Sensors Purpose: Ultrasonic sensors can be used to detect the density or presence of soil in the pipes. By sending sound waves through the pipe, they can identify areas where soil or seed build-up may cause blockages.

Types: Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Sensors: These sensors emit sound waves and measure the time it takes for them to bounce back from surfaces inside the pipes. A blockage would alter the sound wave pattern, indicating a potential issue. Benefits: These sensors provide non-invasive monitoring of the pipe interior, reducing the need for physical inspection and ensuring that any blockages are promptly detected and addressed. Soil Compaction Sensors: Purpose: Soil compaction can create hard barriers that restrict seed flow or cause blockages in the sowing pipes. Soil compaction sensors measure the density of the soil, helping identify areas where sowing may be inefficient or difficult due to compacted soil. Types: Penetrometer Sensors: Measure the resistance of soil when a probe is pushed into the ground, indicating how compact the soil is. Benefits: Understanding soil compaction levels allows farmers to adjust sowing depth or implement soil loosening techniques before sowing, reducing the risk of blockages due to hard soil. There are many sensors use can of the improvement of seed sowing.

In summary, the primary challenges lie in improving seed placement precision, reducing sowing time, making equipment affordable and efficient, and addressing soilrelated issues during the sowing process. These improvements are essential for enhancing productivity and meeting future food demands sustainably.

2. Sensors used to solution of problems When using seed sowing machines, issues such as blockages in the sowing pipes, particularly when soil is compacted or contains large particles, can significantly reduce productivity. In such cases, various sensors can be used to detect blockages or soil-related problems that impede the smooth operation of the machine, ensuring better performance and minimizing downtime. Below are the key sensors that can be used to address these challenges: Flow Sensors :Purpose: These sensors monitor the flow of seeds or fertilizers through the pipes. If the flow rate decreases or stops, indicating a blockage, the sensor triggers an alert or stops the machine to prevent further issues .Types :Optical Flow Sensors: These sensors detect the movement of seeds or fertilizers by using light beams. If the flow is interrupted (e.g., by a blockage), the light signal is disrupted, indicating a problem .Magnetic Flow Meters: These sensors measure the flow rate of seeds or fertilizers by detecting changes in magnetic fields as the material moves through the pipe. A blockage would result in an irregular flow pattern. Benefits: Immediate identification of blockages allows operators to take corrective action, reducing downtime and avoiding further disruption to the sowing process .Vibration Sensors: Purpose: These sensors can detect unusual vibrations in the sowing machine. Blockages in the pipes or mechanisms often cause irregular vibration patterns, which can be detected by vibration sensors .Types: Accelerometer Sensors: These sensors measure changes in

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spacing, which is essential for optimal plant growth. The primary objective of a seed sowing operation is to achieve uniform seed placement, ensuring seeds are sown at the desired row spacing and depth while maintaining the appropriate seed-to-seed distance. These parameters, including row spacing, seed rate, and sowing depth, vary depending on the type of crop being planted and the specific agro-climatic conditions of the region. Tailoring these factors to suit the particular requirements of each crop is vital for maximizing agricultural yields.

Table -1: Seed sowing machine Seed sowing machine part Wheel

D=40

Black

1

sensors

D=10 to 20 mm

Flow sensor , pressure control

5

chain

25-60

Driven and driven wheel

2

Hopper

1-5kg capacit y

Seed filling at a time of sowing

1

pipes

D=20

Seed pipe

2

Over time, various innovations have emerged in seed sowing technology, such as the introduction of selfpropelled multi-crop seed drills. These machines are designed to sow seeds at precise depths and spacings, making them suitable for a wide range of crops, including wheat, soybean, and cotton. Such machines are especially beneficial for small landholders, as they are economically feasible and significantly improve sowing efficiency. By adjusting to different seed diameters and sowing conditions, these machines reduce labor costs and improve the overall productivity of farming operations.

Following are the parts 1) Hopper 2) Seed Metering Mechanism 3) Seed Tubes (Pipes) 4) Furrow Openers 5) Seed Covering Device 6) Drive Mechanism 7) Press Wheels 8) Frame 9) Ground 10) Wheels

Fig -1: Seed Sowing Machine

4. CONCLUSIONS The Improvement of Seed Sowing Machine represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, particularly in terms of reducing labor, improving seed placement accuracy, and increasing overall efficiency. By incorporating features like adjustable handles, seed metering mechanisms, and the ability to sow both seeds and fertilizers simultaneously, this machine offers a more comfortable, cost-effective, and productive alternative to traditional sowing methods.

Chart -1: Seed Types

3. LITERATURE REVIEW

The use of sensors such as seed flow sensors, soil moisture sensors, and seed depth sensors will further enhance the machine's performance, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments for optimal seed placement and soil conditions. These innovations will help farmers achieve

The seed sowing machine is a critical agricultural tool that significantly impacts both the cost and yield of crop production. Proper seed sowing plays a crucial role in ensuring that seeds are planted at the correct depth and

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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue:11 | NOV 2024

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

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uniform seed distribution, reduce seed wastage, and optimize crop yields, all while preserving soil health and minimizing environmental impact.

REFERENCES [1]

Shahzad Ahmed, S. M. Choudhary, “Design Development of Low Cost Seed Drill,” International Journal of Technical Research and Applications, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 16, Sept. 2015.

[2]

Kalyan Khan, S. C. Moses Ashok Kumar, “The Design and Fabrication of a Manually Operated Single Row MultiCrops Planter,” IORS Journal

[3]

Tahir Iqbal, Manzoor Ahmed, Bader Naseem Siddiqui, Zafar Hussain and Muhammad Ejaz, “Design and Fabrication of Self Propelled Multi Crop Seed Drill (SMSD) for Adoption of Small Farmers,” Balochistan Journal

[4]

Thorat Swapnil V, Madhu L. Kasturi, Patil Girish V, Patil Rajkumar N, “Design and Fabrication of Seed Sowing Machine,” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol. 4, no. 9, pp. 704-707, Sep. 2017.

[5]

Abdul Rahman, Mangesh Koli, Umesh Kori, Ahmadakbar, “Seed Sowing Robot,” International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 131-143, Mar. 2017.

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