Automatic Feeding Control of Fertilizer Applicator and Seeder Based on Running Speed Signals (Part 1)

Development of Control Device and Feeding Performances of Seed and Fertilizer

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a feed control device, with which the feed shaft speed of a seeder or a fertilizer applicator can be controlled according to the running speed signals from a ground wheel, to get the uniform specific feed rate independent of the variation of tractor speed. By a trial device, the control can be realized within a range of the running speeds of 0.12 to 0.75m/s. As a result of feeding tests using a kind of granular compound fertilizer, the specific feed rates were 3.69 and 3.63g/m, at the running speeds of 0.29 and 0.56m/s. The variation coefficient of distribution at each running speed was less than 7%.