Development of High-Speed Ridge Forming Seeder for Soybeans

—Seeding and Cultivation Tests Comparing Prototype and Conventional Machine—

Abstract

In this study, a high-speed ridge forming seeder with a disc-type ridging and a double plate-type seeding mechanism was developed to reduce moisture damage during the early growth of soybean. Comparison tests were conducted in Miyagi, Niigata, Toyama, and Saitama prefectures to compare the prototype with an existing rotary tilling and ridge-making seeder. The prototype was capable of working at 1.5 m/s, which was more than twice as fast as the existing seeder, and the seeding accuracy was comparable or better. The germination rates of both seeders were more than 95 %. There were no significant differences in yield. In areas where pre-tillage is possible, it is possible to secure yields by seeding at the right time and to expand the seeded area by increasing the speed.