Performance evaluation of two planter makes as affected by forward speeds

Two different makes of row crop planters were evaluated for performance by laboratory and field tests. The laboratory test was conducted to investigate the seed rate, uniformity of seed spacing and seed damage during operation, while the field test examined the effective field capacity, field efficiency, planter drive wheel slippage and fuel consumption, and two planting speeds were used (5.5, 8.5km/hr). The experimental study was carried out at the farm of College of Agricultural Studies, where the soil is considered light clay soil. The field was tilled by discing once and harrowing once followed by leveling to prepare a uniform field for the planters work. An average weight of 17 kg/ha and 31.5kg/ha of seeds were discharged during the test from Giad make and Rome make respectively. The seed spacing varying from the theoretical for the two planters, with a noticed minimum seed damage of 0.6% and 0.72% for Giad and Rome make planters respectively. Field evaluation results showed that planter make had significant effect (p<0.05) on seed rate, seed spacing, fuel consumption and effective field capacity. Planting speed had a significant effect on seed rate, fuel consumption and effective field capacity. Interaction effect between planters and planting speed had significant effect (p<0.05) on seed rate and fuel consumption only. The highest fuel consumption and driven wheel slippage were obtained with Giad make planter. Giad make planter gave lower field efficiency compared to Rome make planter at 5.5km/hr forward speed. From the study the two planters were able to effectively meter high seed rate with minimum damage to the seeds. Rome make gave better performance that resulted in lower fuel consumption, wheel slippage and high field efficiency.