









































Pa
ge

 
1



Pa
ge

 
30

American Journal of  
Life Science and Innovation (AJLSI)

Development and Performance Evaluation of  a Tractor-Drawn Multi-Crop Planter
Bedasa Waldaho1*, Adesoji M. Olaniyan2

Volume 2 Issue 3, Year 2023
ISSN: 2833-1397 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajlsi.v2i3.2151
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: October 10, 2023

Accepted: November 07, 2023

Published: November 14, 2023

The study was undertaken development and performance   of  the planter capable of  
planting maize, common bean and sorghum seeds at predetermined spacing and depths. 
Physical properties of  seeds involved in the study were investigated to optimize the design 
of  the planter’s components. The planter, consists of  a frame, seed hopper, seed metering 
devices, seed tube, adjustable furrow opener, adjustable furrow covering device, and drive 
wheels. The investigation revealed that the sphericity of  maize, common bean and sorghum 
were 64.8, 72.4 and 81%, respectively. Percentages of  mechanically seed damaged by the 
planter were zero for all crops. Germination test was conducted to assess the magnitude 
and extent of  invisible seed damage inflicted by the planter indicated mean percentage seed 
germination of  98.5, 94.5 and 97.3% for maize, common bean, and sorghum, respectively. 
The reduction in percentage germination of  maize, common bean and sorghum were zero, 
when compared with that did not passes through the machine for all the seeds tested. Based 
on the above results, it is concluded that the planter can be efficiently and effectively used by 
the majority of    the farmers and other stakeholders in the study area.

Keywords

Capacity, Efficiency, Multi-Crop, 
Planter

INTRODUCTION
Planting is an art of  placing seeds in the soil to have good 
germination. It was began with the use of  hands and later 
the use of  stones, hand tools and mechanized form of  
planting (Yasir et al., 2012). Manual methods of  planting 
resulted in low seed placement, low spacing efficiency, 
and health issues for the farmer considering the size of  
the farm land (Kumar et al., 2015; Soyoye et al., 2016). 
Seed planting machine is a device which helps in sowing 
seeds in a desired position, there by assisting the farmers 
in saving time and reducing cost. 
 The basic objective of  sowing operation is to put the 
seed in rows at desired depth and seed to seed spacing, 
cover the seeds with soil and provide proper compaction 
over the seed (Soyoye et al., 2016). However, in fabricating 
the form of  this mechanized planting equipment, some 
properties of  the plant which is to be planted must be 
determined in order to accurately specify the design 
considerations ( Jouki and Khazaei, 2012). The physical 
properties such as seed size, shape, axial dimensions, 
roundness and sphericity helps to determine the 
maximum size of  the cup in the seed plate, the weight 
help in the material selection for the frame of  the planter, 
the bulk density and moisture content helps to know the 
interaction between the seed and the material used for the 
hopper of  the planter at maximum heat level (Jayan and 
Kumar, 2004).  
The basic objective of  sowing operation is to put the seed 
in rows at desired depth and seed to seed spacing, cover the 
seeds with soil and provide proper compaction over the 
seed (Soyoye et al., 2016). However, in fabricating the form 
of  this mechanized planting equipment, some properties 
of  the plant which is to be planted must be determined 
in order to accurately specify the design considerations 

(Jouki and Khazaei, 2012). The physical properties such 
as seed size, shape, axial dimensions, roundness and 
sphericity helps to determine the maximum size of  the 
cup in the seed plate, the weight help in the material 
selection for the frame of  the planter, the bulk density 
and moisture content helps to know the interaction 
between the seed and the material used for the hopper 
of  the planter at maximum heat level (Jayan and Kumar, 
2004).  The design and manufacture of  tractor-mounted 
planters has eliminated most of  the limitation attached 
to the manual methods. Thus, the need for appropriate 
technology to deliver optimal yield while using fewer 
resources is very essential. Hence, this research project 
is intended to bridge the existing technology gaps in the 
area of  crop establishment. The objectives of  this thesis 
research was to develop and characterize the physical 
properties of  selected seeds  for  tractor- drawn multi-
crop planter and evaluate performance of  the machine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental Site and Experimental Crops
Fabrication of  the prototype planter was done at Fadis 
Agricultural Research Center (FARC) metal workshop 
(Harar) maize, common bean and sorghum seeds were 
used to design the planter that was fabricated at FARC 
metal workshop. The crops, maize, common bean and 
sorghum, were selected for the study because of  their 
dominance among row planted crops in the study areas. 
Hence, the planting machine was designed to plant 
these seeds. The varieties of  maize, common bean and 
sorghum seeds were Melkassa-2, Awash-2 and Melkem, 
respectively. Selected seeds were taken from Fedis 
Agricultural Research Centre, crop research process and 
the seeds had germination percentages of  98.5%, 94.5%, 

1 Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Fades Agricultural Research Centre P.O. Box 904, Harar, Ethiopia
2 Haramaya University Institute of  Technology P.O. Box 38 Dire-dawa, Ethiopia
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: bedasawaldawo12@gmail.com



Pa
ge

 
31

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

and 97.33%, for maize, common bean and sorghum, 
respectively.

The Planting Machine
The machine was designed for four wheels 30 hp tractor 
and has three different replaceable seed metering cups 
that were designed to handle maize, common bean and 
sorghum seeds. Since the planter was designed for three 
different crops and was adjustable as particular crop’s row 
spacing requirements.

Physical Properties of  Selected Crops
The physical properties of  seeds are important factors 
for the design of  crop planter. Performance of  seed 
metering mechanism in terms of  picking, metering and 
dropping was influenced by the physical and Mechanical 
properties of  seeds. Therefore, seed properties relevant 
to the design of  planter were identified and determined. 
The general procedure was used in determining seed 
physical parameters i.e. Geometric mean diameter (Ds), 
Sphericity (S) and Volume were computed by taking a 
specified number of  randomly selected seed. Then their 
three principal diameters (major, intermediate and minor 
lengths) denoted as mean length (L), mean width (W) and 
mean thickness (T) respectively were measured using a 
micrometer of  0.01 mm accuracy. The measured values 
were then used to determine Geometric mean diameter 
(Ds) using equation (1) by (Singh et al., 2005) as well as 
Mean volume (V) and mean seed sphericity (Sm). Thirty 
(30) grain samples were selected randomly from the 
sample and dimensions were measured. Length, width 
and thickness of  the seed were taken using digital vernier 
caliper. The mean and standard deviation of  dimensions 
were calculated.

Size, Sphericity and Surface Area
The volume and sphericity of  the individual seeds were 
calculated using the measured larger diameter, medium 
diameter and smaller diameter of  the seeds and equations 
given below (El-Raie et al., 1996).   
Physical property, that is, geometrical mean
Dg = ∛(L×W×T)                (1)
V = π/6  (L×W×T)                (2)
Sm = (∛(L×W×T)/L)×100               (3)
Where: 
L=Length (mm)
W = width (mm)
T = Thickness (mm)
V = volume (mm3)
Dg = geometric diameter (mm)
Sm = seed sphericity

Bulk Density of  the Crops
The bulk density was found by taking crops in a container 
of  cylindrical shape. The volume of  the container was 
found by measuring diameter and height for cylindrical 
container. The weight of  the grain in the container was 
found separately. The bulk density was calculated, three 

samples from each   selected crops were taken and 
average bulk density was calculated (Varnmakasti et al., 
2007) as shown equation (4)
Bd = (WC )/VC                (4)
Where:  
Bd = Bulk density in kg/m3 or g/cm3

Wc = Weight of  sample in kg or g
Vc =   Volume of  sample in m3 or cm3

Angle of  Repose of  the Crops
The equipment used for measuring angle of  repose 
consisted of  a funnel with an adjustable throat opening 
mounted on a stand. The funnel was filled with seeds 
by keeping its adjustable throat closed. The throat was 
fully opened to allow free flow of  seeds over and around 
the plate mounted beneath the funnel. At the end of  
process, a heap-cone of  the seed was formed on the 
plate. From the heap-cone, base diameter and height of  
cone were measured. For free-flowing agricultural grains, 
angle repose is assumed to be approximately 28. For 
free-flowing grains the angle of  repose can be assumed 
to be equal to that of  the angle of  internal friction. The 
angle of  repose was calculated using the equation (6), 
(Varnmakasti et al., 2007)
θ = tan-1(2H/D)                 (5)
Where:  
𝜃 = is angle of  repose, degree
H =is height of  cone, mm
D =is base diameter of  cone, mm

Thousand Grain Mass
In the laboratory thousand (1000) grains were selected 
randomly and then weighed on the sensitive weight 
balance to obtain the thousand grain mass in gram. The 
ten sample of  each crop was weighed and mean thousand 
grain mass of  each crop was found out.
Moisture content of  soil
The samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm depth of  
soil surface before operations for determination of  
moisture content and bulk density. The soil moisture 
was determined by oven dry method. Five samples were 
collected randomly from the test plots. The samples were 
kept in oven for 24 hours at temperature of  105°C and 
weighed before and after drying. The moisture content 
(Dry basis) was determined by the following formula 
(Rangapara, 2014).
Mc (%) =  (Ws-Wd)/Wd *100              (6)
Where: 
Mc=Moisture content of  the Soil sample
Ws= Weight of  the soil sample, and
Wd= Weight of  dry soil sample

Bulk Density of  Soil
To determine bulk density of  a soil, metallic core sampler 
was used to take sample from field having 8cm diameter 
and 12 cm height. The samples were weighed and dry 
weights of  the samples were calculated with the help of  
moisture content (d.b.). The ratio of  dry weight of  soil 



Pa
ge

 
32

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

to the volume gave the bulk density. Bulk density of  soil 
was calculated by using following formula (Rangapara J, 
2014).
Bds = (WS (g))/(VS)               (7)
Where : 
Bds= Bulk dencity of  soil in ( g/cm3 )
Ws = weight of  soil samples (g)
Vs= volume of  soil in core sampler (cm3)

Description of  the Machine and Design Considerations
Overall Structure of  the Machine
The developed Tractor drawn multi-crop planter consists 
of  the frame, seed hoppers, drive/ transport wheels, seed 
metering devices seed discharge tubes, furrow openers, 
and furrow covering devices. Tractor drawn multi crop 

planter was designed as a functional and experimental 
unit. The design of  machine components were based 
on the principles of  operations. It was compared with 
the conventional method, to give a correct shape of  the 
planter components. The mechanical design details were 
also given with due attention so that it gaves adequate 
functional strength for the design of  the machine. To 
achieve the best performance from the planter, the 
important factors were optimized by proper design 
and selection of  the components required to suit the 
requirements of  the crop needs and Figure 1 and Figure 
2 shows assembly parts and detail views of  the planter 
respectively. 1) Ground wheel (2) Hopper (3) Frame (4) 
Furrow covering (5) Tractor hitching position (6) Ground 
wheel shaft.

Figure 1: Assembly drawing of  the prototype planter.

Figure 2: Detail views (Top, front and side) of  the prototype planter

Working Principles of  the Machine
The seed metering mechanism of  the planter is a cup 
type vertical drive. As the tractor moved forward the 
seed-metering device is rotated by a chain-sprocket 
arrangement through drive wheels. One operator was 
required to operate the machine. Seed to seed spacing in 
the field is regulated by the rate of  rotation of  the seed-
metering plates. As the metering plate rotated i.e. the seed 

spacing of  crops were maintained by the planter drive 
wheel diameter and the size of  sprockets attached to the 
planter drive wheel and shaft of  the seed-metering plate 
and the teeth ratio was 2:1 drive to driven sprocket.

Design Considerations for the Machine
The following factors were considered in the design of  the 
planter, such as the physical properties of  the agricultural 



Pa
ge

 
33

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

material like length, width, thickness etc. which varies 
in shape, density and size. The ease of  fabrication of  
component parts, the safety of  the operator, Resistivity 
of  metering device to corrosion and, the operation of  the 
machine shall be simple for small scale or rural farmers. 
Availability of  the component parts shall also be available 
at the local market.

Performance Test and Evaluation
After development and assembly of  the prototype a 
preliminary test run was conducted to check that the 
machine is functionally acceptable or not . Fortunately, 
the planter had good stability in terms of  operation and 
performed for the intended job accordingly. Two sets of  
tests were performed; laboratory investigation to calibrate 
the machine in terms of  seed rate, seed damage, and seed 
spacing, and field test carried out to obtain actual overall 
performance of  the machine.

Laboratory Tests
Calibration of  the Machine
The multi-crop planter was calibrated in the laboratory 
to determine the seeding rate, and mechanical damage of  
crops for a particular area. The calibration of  the planter 
was conducted to test and adjust the planter to obtain 
desired plant population. The diameter of  the ground 
wheel was 72 cm. The nominal width of  the planter was 
calculated by:
W= n×RS                (8)
W= 4×0.7m=2.8 m
Where : 
W= width of  the implement
n= number of  furrow opener
RS= row spacing

Evaluation of  Seed Damage
Each of  the hoppers was loaded with 4 kg of  seeds 
and drive wheels were rotated 20 times with speed of  
corresponding to 1.6 m/s. A stop watch was used to 
measure the time taken to complete the revolutions. 
Paper bags were placed on each of  the seed tubes/
spouts to collect the seeds metered and discharged. The 
seeds collected in the paper bags at the end of  the 20th 
revolution of  the wheel were examined for any external 
damage or visible crack to establish the performance of  
the metering cups. Germination test, on randomly selected 
seed samples, were conducted at Fedis Agricultural 
Research Center laboratory to assess the level of  internal 
damage by the metering mechanism. Percentage external 
seed damage was determined by equation given below.
Md = (Stds/Sns) ×100               (9)
Where: 
Md = percentage damaged seed
Stds = total number of  damaged seeds (external)
Sns = total number of  seeds

Field Performance Evaluation
Evaluation of  Seed Spacing/Distribution
The prototype planter was evaluated in the field using 

seeds of  maize, common bean and sorghum at forward 
speeds of  2, 4 and 6 km/h.  At the end of  each test 
run, measurement of  successive seed spacing was made, 
seeds spacing were measured from the soil surface 
and preparation for the subsequent tests. Each test 
run was replicated three times over a distance of  2 m. 
Measurements made were used to calculate the mean 
seed spacing, seed miss index, seed multiple index, quality 
of  feed index and precision in spacing. Mean values and 
standard deviation of  seed spacing were determined to 
pattern and uniformity of  seed distribution in the rows 
(Kachman and Smith, 1995).
Theoretical spacing, xref, in the design of  wheels and 
metering devices was used as actual seed spacing and the 
measured and its mean values of  spacing were compared 
against the theoretical values.The observed spacing were 
classified into five divisions:-
Division I = 0 to 0.5 of  xref, this indicated multiple seeds 
dropped at the same spot or seed spacing less than or 
equal to half  of  the desired spacing.
Division II = 0.5 to 1.5 of  xref, this indicate single seed 
spacing close to the theoretical  seed spacing.
Division III =1.5 to 2.5 xref, these are single skips.
Division IV = 2.5 to 3.5 xref, these are double skips.
Division V = over 3.5 xref, these are triple skips etc.
Seed spacing accuracy estimation was based on the 
following parameters and equations (Kachman and 
Smith, 1995):

Missing Index (MISI)
 The missing index was estimated using distance measured 
between seeds dropped in the row and spaced at a 
distances greater than 1.5 times the theoretical (nominal) 
spacing and calculated using the equation below:
MISI (%) = (nIII+n(Iv)+nv/N)×100             (10)
Where:  
MISI = missing index
nIII, nIV, nV = the number of  spacing in division III, IV, 
and V
N = total number of  spacing

Multiples Index (MULI)
The multiple index was estimated by measuring the 
distance between consecutive seeds, the spacing less than 
or equal to half  of  the theoretical (nominal) spacing and 
calculated as follows:
MULI (%) =  (nI/N)×100                  (11)
Where: 
MULI = multiple index
nI = the number of  spacing in region I and
N = total number of  spacing

Quality of  Feed Index (QFI)
Quality of  feed index, as an indicator of  uniformity of  
seed distribution in the row, was estimated using the data 
obtained by measuring the consecutive distance between 
seeds in the row with spacing more than half  but no more 
than 1.5 times the theoretical spacing and calculated using 
the equation given below:



Pa
ge

 
34

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

QTF I (%) =  (nII/N)×100             (12)
Where:  
QTFI = quality of  feed index
nII = the number of  spacing in division II and
N = total number of  spacing

Precision Index (PREC)
Precision index is the coefficient of  variation of  the 
spacing between the nearest seeds in a row that were 
classified as singles after omitting the outliers consisting 
of  misses and multiples (Singh et al., 2005). Precision is 
similar to a coefficient of  variation for the spacing that 
are classified as singles (i.e. seeds in division II). The 
percentage precision in spacing was calculated as follows:
PREC (%) =  (SII/Xref  )×100            (13)
Where: 
PREC = precision
SII = the standard deviation of  the n observations in zone II
Xref  = the theoretical spacing.

Field Performance and Capacity
Field test was conducted on a soil prepared using disc 
plough and harrowed by disc harrow. The depth of  
planting was measured along the row at a distance of  
2m at three randomly selected locations/points. The 
Planter was operated without covering mechanism. Field 
capacity and efficiency were determined in accordance to 
the recommendation made by Kepner (1978) and using 
relevant parameters that included effective operating 
time, turning time and time losses due to obstructions on 
the field. A plot of  20 m by 30 m was used for each crop, 
on average, about nine passes with inter-row spacing of  
0.7 m was used to assess field capacity and field efficiency 
for both maize and sorghum. From the data gathered, 
working speed (km/h), effective field capacity (ha/h) and 
field efficiency (%) were estimated using   equations  104, 
105 and  106.

Field Capacity and Field Efficiency
When the implement has been satisfactorily set, each test 
plot should be completed without stopping unless this is 
necessary due to adjustments, breakdowns. Measurements 
are made of  draft, forward speed and wheels lip. Where 
applicable, width and depth of  work and total working 
area and time should be recorded.
The time lost in the field due to turning and other factors 
including failure to use the full width of  the implement 
will affect field efficiency (FAO, 1994). This is calculated 
as follows:

Field Capacity
Field capacity was determined using the following 
formula (Hunt, 1995)
Theoretical field capacity, Cth = (W×S/10), (ha/h)     (14)
Where: 
W = rated width of  the planter (m)
S = rated forward speed of  machine (km/h)
Effective field capacity, Ceff  = A/10,000T, (ha/h)       (15)
Where: 

T = total time for the planting operation, hr
A = total area planted, ha 
Field Efficiency
Field efficiency,(%) e =(Ceff/Cth )×100            (16)
Where :  
e= field efficiency
Cth= theoretical field capacity
Ceff  = effective field capacity

Wheel Slip
The wheel slip was calculated by recording total number 
of  revolutions at no load and total number of  revolutions 
at full load. Wheel slip represents a loss of  forward 
motion of  the implement and it represents the loss of  
power. Wheel slip for any given load is determined by the 
expression of  (Rangapara J., 2014).
Wheel slip=(mo-m1/mo) ×100            (17)
Where: 
mo = wheel revolution with no load
m1 = wheel revolution with load

Experimental Design
The experimental design was a split-plot design according 
to the principle of  factorial experiment with three 
replications. The three levels of  seed types was assigned to 
main plot,  and the three levels of  forward speed of  planter 
was assigned to sub plot, and each with three replications. 
The experiment design was laid as 32 with three replications 
and had total of  27 test runs (3x3 x3 = 27).

Statistical Analysis
The data were subjected to analysis of  variances following 
a procedure appropriate for the design of  the experiment 
and using SAS statistical software. The treatment means 
that were different at 5% levels of  significance were 
separated using least significant difference (LSD 5%) test. 
The least significant difference (LSD) test was performed 
for the mean values of  actual seed spacing, seed miss index, 
seed multiple index, quality of  feed index and precision 
spacing in relation to seed type, and forward speed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This study was undertaken to develop and the performance 
evaluation of  the planter capable of  planting maize, 
common bean and sorghum seeds at predetermined 
spacing and depths. Physical properties of  seeds involved 
in the study were investigated to optimize the design of  
the planter’s component parts. Performance indicators 
such as spacing indices that include seed multiple index 
(MULI), seed miss index (MISI), quality of  feed index 
(QTFI) and precision (PREC) in seed spacing were used 
to assesses performance of  the  planter. This section 
provides the physical properties of  the seeds, soil and the 
results of  the performance evaluation of  the machine.

Physical Properties of  Soil of  Experimental Site
Moisture Content and Bulk Density of  Soil
During conducting the experiments, the soil conditions 
of  the experimental field were studied and different 



Pa
ge

 
35

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

parameters were calculated (Table 1). Moisture content on 
dry basis of  soil was measured by oven dry method. Five 
soil samples were taken randomly at 5 different locations 
in the plot using core sampler of  8.0 cm diameter and 12 
cm height.
Moisture content at 5 different places was found to be 
17.43, 18.18, 17.8, 18 and 18% on wet basis. The average 
moisture content of  the experimental field was 17.88%. 
Bulk density of  soil was calculated from data obtained by 

core sampler. Bulk density of  soil was found to be 1.41, 
1.48,1.47, 1.48 and 1.48 gm/cm3, respectively (Table:3). 
Average value of  bulk density of  experimental plot was 
obtained 1.46gm/cm3

Physical Properties of  the Seeds
The varieties of  crops used in the study were Melkassa-2 
(maize), Awash 2 (common bean) and Melkem (sorghum). 
Table 2 gives the mean values and the standard deviations 

Table 1: Moisture content and bulk density of  soil
Observations Weight of  a soil(gm) Weight of  soil after 

oven dried(gm)
MC (%) Bulk Density (gm/cm3)
%Wb %Db 

1 875.25 712.05 17.43 21.1 1.41
2 892.26 730 18.18 22.2 1.48
3 886.2 728.5 17.8 21.65 1.47
4 890.32 729.5 18.0 22.04 1.48
5 892.2 731 18.0 22.05 1.48
Average 887.24 724.21 17.88 21.1 1.46
SD 9.08 8.26 0.23 0.81 0.31

Table 2: Physical properties of  maize, common bean and sorghum seeds
Physical properties Sample size Maize Common bean Sorghum Unit
Larger dia (x) 30 10.84±0.15 9.26±0.07 4.72±0.1 mm
Medium dia (y) 30 8.48±0.15 6.36±0.12 4. 27±0.18 mm
Smaller dia (z) 30 3.66±0.11 5.11±0.66 2.78±0.10 mm
Volume (V) 30 175.95±54.50 157.58±21.04 29.34±4.70 mm3

Geometric dia 30 6.95±0.46 6.70±0.29 3.83±0.16 mm
Sphericity 30 64.8± 7.14 72.4±2.87 81±2.8 %
Thousands seed weight 10 294±3.14 161±1.44 29±0.70 gm

of  Length, width, thickness, volume, geometric diameter, 
sphericity, and thousands seed weight.
The sphericity of  maize, common bean and sorghum were 
64.8, 72.4 and 81 %, respectively (Table 2), indicating that 
all seeds had more or less spherical shape. Hence, it was 
decided to have metering devices with cells of  circular 
shape with depths equal to the length or major diameters 
of  the seeds of  the crops. In general, the dimensions of  
metering device cells were dependent up on length or major 
diameter of  maize, common bean and sorghum seeds.

Field Performance Evaluation
Seed Spacing
The Seed Missing Index
The analysis of  variance (ANOVA) revealed that the 
planter forward speed and the interaction of  planter 
forward speed with seed type had significant effect (p < 
0.05) on seed missing index. Table 3 show the effect of  
speed of  operation, seed type and the combined effect of  
speed on mean percent of  seed miss index.
Operational speed had significant effect on percent of  

Table 3: Effects of  planter operating speed on missing index (MISI)
Parameter Source of  variation Measure of  differences

Speed level (km/hr) Crop type LSD (5%) SE
Maize Common bean Sorghum

Missing (%) 2 5.87a 2.70a 5.59ab 3.06 0.99
4 6.33bc 6.00b 5.10ab

6 10.77d 9.00cd 7.00bc

Means followed by the same letter (or letters) do not have significant difference at 5% level of  probability

missing index at p < 0.05. However, the level of  effect 
varied with crop type. Increasing speed of  operation 

from 2 km/hr. to 4km/hr. had no a significant   effect on 
the percent missing index on both maize and sorghum 



Pa
ge

 
36

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

crops, while the effect of  increasing operational speed 
from 2 km/hr to 6 km/hr  for  common beans and maize 
had significant effect while  for sorghum did not show 
statistically significant effect  on percent missing index 
(Table 3). In general, increase in operational speed tended 
to increases percent missing index when planting both 
maize and common bean, while did not show significant 
effect on sorghum seed using the planter. The highest 
percent seed missing index of  10.77, 9.00, and 7.00% were 
recorded with maize, common bean and sorghum seeds, 
respectively, at the planter forward speed of  6 km/hr, 
whereas the lowest percent seed missing index of  5.87, 2.70 
and 5.10% were obtained from maize, common bean and 

sorghum seeds, respectively, at the operational speed of  2 
km/hr for maize and common bean ,while at 4km/hr for 
sorghum crop. This clearly indicated that forward speeds 
greater than 5 km/hr would result in percent missing index 
of  approximately equal to ten and above  for maize which 
exceeds the acceptable level of  percent missing index 
(Chhinnan/ et al., (1975) and Karayel and Ozmerzi, 2001).

The Seed Multiple Index 
The highest percent seed multiple index occurred at 
operational speed of  6 km/hr for maize, common bean 
and sorghum. The lowest values, of  the same, were 
recorded at operational speed of  2 km/h. The planter 

Table 4: Effects of  operational speed on multiple index (MULI, %)
Parameter Source of  variation Measure of  differences

Speed level (km/hr) Crop type LSD (5%) SE
Maize Common bean Sorghum

Missing (%) 2 9.6a 8.3a 13.0ab 10.02 5.44
4 11.7ab 12.67ab 13.93ab

6 15.37ab 21.1b 18.2ab

operating speed and the percentage seed multiple index 
are directly related as that of  the percent seed missing 
index (from the following results or Table 4).

The Quality of  Seed Feed Index
Appendix Table A3 shows the results of  statistical 
analysis on the effects of  operational speed of  the planter, 
and seed type on the quality of  seed feed index. The 
analysis of  variance (ANOVA) revealed that , seed type 
had significant effect (p <0.05) on quality of  feed index 
whereas planter forward speed  and the interaction of  
planter forward speed  and seed type  had no significant 
effect (p > 0.05) on quality of  feed index. Table 5 shows 
the effects of  operational speed of  the planter and seed 
type on percent of  quality of  seed feed index. Figure 17 
shows the relation between planter linear speed and seed 
type and percent of  quality of  seed feed index. The forward 
speed of  the planting machine had significant effect on the 

percent quality of  seed feed index at the planter speed of  6 
km/hr regardless of  the type of  seeds used.
The percent quality of  seed feed index decreased with 
increasing planter forward speed for all types of  seeds 
used in the study. However, the lowest reduction in 
percent quality of  seed feed index was observed for 
Sorghum seeds. The highest percent quality of  seed feed 
index of  75.33, 71.67, and 68.87% were observed for 
maize, common bean and sorghum, respectively, when 
the planter was operated at forward speed of  2 km/hr. 
The lowest percent quality of  seed feed index of  62.33, 
63.00 and 59.94 were observed with maize, common 
bean and sorghum, respectively; when the planter was 
operated at speed of  6 km/hr. From results in Table 5, it 
could be concluded that the planter at speeds greater than 
or equal to 6 km/hr would reduce the plant population/ 
ha, hence could lead to reduction in yield at the end of  
the day (Karayel, 2009).

Table 5: Effects of  operating speed, on quality of  feed index (QTFI, %)
Parameter Source of  variation Measure of  differences

Speed level (km/hr) Crop type LSD (5%) SE
Maize Common bean Sorghum

QTFI (%) 2 75.33a 71.67a 68.87a 6.17 3.27
4 72.87a 69.33a 66.87a

6 62.33b 63.00b 59.94b

Precision Index
Table 6 show the effects of  operational speed of  the 
planter and seed type on mean percent seed precision 
index.  The results indicated that seed type had significant 
effect on the percent seed precision index; means that 
variation, in seed spacing within a row, increased as 
planter linear forward speed increased for maize, i.e. as 
the speed of  operation is increased, one should expect 

high variability in seed spacing, which is not a desired 
trait. But for both common bean and sorghum does not 
show direct relation. The combined effect of  seed type 
and forward speed of  the planter, on the percent seed 
precision index, was significantly difference at the planter 
forward speed of  6 km/hr.
The percent seed precision index, at the planter linear 
operating speeds of  2, 4 and 6 km/hr. were 1.77, 3.04 



Pa
ge

 
37

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

Table 6: Effects of  operating speed, on seed precision index (%)
Parameter Source of  variation Measure of  differences

Speed level (km/hr) Crop type LSD (5%) SE
Maize Common bean Sorghum

PRCE (%) 2 1.77a 7.54e 5.51cde 2.09 1.44

and 3.60; 7.54, 4.97 and 5.74; and 5.51, 4.25 and 5.45% 
for maize, common bean and sorghum, respectively. This 
particular result clearly indicated that planter forward 
speed greater than 6 km/hr would result in seed spacing 
variations of  over 3.60%, for maize and  the variations 
for sorghum and common bean were greater than 5 % 
at planter speed of  6 km/hr. However, a practical upper 
limit for precision is 29%. Lower values for the precision 
indicate better performance compared to higher values 
(Kachman and Smith, 1995)and Table 7 below shows 
planter performance indicators.
The mean field capacity and efficiency of  the planter 
were 0.59 ha/hr. (1.73 hr. /ha) and 75.87 %, respectively. 
This shows that the planter can plant a hectare of  land 
in slightly in less than two working hours. In another 
words, the planter can best suit majority of  the Ethiopian 
farmers who have opportunity to use  the tractor. The 
field efficiency of  the planter, as recommended by Kepner 
et al. (1978) is within the acceptable level. The mean depth 
of  planting was 5.95 cm with coefficient of  variation of  

0.128 (12.8%).The time taken to finish one hectare of  
land was 1:55 hr. that means by taking 8 hr. working hour 
per day, the farmer can plant about 5.16 hectare of  land in 
one day by using this planter.  Table  7 result the proposed 
plant spacing was 20 cm-25cm and the maximum result 
obtained from the experiments was 22.91 cm from Maize 
so it is good in terms of  plant spacing which was with the 
proposed range. This depth of  planting was greater than 
the desired depth of  planting of  5 cm as recommended 
for Maize by agronomists. Nonetheless, the deviation and 
the variability being too small and with acceptable range, 
also, it can be adjusted to the desired depth of  planting.
The stand count made after 15 days of  planting gave mean 
number of  plants of  7.87,12 and 16 plants within rows 
of  2 m length for maize, common beans, and sorghum, 
respectively. The design or desired number of  plants, 
within a row of  2 m long, for maize, common bean and 
sorghum were 8, 13 and 10, respectively. Hence the planter 
reasonably satisfied the requirement for the establishment 
of  optimum plant population for all seed types.

Table 7: Field performance indicators of  the planter
Crop types Field 

length(m)  
Width  
Field (m)

Time taken 
(min)

Time lost 
(min)  

Theoretical 
field capacity 
(ha hr-1 )

Effective 
Field capacity 
(ha hr-1)

Field 
efficiency 
(%)  

Maize 30 20  4.09 1.5  0.84 0.65 77.3
Common bean 30 20 5.52 2.15 0.64 0.46 71.8
Sorghum 30 20 4.23 1.23 0.84 0.66 78.5
Mean 30 20 4.61 1.63 0.77 0.59 75.87

CONCLUSION
This work focused on the development and performance 
evaluation of  a tractor drawn multi-crop planting machine 
that easy to use, easy to maintain, requires less labour and 
costs. From the developed and results values obtained in the 
study; it has been found that the developed planter gives:

• The planter works effectively in planting maize, 
common bean and sorghum at a given study area. 

• A significant field capacity was obtained by using the 
developed machine when compared to manual planting 
methods.

• This shows that the planter can plant a hectare of  
land in slightly in less than two working hours.

• Therefore, the planter can best suit majority of  the 
Ethiopian farmers who have opportunity to use the 
tractor.

• Hence, one can note that the time requirement 
per hectare is reduced by 1/16 amount and labour 
requirement reduced by the same amount by using this 
planter, when compared to manual planting.

• However, the speed of  the planter should be limited to 
less than 6 km/hr in order not to seriously and negatively 
affect the percentage of  recommended plant population 
of  experimental crops.

REFERENCES
Chhinnan, M. S. Young, J. H. and Rohrbach, R.P. 

1975. Accuracy of  seed spacing in peanut planting. 
Transactions of  the ASAE, 18(1), 828-831.

El-Raie, A.E., Hendawy, N.A. and Taib, A.Z. (1996). 
Study of  physical and engineering properties for 
some agricultural products. Misr. Journal of  Agricultural 
Engineering 13(1), 211-226.

FAO. (1994). Testing and evaluation of  agricultural 
machinery and equipment: Principles and practices.

Jayan, P. R. and Kumar, V. J. F. (2004). Planter design in 
relation to the physical properties of  seeds. Journal of  
Tropical Agriculture, 42, 69-71.

Jouki, M. and Khazaei, N. (2012). Some physical 
properties of  rice seed (Oryza sativa). Research journal 



Pa
ge

 
38

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(3) 30-38, 2023

of  applied sciences, engineering and technology, 4(13), 1846-
1849.

Kachman, S. D. & Smith, J. A., (1995). Alternative 
measures of  accuracy in plant spacing for planters 
using single seed metering. Transaction of  the ASAE, 
38(2), 379–387.

Karayel, D. (2009). Performance of  a modified precision 
vacuum seeder for no-till sowing of  maize and 
soybean. Soil & Tillage Research, 104, 121–125

Karayel, D. and Ozmerzi, A., (2002). Effect of  tillage 
methods on sowing uniformity of  maize. Canadian 
Biosystems Engineering, 44(2), 23-26.

Karayel, D., Wiesehoff, M., Ozmerzi, A. and Muller, J. 
(2005). Laboratory measurement of  seed drill seed 
spacing and velocity of  fall of  seeds using high-speed 
camera systems. Computer and Electronics in Agriculture, 
50(2), 89–96.

Kepner, R. A., Bainer, R., Barger, E. L. (1978). Principles 
of  Farm Machinery, 3rd edition. Inc. AVI Publishing 

Company, Westport, USA.
Khurmi, R. S. and Gupta, J. K. (2005). A Textbook of  

Machine Design. Eurasia Publishing House (Pvt.) Ltd., 
Ram Nagar, New Delhi, India.

Kipchumba M. A. (2015). Design, Operation and 
calibration of  a standard seed drill. Jomo Kenyatta 
University of  Agriculture and Technology. Agricultural 
machinery conference 75 paper.

Kumar, A., S. C. Moses, and K. Khan. (2015). A survey 
on the design, fabrication and utilization of  different 
types of  foods and vegetables dryer. IOSR Journal of  
Agricultural and Veterinary Science I, 8(4), 2319–2372

Rangapara, D. & Jaimin, P. (2014). Performance 
Evaluation of  Manually Operated Single Row Cotton 
Planter. International Journal of  Engineering Sciences and 
Research Technology, 3(9) 40-44.

Soyoye, B. O., O. C. Ademosun, and E. O. Olu-Ojo. 
(2016). Manually operated vertical seed-plate maize 
planter. CIGR Journal, 18(4), 70-80.


