Mathematical models for selection of helical fertilizer metering mechanism with different fertilizer discharge

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a tool capable of expressing mathematically the rate of fertilizer application depending on the type of distributor, longitudinal slope, cross slope and driving speed of distributor. Three helical distributors with gravity discharge, transverse discharge through overflow and side discharge through overflow were used. The central composite rotational design with three independent variables was adopted. From the adjusted models it was found that the discharge devices have different implications for the effects of longitudinal and transversal slopes of operation. The distributor with gravity discharge showed greater sensitivity to the effects of slopes and the distributor side discharge through overflow showed lower sensitivity. Regression analysis showed that all models were significant, and found low relative and absolute errors of the data predicted by the models.