Precision sowing of vegetable seeds using electrically operated distribution devices

Abstract

The high efficiency of vegetable crops is influenced, in addition to soil preparation works, weed, diseases and pests control, irrigation, etc. by precision sowing, which involves placing a certain number of seeds at an exact depth and distance. Thus, cost savings, a high reliability of production and especially a greater uniformity of crops are achieved, most often uniform and quality productions being obtained. For vegetable species in the case of which harvesting is practiced only once, uniformity of seed distribution is particularly important. In most cases, vegetable seeds have small size, irregular shape and small mass. These characteristics make the development of precision seeders for this type of seed quite difficult. Precision sowing of vegetable seeds ensures a correct sowing rate, which implies an optimal space for plant growth and development, thus improving crop yields. The paper presents a summary of the current state of precision seeders equipped with electrically operated distributors for vegetable seeds, as well as the preliminary results of research conducted by authors in this field.