Maize Sowing Speeds and Seed-Metering Mechanisms

Abstract

The intensifying use of machines in agriculture to increase operational capacity requires investments in more powerful and automated machines capable of working at higher speeds to meet the demands of agricultural activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sowing quality of a second crop maize using a pneumatic sowing machine equipped with two seed-metering devices at different displacement speeds. The statistical design was a randomized block design arranged in 6 × 2 factorial, with 4 replications, totaling 48 experimental plots. Where it was tested two seed-metering mechanisms from different manufacturers denominated A and B, and 6 displacement speeds of approximately 2.0; 4.7; 6.5; 9.1; 10.3 and 12.3 km h-1. The seed-metering mechanisms were compared by mean test while displacement speeds were compared by regression plots. The initial and final plant populations, seed depth, seedling longitudinal distribution (normal, faulty and double spacing) and grain yield were also evaluated. Displacement speed and seed-metering devices showed significant interaction only for the percentages of normal, faulty, and double spacings. The initial and final population presented an isolated effect for both the seed-metering devices and velocities. The seed depth showed an isolated velocity effect. The grain yield showed a significant isolated effect from the analyzed seed-metering devices. The seed-metering device B operating at lower speeds had better performance in the sowing process.