Models for predicting the performance of fertilizer metering in seed cum fertilizer drill

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish mathematical models that predict the performance of helical fertilizer metering according to the longitudinal and transverse inclinations, angular speed, and helical pitch. Laboratory tests were carried out with helical meterings with lateral and longitudinal discharge through overflow and with two helicoids, working at an angular speed of 16 and 46 rpm at the following longitudinal inclination angles: -20, -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, +15, and +20° and on the transverse axis: -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, and +15°. It was found that the variation of the transverse inclination has little effect on the dosage. When using fertilizer metering with a helicoid, the higher the longitudinal inclination, the greater the dosage in a linear manner, while the meterings with two helicoids provided less oscillation of the dosages according to the inclinations.