Design and development of a sweet sorghum seeder with fertilizer applicator / Anthony C. Nicdao ; Arsenio N. Resurreccion, chair, advisory committee.

Date

4-2011

Abstract

This study was conducted to design and develop a sweet sorghum seeder with fertlizer applicator. The performance of the seed metering plate was evaluated in terms of travel speed (S), hopper inclination (I), and hopper capacity (H). The fertilizer metering device was evaluated in terms of speed (S), hopper regulator opening (O), and hopper capacity (H). The combinations that gave the ideal discharge and less broken seeds were treatments. S1xI2xH4 (2 kph, 25° inclination, and 1/8 kg hopper capacity) for 10-hole; S1xI3xH2 (2 kph, 45° inclination, and 1/2 kg hopper capacity) for 14-hole; and S1xI3xH3 (2 kph, 45° inclination, and 1/4 kg hopper capacity) for 20-hole metering plates. The results revealed that S1 (2 kph) gave the most appropriate speed for 10-hole, 14-hole, and 20-hole metering plates. The results revealed that S1 (2 kph) gave the most appropriate speed for 10-hole, 14-hole, and 20-hole metering plates with the least broken seeds among the treatments. Seed spacing uniformity had a standard deviation of 2.42 cm and coefficient of variation of 21.91%. The field capacity of the seeder was 0.143 ha/h and efficiency of 83.14%. The cost of fabricating the machine was Php16,323.00. Results of the investment analysis showed a break even point of 12.52 operating days and internal rate of return of 40.28%. Result of the farmers' assessment on the overall performance of the sweet sorghum seeder with fertilizer applicator categorized the machine as good technology in terms of relative advantage of the seeder, the machine superiority against manual method; ease of constructing the different parts of the machine; compatibility of the machine with the standards, experiences, and ability of the farmers to operate; simplicity of operation of the seeder, and sustainability of the machine to the local bio-physical conditions of the farm.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arsenio N. Resurreccion

Committee Member

Delfin C. Suministrado, Jessie C. Elauria, Pepito M. Bato

Language

English

LC Subject

Sorghum, Agricultural machinery, Agricultural engineering Agricultural Machinery Division

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 2011 A2 N53

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