Distribution of Maize Seed in a Seeding Line Prototype Using Microcontrolled Data Acquisition Systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The aim of this study was evaluate the longitudinal distribution of maize seeds using a seeding line prototype, whit a microcontroller data acquisition system, at different speeds and types of horizontal feeder discs. Initially it was constructed a prototype simulator of seeding line, in the laboratory, and mounted two systems of microcontroller data acquisitions with infrared sensors for maize seeds counting. A test was conducted in a completely randomized design in split plots with factorial scheme of treatments 5 x 2 x 2, being the parcel two types of microcontroller data acquisition systems (infrared sensors in parallel and an diffuse infrared sensor), the factors were two feeder discs of maize seeds (inclined and normal) and five sowing speeds (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 8.0 km h -1 ), with three replications, totaling 60 plots. The results showed that the data acquisition systems presented efficiency higher than 93% in the perception of the seeds. The lower speeds provided a seed distribution closer to the desired. The spacing average error between seed with the microcontroller data acquisition system with diffuse sensor was 0.0206 meters and the system with infrared sensors in parallel was 0.0158 meters.