Optimal Design and Experiment of Corn-Overlapped Strip Fertilizer Spreader

Abstract

As the complex terrain in hilly areas is not conducive to corn mid-tillage precision fertilization, a corn-overlapped strip fertilizer spreader was designed without an external power source. By configuring a passive overlapping spreading method with a three-branch split chamber structure, the uniform spreading of fertilizer in strips was achieved. A horizontal and vertical movement model of fertilizer spreading was developed to determine the angle of the fertilizer extending tube, the width of fattening small plates, and the height of the fertilizer spread as the main factors affecting the fertilizer distribution pattern. The single-factor ternary orthogonal rotational combination response surface simulation test was carried out with pendulum angle, width, and height as test factors and the transversal fertilizer uniformity coefficient and longitudinal fertilizer uniformity coefficient as test indicators. The test results showed that the pendulum angle, height, and width had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the transversal fertilizer uniformity coefficient, and the pendulum angle and width had a considerable impact (p < 0.05) on the longitudinal fertilizer uniformity coefficient. In the optimal combination of parameters, swing angle 52°, height 400 mm, and width 50 mm operation, the coefficients of uniformity of both the transversal fertilizer uniformity coefficient and longitudinal fertilizer uniformity coefficient were less than 0.15%. A verification test was carried out under the optimal combination of parameters for the simulation tests with the simulation conditions as the standard. The test results were consistent with the simulation results within the error range. The deviation values of the transversal fertilizer uniformity coefficient and longitudinal fertilizer uniformity coefficient were 8.11% and 9.01%, respectively. The corn-overlapped strip fertilizer spreader was able to complete the fertilizer spreading operation smoothly. This study provides evidence for further optimizing the performance of the corn mid-tillage fertilizer applicator.

Theoretical and Experimental Verification of the Physical–Mechanical Properties of Organic Bone Meal Granular Fertilizers

“…They reported that a relative error of 10.66% was obtained concerning the simulation results, thus confirming the accuracy of the model. Other researchers report that the experimental results were within the error range of the simulation results, with deviation values of 8.11% and 9.01% for the transverse and longitudinal fertilizer uniformity coefficients, respectively [22].…”

Research Progress Regarding the Precision of Dosing and Distribution Devices for Fertilizers

“…Dun Guoqiang et al [34] enhanced the design of a staggered gear fertilizer discharger based on spur-tooth fertilizer discharge gears, illustrated in Figure 21. Based on theoretical analysis of the fertilizer discharge amount, they utilized the discrete element In addition, in order to make breakthroughs in the precise fertilizer discharge dosing from the groove wheel fertilizer discharger, Chinese researchers initiated studies on new designs for groove wheel fertilizer dischargers.…”

“…Dun Guoqiang et al [34] enhanced the design of a staggered gear fertilizer discharger based on spur-tooth fertilizer discharge gears, illustrated in Figure 21. Based on theoretical analysis of the fertilizer discharge amount, they utilized the discrete element analysis method to simulate the discharge process of urea granules.…”

Design and Optimization of Sugarcane Spiral Fertilizer Applicator Based on Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks

“…We considered the uniformity of the fertilizer discharge as the primary outcome measure. To capture a comprehensive spectrum of outcomes, five distinct levels for each parameter were established based on the calculated ranges of these crucial components [35]. In the single-factor experiment, one factor varied within its five-level range, while the remaining two elements remained unchanged at their respective intermediate values.…”

“…Yang et al [14] analyzed the impact of different parameters of the fertilizer discharge outlet in a spiral fertilizer discharger on its fertilizer discharge performance using the discrete element method and bench experiments. To achieve precise fertilizer discharge and enhance discharge uniformity, Dun et al [15] researched the movement patterns of fertilizers and the underlying mechanics during release. They optimized the traditional fertilizer discharger structure and performed simulation experiments using EDEM.…”