Design and testing of a metering system for fodder seed treatment

Abstract

Quality of fodder seeds can be maintained by seed treatment for better production and productivity. It refers to the application of specific physical, chemical, or biological agents to the seed prior to sowing in order to suppress, control, or repel pathogens, insects, and other pests that attack seeds, seedlings, or plants. In this study, the efficient seed and chemical metering system for fodder seed treatment was designed which can be used in different seed coating/treatment machine. Seed metering mechanism was calibrated mechanically and manually at four positions (Full, 3/4th, Half, and 1/4th openings). For manual calibration, it was observed between 0.19 kg/s to 1.08 kg/s for Berseem seeds and 0.15 kg/s to 1.00 kg/s for Cowpea seeds. For mechanical calibration, it was observed between 0.24 kg/s to 1.17 kg/s for Berseem seeds and 0.11 kg/s to 1.04 kg/s for Cowpea seeds. Designed system is useful in developing high capacity, efficient and cost effective seed treaters for treatment/coating of fodder seeds as well as other crop seeds.