Integrated Microcontroller-Based Control Systems for Precision Seed Metering Applications
G. Sindhuja *
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, ANGRAU, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, 522101, India.
A. Ashok Kumar
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, ANGRAU, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, 522101, India.
A. Srinivasa Rao
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, ANGRAU, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, 522101, India.
Ch. Someswara Rao
Department of Food Processing and Technology, Dr. NTR College of Food Science and Technology, ANGRAU, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, 522101, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Uniform seed placement is essential for improving crop establishment and yield; however, conventional seed metering systems often suffer from slippage and poor synchronisation. In this study, a microcontroller-based Electronic Control Unit (ECU) was developed and integrated with a roto-planter to achieve precise control of seed metering using a PWM-controlled DC motor. The system was evaluated under laboratory conditions using a sticky belt test setup at forward speeds of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 km h⁻¹ with delay times of 0–3 s, followed by field testing at 2.0 km h⁻¹ using a paddy crop. Laboratory evaluation showed that seed spacing increased with delay time, and optimal performance was achieved at 3 s delay with zero missing index, zero multiple index and 100% quality of feed index. Field evaluation resulted in an average seed spacing of 19.50 ± 0.5 cm, closely matching the recommended 20 cm spacing for paddy. The developed system effectively improved seed spacing uniformity and eliminated mechanical transmission limitations, demonstrating its suitability for precision planting applications.
Keywords: Precision planting, electronic control unit (ECU), seed metering system, PWM control, seed spacing uniformity, mechatronic system, roto-planter, variable delay control