Ogini Franklin Uzoma, Abdulgafar Rasheed Kamal, Ogunjirin Olusola Adetola, Adamade Christiana Alami, Tsee Andrew Ternenge, Okoro Uchenna Peter, Adeyi Abdulrasaq Mashood and Willoughby Fouad Ayinde
Farm Power and Machinery Department, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Kwara State
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14628300
ABSTRACT
This study details the performance evaluation of a motorized two-row multiseed grain walking planter intended for small-scale farmers. The planter maximizes crop yields, minimizes labour demands, and improves field efficiency. Results obtained from field test revealed that the seed planter recorded mean theoretical field capacity value of 0.2683 ha/h, mean effective field capacity value of 0.2447 ha/h, mean field efficiency value of 90.80%, mean intra-row spacing distance of 334.04 mm and fuel consumption value of 2.43 l/ha. More so, the theoretical field capacity values obtained ranged from 0.1949 to 0.3228 ha/h , effective field capacity values obtained ranged from 0.1727 to 0.3024 ha/h; field efficiency values obtained ranged from 88.62 to 93.67%; intra-row spacing distance values obtained ranged from 333 mm to 334.91 mm; and fuel consumption values obtained ranged from 1.95 l/ha to 2.98l/ha. The planter’s forward speed have a positive correlation with theoretical field capacity, effective field capacity, field efficiency, inter-row spacing and fuel consumption, hence improving agricultural productivity and efficiency. This study advances the creation of efficient agricultural technology, catering for small-scale farmers’s requirements and enhancing food security. it was recommended that future research should focus on improving the seed planter’s mobility and integrating advanced technologies.