Evaluation of seed distribution uniformity of a groove roller using image processing in MATLAB software

Grain drills are the most common planting machines around the world. In this study, the effect of hopper gate opening was evaluated on a grain drill unit attached to a grease belt test stand at five levels and fluted wheel length at two levels on the bandwidth. Lateral, longitudinal and central uniformity parameters of seed distribution at four levels of sowing rates (120, 150, 180 and 210 kg per hectare) were also evaluated. Sowing rates and parameters were conducted separately in completely randomized designs and the data were analyzed based on 5 × 2 factorial treatments. The measurements of seed distribution uniformity were done using image processing technique. The highest coefficient of variation of bandwidth data occurred at 120 and 150 kg per hectare and their values were 42.81%, 33.19%, respectively. Comparison of treatment means showed no significant differences at 1% probability level for the interaction effect of groove length × tank gate opening for this parameter and lateral uniformity parameter in any of the tank gate opening and groove length levels. Comparison of treatment means indicated favorable results for longitudinal uniformity in all sowing rates, except for 120 kg, two levels of groove of seed distributors. Comparison of treatment means of groove length × tank gate opening interaction for central uniformity at 120 and 210 kg per hectare revealed significant differences at 5% probability level.