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Design and Modification of a Semi-Automatic Single-Row 

Sugarcane Planter

Rex O. Yadao1, Rossana Marie C. Amongo2, Delfin C. Suministrado,2 and Engelbert K. Peralta3

 ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to develop, modify and evaluate a single-row sugarcane mechanical planter with a metering device. The effects of hopper load (1/3, 2/3 and full) and tractor speed (2 kph, 2.4 kph, and 2.8 kph) on the machine’s  distance between billets and field efficiency were analysed using 32 full factorial design and Design Expert 8. Optimization using ANOVA, Response Surface Method and Response Surface Regression was also done. Two settings were considered: 10-tooth and 15-tooth idler sprockets to deliver six to eight billets and four billets per linear meter, respectively. A total of 54 runs with three replications for each setting were undertaken.

 Results showed that the average distance between billets for the 10-tooth and 15-tooth idler sprocket setting were 11.92 mm and 14.22 mm with field efficiency of 59.74% and 59.59%, respectively.  Higher field efficiency was obtained at slower speed and decreases at faster speed. The effect of tractor speed on the distance between billets and field efficiency was highly significant at 99% confidence level. The effect of hopper load was not significant on the distance between billets but significant on field efficiency at 90% level of confidence. The optimum operating conditions for both settings were achieved at 2 kph with full hopper load.

 The production cost of the machine was Php 56,574.90 covering materials, labor, and contingency costs excluding mark-up and profit. The benefits of the developed planter include labor reduction to operate the machine, distance between billets and increase in field capacity thereby increasing income of the stakeholders.

Keywords: Sugarcane, sugarcane planter, semi-automatic sugarcane planter

Citation:

Yadao, R.O., Amongo, R.M.C., Suministrado, D.C., and Peralta, E.K. (2015). Design and Modification of a Semi-Automatic Single-Row Sugarcane Planter.  Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 11:49-66.