Seed Orienting Device for a Row Crop Planter

BACKGROUND

Past research has indicated that the leaf orientation in maize can increase grain yield. Leaves that are symmetrically oriented across the row increase the light interception, optimize plant populations for the environment, and increase maize grain yields. Many spatial seed placements have been evaluated for leaf orientation. It was found that a random placement of maize seeds results in a random orientation of maize leaves, lowering emergence rates. Seeds that were planted flat with the cotyledon up resulted in homogenous and faster emergence, with maize leaves being aligned across the entire row. These results were also found with maize seeds planted parallel to the row with the radical down. A device that could systematically orient seeds could increase grain yield while reducing seed rates in lower yielding environments.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed a device that orients seeds by pushing the seed out with a rotational orienting disk. This device mounts between the opener disks of a conventional row crop planter and is driven at a speed proportional to the planting seed. The device cartridge has an orienting disk with protruding fingers to push the seed. By angling these protrusions, the seed can be properly oriented to promote optimal leaf orientation. The seed will also pass through several pressure plates that flex to accommodate different shapes and sizes of seed. Lastly, plungers operate within a cam track that extends to expel the seed. This device promotes an increase in grain yield by properly orienting seeds in a manner that results in faster emergence and maize leaves that are symmetrically oriented across the row.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Farms that utilize row crop planters.
• Companies that develop seed planters.
• Precision Agriculture/Crop Science Research.

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Adaptable: This device can be bolted on to existing planters easily.
• Customizable: Rotational speed and angle of protruding fingers can be optimized for seed orientation.
• Future-Ready: Future adaptations could see seed actively transitioned from the metering system.