Modeling and optimization of a no-till direct seeding machine

In direct seeding systems, soil strength variability and crop residues increase the difficulty of seeding operation. Especially when trying to achieve uniform seeding depth that will result in reliable seed germination and plant emergence. An advanced improvement has been accomplished using direct seeding systems. However, some problems still exist in soil-machine interaction due to various reasons, such as high machine speeds, furrow-opener design, soil undulations, soil compaction, etc. These problems, in terms of seeding depth, occur mainly due to extreme machine dynamics and hard soil conditions. In order to assess seeding machines working quality it is necessary to identify the effect of compacted-soil undulations, soil reaction forces and high operating speed on machine dynamics. In the present paper, the vertical forces of a coulter aggregate and the surface profile were acquired to describe machine dynamics. Furthermore, the displacements of the coulter arm were also recorded to assess seeding depth variation.