Testing of an opto-electronic sensor for the high throughput measurement of seed special distributions

J. CORONEL; L. ORNELLA; P. BULACIO; G. NARDÓN; E. TAPIA

LATIN AMERICAN APPLIED RESEARCH

PLAPIQUI(UNS-CONICET)

Año: 2010

0327-0793

 We present testing results of an intel-ligent opto-electronic seed sensor system allowing the high throughput measurement of seed spatial distri-butions. With this aim, we evaluate the correlation between actual and sensor estimated distances be-tween seeds. The tests take into account two impor-tant features in farming  performance: the planter speed and the sensor-soil distance. While the former one determines the man-hours required, the later one determines the feasibility of sensor mounting and its useful life. Results show that precise meas-urements can be obtained with the proposed sensor at typical planter speeds, even with the sensor on top of the drop tube.