Development and Evaluation of a Microcontroller-Based Precision Cotton Planter for Improved Seed Spacing and Metering Performance

Abstract

Precision planting plays a vital role in improving crop establishment and optimizing input utilization in modern agriculture. The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a microcontroller-based electronic control unit (ECU) integrated with a cotton seed planter to achieve accurate seed placement. The system utilizes a DC tachogenerator to sense tractor forward speed and a pulse width modulation (PWM)-controlled DC motor to regulate the seed metering mechanism. Laboratory evaluation was conducted using a sticky belt test setup at different forward speeds (1.5–3.0 km h⁻¹) and time delays (0.5–2.0 s). The results indicated that seed spacing increased with both forward speed and time delay, with optimum spacing close to the theoretical value achieved at 1.5 s delay and 1.5 km h⁻¹, and 1.0 s delay and 2.0 km h⁻¹. The quality of feed index (QFI) reached 100% at a time delay of 1.0 s across all forward speeds (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 km h⁻¹), and also at 1.5 s and 2.0 s delays for forward speeds up to 2.5 km h⁻¹. However, QFI decreased at higher forward speed (3.0 km h⁻¹) for longer delays (1.5–2.0 s), indicating sensitivity to operating conditions. The developed system demonstrated improved precision in seed placement, reduced mechanical losses, and enhanced operational efficiency compared to conventional planters. This study highlights the potential of electronic control systems in advancing precision agriculture for small and marginal farmers.