Design optimization and experiment of corn U-shaped fertilization device

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Traditional corn fertilization methods suffer from low fertilizer utilization rates, imprecise application ratios, and inefficient late-stage topdressing.
• Existing fertilization techniques often fail to optimize nutrient distribution around the seed, limiting root growth and overall crop performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a U-shaped fertilization device for precise, stratified application of different fertilizer types around corn seeds.
• To optimize the device's structural parameters for uniform fertilizer distribution and improved agronomic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis and calculation were used to determine the device's structural parameters.
• Simulated soil tank tests with quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination design identified optimal operating parameters (stirring speed, tube bending angle, operating speed).
• Bench verification and field experiments were conducted to validate the device's performance and agronomic impact.

Main Results:

• Optimized parameters (300 r/min stirring speed, 165° tube bending angle, 3 km/h operating speed) ensured uniform fertilizer stirring and distribution.
• The device achieved a 1:1:1 fertilization ratio with low variation coefficients (<0.1% and <0.4%).
• Field experiments showed U-shaped fertilization increased corn root count (5-6), root length (30-40 mm), and yield (9.9-14.8%) compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The designed U-shaped fertilization device effectively achieves precise, stratified fertilizer application around corn seeds.
• Optimized device operation significantly improves fertilizer distribution uniformity and agronomic efficiency.
• This innovative fertilization strategy offers a substantial improvement in corn cultivation, leading to enhanced root system development and increased crop yield.