Evaluation of a seed drill for barley and vetch sowing as a function of varying seeding ratios

Arzu Yazgi ¹, Tuncay Gunhan ¹, Behcet Kir ²

⁰Agricultural Engineering and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.

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February 24, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study shows a seed drill effectively plants barley and vetch mixtures. Optimal ratios enhance crop yield and quality, demonstrating the drill

Area Of Science

Agricultural Engineering
Agronomy
Crop Science

Background

Optimizing seed mixtures is crucial for maximizing crop yield and quality.
Understanding the performance of seeding equipment for diverse crop combinations is essential for efficient agricultural practices.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate a seed drill's performance for seeding barley and vetch mixtures at various ratios.
To determine the impact of different barley:vetch ratios on plant emergence, yield, and feed quality.

Main Methods

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted using pure barley, common vetch, and mixtures (100:0, 0:100, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75).
Seed flow, distribution uniformity, plant emergence, yield, and feed quality were assessed under controlled and field conditions.

Main Results

The seed drill demonstrated high uniformity in seed flow and distribution for both barley and vetch.
Goodness criteria values ranged from 66.4% to 86.0% in laboratory tests and 78% to 86% in field samples.
Maximum yield reached 42,620 kg ha⁻¹, with variations observed based on crop ratios.

Conclusions

The seed drill is effective for seeding barley and vetch mixtures across various ratios.
The findings suggest a significant potential for enhancing overall crop yield through optimized seeding strategies with this equipment.

Keywords:

Biomass Intercropping Mixed seeding drill Seed distribution