COMPUTER CONTROLLED PLANTING SYSTEM FOR MULCHING CULTIVATION USING POLUETHYLENE FILM

A precision planting system using computer controlled technology for mulching cultivation was developed and tested . The system consisting of a micro-computer, several optical fiber sensors and control actuators realized the mechanization of the precision planting operation. The film hole positions, existences of a seed on shutter were detected and the planting speed was measured. The shutter opening mechanism and a seed metering device driven by a stepping motor were controlled, automatically . The planting timing of the shutter opening mechanism were analyzed from a video camera motion analysis, theoretically. The results showed a sufficient accuracy of a seed planted into the center a film hole with a variety of planting speeded. The gravity point positions in film hole of seeds planted by the system just were within the area of +-5mm of the hole center when the hole diameter was 40mm.