Potato J.

33 (1 - 2) : 81-84, 2006
 R.D. Singh and H.M. Singh
FIELD EVALUATION OF TRACTOR MOUNTED TWO-ROW
SEMI-AUTOMATIC BELT TYPE POTATO
PLANTER RIDGER
R.D. Singh1 and H.M. Singh2
Grown in about 1.5 lakh hectares, (1) potato is
one of the important crops besides, rice, wheat,
sugarcane, oil seeds and pulses in eastern Uttar
Pradesh. Potato is planted manually requiring 208
man-days/ha for planting and earthing operations.
This high labour requrement, particularly at the
peak time of rice harvesting and threshing when
there is a paucity of manpower posses a greater
problem for the potato farmers. Thus, it was felt
that tractor drawn potato planter ridger would be
very useful to the farmers of this region. Since this
machinery was available in Punjab, Harayana and
western Uttar Pradesh, its testing was taken up in
the farmer's fields during 1997-98 under the All
India Coordinated Research Program (AICRP) on
Farm Implements and Machinery (FIM). The
fertilizers and potato tubers (cut as well as uncut)
were placed in the ridges formed automatically by
the potato planter ridger with the help of rubber
cups fitted on belts and driven by pulley on both
sides of seed box. Two persons sit on the wooden
platforms on both sides of the seed box to guide the
tubers for proper placement.
Traditional method of planting: Two traditional
methods of potato planting are common. In the first
method, the tubers are placed manually on the
surface of soil at the spacing of 15 to 30.0 cm and
Salient features of the machine: The machine
procured by Agriculture Engineering Department of
N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology,
Kumarganj, Faizabad consisted of two sets of
ridgers mounted on a mild steel frame, seed and
fertilizer boxes made of mild steel sheet, two sets of
nylon belts on which rubber cups are fitted, shovels,
chain and sprockets, fertilizer placement device with
metering system and cup-belt pulley system for seed
1Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad 224 229,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad 224 229, Uttar
Pradesh, India.
SHORT NOTE
earthing done with the help of spade (broad edge
hand tool) at the same time. The application of
fertilizer is done by manual broadcasting. In this
system a total of about 216 man-days/ha are
required. In the second method, the tubers are
placed as in the first case but the ridges are formed
by Kudali (narrow edge tool). Labour requirement
for planting itself is about 100 man-days/ha.
Besides, about 108 man-days/ha is required for
earthing up, which is done after germination and
one intercultural operation with the first irrigation.
Fertilizer is applied manually before the second
earthing up which is done by Kudali. This system
of planting and earthing requires about 270 man-
days/ha. The line-to-line and tuber-to-tuber
spacings are not possible to maintain. The total
labour requirements from field preparation to
harvesting are 1668 and 2142 man-hours/ha in first
and second method, respectively. The labour
requirement of tractor mounted potato planter
ridger was 544 man-hours/ha (field preparation to
harvesting). The row-to-row spacing in traditional
method can not be maintained and vary from 50-70
cm whereas, the tuber-to-tuber spacing was found
to be 15 -30 cm. The spacings in machine system
were fixed at 60 and 17.5 cm for row-to-row and
tuber-to-tuber, respectively.
metering (Table 1). 35 steel box to place
number of cups of size 50 x the tuber in two
45 x 25 mm are fitted with rows at a time.
the help of screw and nuts These belts are
on nylon belts having 60 driven by pulley of
mm width and 50 mm 130 mm size
thickness of 6 ply rating. mounted on a shaft
These cups and belts rotate of 25 mm
on pulley on both sides of diameter, which
2
 ASSESSMENT OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF POTATOES

gets motion from ground wheel through chain and (i) Capacity, kg 1:1.0 for seed 1:1.43 for
(ii) Type of hopper fertilizer
sprocket. Two wooden platforms each of size 920 x
7. Ground drive wheel:
250 mm are fixed on both sides of seed (a) No.
(b) Fertilizer: 70
(b) Type
(i) Type Rectangular with
(c) Overall diameter, mm
(ii) No. of rollers /row tapered box 55 40
(d) Effective diameter, mm
(iii) Size and no. of cells on each roller
8. Type of hitch Trapezoidal One
(iv) Driver system
9. Row to row spacing, mm
(v) Transmission ratio (drive wheel axle to metering shaft) Spiked type
10. Number of rows
6. Hopper: 480
11. Tuber to tuber spacing at 5%
(a) Potato box slippage of drive wheel, mm 445
(i) Capacity, kg Cell feed roller type 2 Three point linkage
(ii) Type of hopper 600
100 mm with 10 cups Chain and Two
(b) Fertilizer box:
sprocket 175

Table 1. Specifications of tractor mounted two-row semiautomatic belt type potato planter ridger
1. Power source 35 hp tractor
2. Overall dimensions
(a) Length, mm 1450
(b) Width, mm 1850
(c) Height, mm 1370
(d) Weight, kg 200
3. Furrow openers Shovel type
4. Ridge maker
(a) Type Ridger
(b) Size :
(i) Length, mm 780
(ii) Width of front, mm 60
(iii) Width at rear, mm 500 (adjustable)
(iv) Height, mm 360
5. Metering mechanism: (a) Potato
tuber:
(i) Type Conveyor belt with cups
(ii) Size of conveyor belt
pulley, mm 165
(iii) Size of Idler 55
pulley, mm
(iv) Spacing between 18
two cups, mm
Contd...
box to seat two persons to check the proper
placement of tubers in the rows. opening of hopper. To remove these problems, two
Performance of the machine: Tractor mounted two
persons were asked to sit on the wooden platform,
row semi-automatic belt type potato planter ridger one on each side of seed box to regulate the flow
was tested in laboratory to check the tuber dropping time to time and fill the missing cups. The
pattern, filling of tubers in the cups, tuber flow from calibration for fertilizer was also done before taking
the hopper to the cups, slippage of belts, etc. It was the machine to the field.
observed that about 5% cups were missing to take The tractor mounted potato planter ridger was
up tubers and there was bridging of cut tubers at the extensively tested at farmer's fields and
performance was compared with traditional
Tractor mounted potato planter ridger

methods (Figures 1 to 3). Twenty

villages were selected for the study

Fig. 2. Potato planter ridger sown field

(Sultanpur district - 5 villages,

Faizabad districts - 7 villages and
Ambedkar Nagar - 8 villages). In each
village one farmer's field was selected
for the testing and data collection in
0.5 ha land (4). The soil was loam
with clod mean weight diameter of
8.3 to 8.6 mm. The size of plots was
50 m x 30 m in each case for data
recording. The average performance
of three methods of planting is shown
in the Table 2.

jg r.S*

Fig. 3.
Fig. 1. Potato planter Potato
ridger plantedatby
working traditional
farmer's fieldmethod
 Table 2. A comparison of average performance of
tractor mounted two-row potato planter ridger and
local methods
SI. Particulars Tractor drawn Manual plant

No. potato planter and earth

ridger by spad
1. Effective working width (mm) 1200 One ro
2. Traveling speed (kmph) 2.15 -
3. Effective field capacity (ha/h) 0.2 -
4. Depth of planting from ridge top (mm) 213 58
5. Distance between tubers (mm) 175 203
6. Height of ridge (mm) 312 197
7. Base width of ridge (mm) 288 215
8. Depth of fertilizer placement (mm) 54 Mixed in th
9. Manpower required in planting only (m-h/ha) 16 1248
10. Total labour required up to irrigation (m-h/ha) 85 1500
11. Total manpower required from field preparation to harvesting (m-h/ha) 544 1668
12. Labour saving in machine with respect to traditional (m-h/ha) 1598 -
13. Per cent labour saving 74.60 22.2
14. Cost in labour saving (Rs/ha) 6061.0 1859
15. Germination count 25 DAS (No of plants /meter length - row) 11.5 9.5
16. Plant height at maturity (mm) 450 435
17. Average number of tubers /plant 5.4 4.2
18. Average fresh weight of tuber (g/tuber) 85.7 74.5
19. Average weight of tubers/plant (g) 350.8 261.6
20. Potato yield (q/ha) 303.84 238.5
21. Percentage of green tubers 2.204 9.417
22. Increase in yield with spade (q/ha) 65.30 -
23. Total input (Rs./ha) 33885.0 3794
24. Total output (Rs./ha) 60768.0 4770
25. Net profit (Rs./ha) 26883.0 9761
26. Output to input ratio 1.8:1 1.26:
Table 3. Area covered (ha) by potato planter ridger during last five years

Sl.No. Name of districts 1998-1999 1999- 2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003

1. Faizabad 23.5 85.8

2. Sultanpur 9.6 35.4
3. Jaunpur 8.4 48.6
4. Varanasi - 15.7
5. Ballia 6.8 74.9
6. Barabanki 43.2 225.7
7. Ghazipur 131.4 1651.
5
8. Bahraich 5.4 23.3
9. Azamgarh 8.4 15.9
10. Ambedkar Nagar 45.3 448.4
11. Maharajganj - 12.2
12. Mau - 18.4
Total 282.0 2655.
8
765.4 1452.0 2154.0
335.5 551.6 751.2
553.7 851.4 1321.6
392.8 628.3 778.5
889.4 1231.8 1439.6
1336.6 1874.5 2102.3
6303.8 11154.6 13611.4
65.6 252.4 326.6
152.4 312.8 358.3
3705.2 5524.6 6426.4
85.4 151.3 213.8
97.5 182.2 298.4
17683.3 24167.5 29782.1

Total area under potato in eastern U.P. = 1.35 lakh ha Percentage
covered by machine = 22.6%
Source: Biennial report of AICRP on FIM, NDUAT, Faizabad (3).
Status of technology: The tractor mounted two-
row semi-automatic belt type potato planter
ridger is replacing manual planting by spade as
well as Kudali very fast. The planter now covers
thousands of hectares every year. The data in
Table 3 shows the status of area covered by
this machine in the last five years (1998-2003)
after the introduction of this machine in eastern
U.P. under AICRP on FIM project through
demonstration, popular articles, meetings,
farmers fare and personal contacts with the
farmers (3). The machine is now used for
planting sugarcane and vegetable crops on
ridges and furrows during summer. The tractor
owners are using the machine on custom hire
basis at Rs. 2000 per hectare and recovering their
investment in two seasons.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors express their thanks to Indian
Council of Agricultural Research and N.D.
University of Agriculture and Technology,
Kumarganj, Faizabad for providing financial MS Received: 01.10.2004
assistance to conduct the evaluation study.
LITERATURE CITED
1. Anonymous. 2002. District statistical reports, pp. 4455.
State-planning Institute, Lucknow, UP, India.
2. Singh, R.D. 2002. Annual report of AICRP on FIM,
NDUAT Centre, Kumarganj, Faizabad.
3. Singh, R.D. 2004. Biennial report of AICRP on FIM,
NDUAT Centre, Kumarganj, Faizabad.
4. Verma, M.R., R.C. Tewari and P.M. Singh. 1993. In: Proc.
ISAE 28th Mfg. March 2-4, p.23. CIAE Bhopal, India.
 TECHNICAL NOTE
A small plot potato planter
W.J. ARSENAULT, H.W. PLATT, E. PIPPY and A. CANNON
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C I A 7M8. Contribution No. 823.
Received 24 October 1995; accepted 29 March 1996.
Arsenault, W.J., Piatt, H.W., Pippy, E. and Cannon, A. 1996. A small plot
potato planter. Can. Agric. Eng. 38:145-147. A two-row planter was
constructed for planting small potato research plots. For each row, seed
pieces were manually placed on a cup conveyor belt system. Desired in-
row seed piece spacings, per row, were obtained by controlling the speed
of the conveyor belts using variable speed gearboxes. Micro-dial
controllers, attached to the gearboxes, allowed for rapid adjustment of in-
row seed piece spacing when required. Small fertilizer hoppers, similar in
design to commercial planters, were attached to the planter when a
uniform type or rate of fertilizer was required at planting. When planting
required different types or rates of fertilizer, hoppers were removed and
replaced by two Hege (model H80) belt cones. Fertilizer required per
treatment row was placed in the cone prior to planting then applied as
cones rotated. The rotation of the cones was controlled by a variable speed
gearbox with micro-dial control to adjust the row length of fertilizer
application when required. The planter performed well compared to
commercial and other small plot planters. The coefficient of variation for
seed piece spacings ranged between 11 to 15% and labour required for
planting was 40 to 60% less compared to hand planting.
Une planteuse a pommes de terre a deux rangs a ete construite afin
d'ensemencer de petites parcelles experimentales. Pour chacun des rangs,
les semences etaient placees manuellement sur un convo- yeur h godets.
On obtenait 1'espacement des semences desire sur le rang en controlant la
vitesse du convoyeur grace a une boite de vitesses a vitesses variables. Un
controleur a cadran permettait un ajustement rapide de 1'espacement des
semences sur le rang. De petits coffres a engrais, similaires a ceux des
planteuses commer- ciales, etaient attaches a la planteuse lorsque les taux
de fertilisation et les types de fertilisants requis lors de 1'ensemencement
etaient semblables. Lorsque les taux de fertilisation et les types de fer-
tilisants requis differaient, les coffres etaient remplaces par deux
convoyeurs a cones Hege (modele H80). Pour chaque traitement, les
fertilisants Etaient places dans les cones, avant 1'ensemencement, et
appliques a mesure que la rotation des cones se faisait. La rotation des
cones etaient controlee par une boite de vitesses a vitesses variables et un
controleur a cadran qui permettait d'ajuster la longueur sur laquelle
1'application se faisait. La planteuse a bien fonctionne si on compare aux
planteuses commerciales et aux autres planteuses de petites parcelles. Le
coefficient de variation de 1'espacement entre les semences allait de 11 a
15 % alors que le temps requis pour effectuer le travail etait reduit de 40
a 60 % par rapport a un ensemencement manuel.
INTRODUCTION
At potato research and extension centres, hand planting small
field plots is often required, a labour intensive and costly
operation. Commercial potato planters are generally unsuitable
for research plot work requiring precise in-row seed spacing.
CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Vol. 38, No. 2, April/Mary/June 1996
Two-row commercial planters do not permit rapid in-row seed
piece spacing adjustments or planting adjacent rows using
different varieties, seed piece spacings, or fertilizer rates. The
accuracy of in-row placement of seed pieces is affected by the
mechanical design of a potato planter. Mis- ener (1982) indicated
that the coefficient of variation (COV) for seed placement of
various commercial planters operating on farms could range
from 48.2 to 86%; which is considered unacceptable for potato
research plantings.
Commercial planters have been modified for planting research
plots. Misener and MacLeod (1988) modified a horizontal cup
belt fed, two-row Setrite planter (Smallford Planters Ltd., St.
Albans, England). Modifications included adding a second drive
system allowing each row to be driven independently and the
addition of sprocket clusters enabled seed piece spacings to be
adjusted from 165 to 500 mm in intervals of 35 mm. The COV of
various seed piece spacings achieved by the modified Setrite
planter ranged between 32.8 and 41.1%. The modified Setrite
planter was three point- hitch mounted, heavy, and required a
tractor of at least 60 kW. Misener and MacLeod (1988) concluded
that with modifications the Setrite planter performed well.
However, the Setrite planter is no longer commercially available.
The goal of this project was to build a small plot two-row
potato planter that enabled precision spacing of seed, rapid
adjustment for seed piece spacings, and planting individual rows
with different varieties, different seed piece spacings, or different
fertilizer rates.
DESCRIPTION
A two-row Iron Age planter (originally manufactured by
Lockwood Ltd., Gering, NE) was salvaged- and all parts except
the frame, wheels, axels, and coulters used to band fertilizer were
discarded. Separate axels for each wheel enabled independent
seed piece spacing, fertilizer rate, and cultivar selection planting
for each of the two rows planted. A cup belt manually fed
conveyor system, similar to that successfully modified by Misener
and MacLeod (1988) was utilized for each row (Fig. 1). Seed cups
were made from used 1 litre plastic containers riveted to a rubber
conveyor belt. The depth of the cup was 50 mm and a 22 mm lip
on the outside cup edge held the seed piece, releasing it when the
cup reached the bottom of the conveyor belt. The seed piece drop
from cup to row furrow was approximately 50 mm. This short
seed drop combined with a non-soil packing opener or
145
 planter shoe virtually eliminated all seed
piece ground roll. The back frame of the conveyor belt was hinged and
an adjustable front support enabled the front of the conveyor belt to be
raised during transport.
Seating was provided for two operators,
allowing seed pieces to be placed into each
cup independently. In-row seed piece spacing
was obtained with a variable speed
adjustment gearbox (model Y-l, Zero-Max,
Canimex, QC) with micro-dial controller,
which controlled the conveyor belt speed
relative to the ground speed. The micro-dial
controller attached to the variable speed
gearbox enabled rapid adjustment to achieve
the precise seed piece spacing desired.
Small fertilizer hoppers combined with a
chain-link discharge system, similar in design to commercial
planters, was used when a uniform type or rate of fertilizer for
both rows was required at planting. When planting per row required
different types or rates of fertilizer, the hoppers were removed from the
planter and a metal frame supporting two belt driven cones (model H80,
Hege Equipment Inc., KS) was attached to the planter (Fig. 2). Bags
containing the required fertilizer per treatment row were emptied into
filling funnels attached above the cones. The fertilizer was evenly
distributed along the outer edge of the cones as it dropped from the
funnels to the cones. As the cones completed one rotation, all fertilizer
was emptied from the cones through an opening at the bottom of the
cones. The rotation of the cones was controlled by a variable speed
gearbox (model JK, Zero-Max, Canimex. QC) with micro-dial controller
that allowed for rapid adjustment of row length if required. Vinyl tubing,
22 mm inside diameter, was attached to the bottom of each cone and
directed the fertilizer as it dropped to the furrows, which were made in a
similar manner to the original planter. Since the planter was not
equipped with hillers, a set of two disc hillers per row was mounted on
the tractor and hilling was done after planting as a separate operation. A
small 20 kW tractor was found sufficient to pull the planter. All
operations were driven from countershaft drive pulleys, driven from the
axles, that adjusted according to changes in ground speed. Ground speed
ranged from approximately 1.6 to 3.2 km/h and was generally
determined by the time needed to place seed pieces in cups on the
conveyor belt.

Planter evaluation
Planting performance data were collected as per the procedure used by
Var i a b l e s p e e d g e a r b o x Misener (1982). Cut and whole seed pieces with average masses of 97
( Z e r o - M a x , M o d e l Y-l )
and 45 g, respectively, were planted in separate rows 30 m long. Seed
piece spacings were measured to the nearest 10 mm from centre to
Countershaf centre of adjacent seed pieces. The COV's for whole and cut seed
t drive planted at 203. 254, 305,406, and 457 mm seed piece spacing (Table I)
pulley were calculated and were lower than those reported for commer-

ARSENAULT, PLA'IT. PIPPY and CANNON

Planter axle
Table I: Coefficient of 12.7 15.4
146
variation (COV) of in-row 11.2 11.1
seed piece spacings obtained 13.2 10.7
by the small plot potato 13.4 11.5
planter 10.6 11.3
Desired seed piece Whole seed
Operato 15.3 14.7
Opener or r
spacing COV
S e e d c u p s (mm)
(%)

Fig. 1. Small plot potato planter - key components and layout per row.

Fig. 2 Small plot potato planter with cone fertilizer

attachment.
cial planters (Misener 1982) 11 to 15%, the COV for in-
and for the modified Setrite row seed piece spacing was
planter (Misener and lower compared to other plot
MacLeod 1988). The or commercial planters.
maximum number of people Compared to hand planting,
needed for efficient planting labour required to plant
was three or four; a tractor similar experiments with the
operator, two planter planter was reduced 50%.
operators, and a person Further details concerning
filling the fertilizer cones if the planter components and
different fertilizer types or layout can be obtained by
rates were required. The contacting the authors.
required seed tubers for each
plot were counted, bagged, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
and labelled prior to The authors thank A. Malone
planting. Hand planted field for technical assistance and
plots were labelled prior to R. Campbell, Prince Edward
planting to identify the Island Department of
appropriate treatments Agriculture, Fisheries and
during planting. Use of the Forestry for his drafting
planter eliminated the need assistance.
to place plot labels before
planting. A field plot plan was REFERENCES
fixed to the planter for easy Misener, G.C. 1982. Potato
reference. Compared to planters - uniformity of
handplanting, the planter spacing. Transactions of the
reduced total labour required ASAE 25(6): 1540-1505, 1 5 11.
by an estimated 40%, if Misener, G.C. and C.D.
planting included different MacLeod. 1988. A plot
cultivars at variable seed planter for potatoes.
piece spacings, and 60%, if American Potato Journal
different types or rates of 65:289-293.
fertilizer were also required
when planting.
Additional planter
modifications, including re-
positioning the fertilizer
hoppers to allow a straight
rather than an angled drop
for fertilizer flow and
replacing the existing plastic
cups with polyurethane cups
of similar design were made
after evaluations were
completed.
CONCLUSION
This planter performed well
compared to other plot or
commercial planters and to
hand planting. The planter
allowed for planting adjacent
rows with different cultivars
at different in-row seed piece
spacing. It also more
efficiently enabled planting at
similar or different rates or
types of fertilizer as required.
Gearboxes with micro-dial
controllers, used to control all
planting operations, allowed
for rapid adjustments at
planting. With a range from
CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Vol. 38, No. 2,
April/Mary/June
Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 8 (4): 753-758, August 2011 ISSN
1990-9233 IDOSI Publications, 2011

Effect of Forward Speed and Tuber Characteristics on Tuber

Spacing Uniformity for a Cup-Belt Potato Planter

'K.A. Al-Gaadi and 2S.A. Marey

department of Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture Research

Chair (PARC), College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud
University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia 2Precision
Agriculture Research Chair (PARC), College of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, King Saud University. P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The present study has been conducted to evaluate the performance of an
auto-feed cup-belt potato planter operated at three forward speeds (1.8, 2.25 and 3
km/h) and three tuber sizes (35-45, 45-55 and 55-65 mm). Also, Hermes and Sponta
varieties were utilized to provide different tuber shapes (spherical and oblong,
respectively). The performance of the planter was evaluated in terms of the mean
tuber spacing (M), the coefficient of variation (CV), the multiple index (MULTI), the
miss index (MISI) and the quality of feed index (QFI). The results revealed that the
increase in the forward speed induced a significant increase in the mean tuber spacing
and a significant reduction in the tuber spacing uniformity, as indicated by the values
of the CV, MULTI and MISI indexes. Also, tuber size was observed to induce
insignificant effects on the mean tuber spacing. But, the effect of tuber size on tuber
spacing uniformity was found to be significant. Tuber size of 35-45 mm induced
better tuber spacing uniformity than other tested tuber sizes. On the other hand, tuber
shape (variety) exhibited significant effects on both the mean tuber spacing and tuber
spacing uniformity.

Key words: Potato planter * Planter performance * Tuber size * Tuber shape

INTRODUCTI
ON
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

Potato is ranked as one of the most important vegetable 50, 40 and 30 g, respectively. The percentage of double tubers for
crops in the world. Potato occupies the second place in 30 g tubers was higher than for other categories. Altuntas [7]
importance after seed crops [1]. In Saudi Arabia, potato crop is observed that the small tubers caused better in row distribution
planted in an area of 17,665 hectares in season 2010 with a pattern than big tubers. However, Buitenwerf et al. [11] reported
production of about 444,138 tons [2]. Potato planting is that a regular potato shape did not result in higher planting
considered as a very crucial and critical operation because it accuracy. The mean spacing and the standard deviation of the seed
directly affects the yield and the farming cost, as the price of spacing are useful but do not thoroughly characterize the
potato tubers mounts to about 60% of the total potato production distribution of seed spacing for single seed planters. In addition to
cost [3]. Improving uniformity of within row spacing is expected the coefficient of variation of the seed spacing, the multiple index,
to decrease competition between plants and increase grain yield the miss index and the quality of feed index should all be
through more efficient use of available light, water and nutrients considered in the performance evaluation of a single seed planter
by the plants. The performance of several potato planters has been [18].
investigated by many researches and studies: Bader [4] evaluated In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the cup-belt prototype is
three potato feeding systems (semi automatic chain, semi the most commonly used machine for potato planting. However, a
automatic tray and automatic cup) to determine the optimum lack of a thorough knowledge exists in the details of the factors
operational requirements and to select the most effective system. affecting the operation efficiency of this machine under different
Automatic cup planter was found to be the best. Wahby et al. [5] operation conditions. Therefore, the objective of this field study
observed lower in-row spacing with cup-feeding planter than was to investigate the effects of forward speed and tuber
semi-automatic and finger-feed mechanism planters. However, characteristics (tuber size and shape) on seed spacing uniformity.
Ghonimy and Rostom [3] observed higher coefficient of variation
for tuber spacing with auto-feed cup planter than planters with MATERIALS AND METHODS
either single- or multi-feed belts. Previous studies showed that
there is a correlation between speed and performance of potato Field experiments were conducted on an area of 2000 m 2 at
planters where the low performance of these machines may be the educational farm of the College of Food and Agricultural
due to the high of forward speed [6]. Altuntas [7] reported that Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh,
Table 1: The mean tuber characteristics.
seed distribution pattern in the row was disturbed as forward Variety
speed increased. Forward speed and release point on the metering Hermes Sponta
mechanism was found to affect tuber spacing distribution in the Mean length, mm 656.7 744.8
furrow [8]. Khairy [9] reported that as the forward speed Mean width, mm 567.62 467.26
increased the mean tuber distance increased. He observed low Thickness, mm 483.44 375.67
Mean weight, g 668.73 646.87
uniformity when the forward speed was higher than 3.6 km/h.
Adjusting planting speed in conjunction with uniform sized seed
improved planter performance [10]. Buitinwerf et al. [11]
observed more uniform deposition of potato tubers with higher
cub-belt speed. Ismail [12] reported that when the planting speed
increased, the percentage of tuber doubles and space uniformity
were decreased. The seed spacing uniformity is affected by the
tuber characteristics (size and shape) as well as machine s forward
speeds Sieczka et al. [6]. Misener [13] reported that the
performance of cup type planter is quite sensitive to tuber size and
shape. To achieve optimum planter performance, Kepener et al.
[14] recommended the selection of tubers of proper size and shape
that best fit a given shape of cell. They also reported that smooth
tubers approaching spherical tuber shape are the best for precision
planting. Ismail [15] reported that the most suitable tuber size for
cup-belt potato planter must be in the range of 30 - 50 g per hill.
Gruczek [16] reported that higher planting precision can be
achieved when exactly graded medium shaped tubers (4-5 cm)
Fig. 1: Tested potato planter.
were used at a planter forward speed of 3.0 km/h. Hamad et al.
[17] stated that the percentage of miss tubers of 10.765.95 %,
8.23.54% and 5.22.05% were obtained with tuber weights of
Corresponding Author: Dr. K.A. Al-Gaadi, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture Research
Chair (PARC), College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University. P.O. Box
2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
753

13
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

Saudi Arabia. The soil was mainly sandy loam with bulk density
of 1.60 - 1.65 g/cm3. The field was prepared by using moldboard
plow, disc harrow and a roller. Experiments were conducted
under three forward speeds (1.8, 2.25 and 3.0 km/h), three tuber
sizes (35 - 45, 45 - 55 and 55 - 65 mm) and two potato varieties
(Hermes and Sponta). The main tuber characteristics of the two
used varieties are given in Table 1. It should be noted that these
characteristics were obtained prior to the grading process of
tubers and the classification of the used tuber sizes.
Tubers shape index, calculated using Equation 2, was found
to be 157.18 for Hermes and 321.74 for Sponta. Therefore,
according to the International Organization for Standardization
[19], the shape of Hermes tubers is characterized as 'spherical'
and the shape of Sponta tubers as 'oblong'.

f = J2 x 100 (1)
txh
Where: f is the shape index, j is the maximum length (mm), h is
the maximum width (mm) and t is the thickness (mm).

14
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

An automatic cup-belt potato planter (model:
TEKYATAGANLI, Turkey), Fig. 1, mounted on a 74kW - Volvo
tractor was used as a test machine. This machine was specified to
cover two rows with 64 cm spacing and equipped with a shoe
furrow opener type. The size of cups is 76, 55 and 15 mm for
outside diameter, inside diameter and depth respectively. The
capacity of the machine hopper was specified at 300 kg with total
machine weight of 550 kg. The rotational speed of the belt that
carrying the cups is adjustable and dependent on the selected
speed ratio. The planter was adjusted for a target tuber seed
spacing of 23 cm. Different combinations of treatments were
repeated three times (replicates) which produced 54 test runs.
Each test run was conducted on a course of 15 m. Split-split plot
design was adopted for the field experiment layout.
Seed spacing measurements were performed immediately
after planting on a central 5 meters of the 15 m row length for
both rows in each plot. Soil was carefully removed from above
the seeds and seed spacing was then measured using a measuring
tape. Seed tuber spacing uniformity has been evaluated in terms
of the mean tuber spacing (M), the coefficient of variation (CV),
the multiple index (MULTI), the miss index (MISI) and the
quality of feed index (QFI,%).
(i) Coefficient of variation (CV,%) of tuber seed spacing was
calculated as follows:
SD *100
Xm
Where: SD is the standard deviation of tuber seed spacing. X m is
the mean tuber spacing, mm.
Where: N1 is the number of spacings that are less or equal to half
the theoretical spacing.
(iii) Miss index (MISI, %) is the percentage of spacings
greater than 1.5 times the theoretical spacing. The percentage of
tuber miss index (MISI, %) was calculated as follows:
N2 x 100
N
Where:
N2 is the number of spacings that are greater than 1.5 times the
theoretical spacing.
(iv) Quality of feed index (QFI) is the percentage of
spacings that are more than half but not more than 1.5 times the
theoretical spacing. This is a measure of how close the spacings
are to the theoretical spacing. The quality of feed index (QFI) was
calculated as follows:
QFI, % = 100 - (MULTI + MISI)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 2 summarizes the analysis of variance (p values) of
the effects of the forward speed and tuber characteristics (tuber
size and shape) on tuber spacing uniformity. Tuber spacing
uniformity in terms of the tested parameters will be discussed in
the following sections.

The standard deviation was calculated according to Equation Also, tuber spacing uniformity is the best under low forward
3. speed as indicated by CV values. This was also confirmed by the
values of the multiple index (MULTI), the miss index (MISI) and
the quality of feed index (QFI) given in Table 3, that the best
S (Xi-Xm) values of these indexes were observed at low forward speed. It
SD =
N-1 was also observed that there were no significant differences
between the performance of the tested planter when operated at
Where: Xi is a specified tuber spacing, mm. N is the total number
1.8 km/h or 2.25 km/h as indicated by the MULTI, MISI and the
of tuber spacings.
QFI (Table 3). According to these results, the tested
(ii) Multiple index (MULTI, %) is the percentage of spacings
that are less than or equal to half the theoretical spacing. Multiple
index (MULTI, %) was calculated as follows: (5)
MISI, %
Nt x 100
N
Effect of the Forward Speed: The effect of the forward speed
on tuber spacing uniformity is characterized by the results
presented in Table 3 and Fig. 2. The results indicated that the
forward speed was significantly affected both mean tuber spacing
and tuber spacing uniformity. It
was observed that the mean tuber (2)
CV, %
spacing increased with the
increase in the forward speed.

=1
MULTI, %i=1 (4)
(3) 15 (6)
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

planter could be efficiently operated at a forward speed of 2.25 spacing uniformity data, the performance of the tested cup-belt
km/h to get high field capacity (compared to 1.8 km/h), while not potato planter is the best when small tuber size (35-45 mm) was
affecting seed tuber uniformity. used.

Effect of Tuber Size: The results of tuber spacing uniformity
as affected by tuber size are presented in Table 4 and Fig. 3. The
increase in tuber size caused slight increase in the mean tuber
spacing as presented in Table 2 and there were no significant
differences observed in the mean tuber spacing as a result of
tuber size. While, the influence of tuber size on tuber spacing
uniformity was found to be significant as indicated by the values
of CV, MULTI and MISI indexes. The 35 - 45 mm tuber size
induced higher MULTI values than other sizes. These results
agreed with the result reported by Altuntas [7]. Also it was
observed that there are significant differences between the
MULTI values when using tuber size of 35 - 45 mm and 55 - 65
mm. The MISI value increased by 20.43 and 40.66% when the
tuber size of 35-45 mm was used instead of 45-55 mm and 55-65
mm respectively. For all test parameters, the lowest values of the
CV of tuber spacing were observed for the smallest tuber size
(35-45 mm). Therefore based on the seed
Effect of Tuber Shape: The results of the effect of tuber shape
(tuber variety) as well as the results of the statistical analysis are
given in Fig. 4 and Table 5. The results indicated that tuber
variety effects on the mean tuber spacing were statistically
significant. Hermes variety (spherical shape) induced
significantly lower mean tuber spacing than Sponta variety
(oblong shape). Regarding tuber spacing uniformity, it was
observed that tuber shape induced a significant differences
between the values of CV and MISI. While the effect of tuber
shape on the MULTI and QFI indexes was not significant. These
observation could be attributed to that the flow of tuber from the
tank to the feeding cups is expected to be better with Hermes
variety than for Sponta as a result of the uniform shape of
Hermes variety and that will enhance the possibility for the cups
to be filled by tubers. Obviously, the use of spherical shape for
seed tuber will improve the uniformity of seed spacing.

Fig. 2: Tuber spacing uniformity as affected by the forward speed.

h Hermes aSponta n Hermes s$ponta

Fig. 4: Tuber spacing uniformity as affected by tuber shape (variety).

Fig. 3: Tuber spacing uniformity as affected by tuber size.

Table 2: Analysis of variance (P values) for tuber spacing.

Source DF Mean Spacing CV MULTI MISI QFI

Tuber size (Z) 2 0.265 0.034 0.022 0.005 0.649

Forward speed (S) 2 0 0 0.001 0.004 0.666
Variety (V) 1 0.021 0 0.385 0.003 0.178
SXZ 4 0.999 0.64 0.787 0.998 0.999
ZXV 2 0.534 0.696 0.997 0.772 0.949

16
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

SX V 2 0.845 0.736 0.772 0.902 0.971

ZXSXV 4 0.999 0.966 0.989 0.98 0.985

Table 3: Effect of the forward speed on tuber spacing uniformity.

Forward Speed km/h Mean Spacing (M) cm CV % MULTI% MISI % QFI %

1.80 26.65 a* 28.73 a 5.93 a 3.91 a 90.16 a
2.25 29.42 b 37.10 b 4.62 a 5.74 a 89.81 a
3.00 32.48 c 54.53 c 2.29 b 9.11 b 88.91 a

* Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different

Table 4: Effect of tuber size on seed spacing uniformity (mean comparisons).

Tuber Size mm Mean Spacing (M) cm CV % MULTI % MISI % QFI %

35 - 45 28.34 a 36.73 a 5.35 a 5.19 a 90.00 a
45 - 55 29.51 a 39.07 b 4.18 ab 6.25 b 89.57 a
55 - 65 30.70 a 40.70 c 3.31 b 7.30 c 89.31 a

Table 5: Effect of tuber variety on seed spacing uniformity (mean comparisons).

Tuber Size mm Mean Spacing (M) cm CV % MULTI% MISI % QFI %
Hermes 28.85 a 38.36 a 4.61 a 5.24 a 90.30 a
Sponta 30.18 b 41.98 b 3.95 a 7.27 b 88.95 a

CONCLUSIONS 4. Bader, S.E., 2002. Requirements of potato mechanical

A cup-belt potato planter was field tested at different forward
speeds, tuber sizes and two different tuber shapes (two varieties:
Hermes and Sponta). The specific conclusions of the study
include the following:
The forward speed influenced the mean tuber spacing
significantly. The increase in the forward speed
caused an increase in the mean tuber spacing. Also the forward
speed affected tuber spacing uniformity significantly as indicated
by the CV, MULTI, MISI and QFI indexes.
Tuber size induced slight effects on the mean tuber spacing.
While the effect of tuber size was found to be significant on tuber
spacing uniformity as indicated by the values of CV, MULTI and
MISI indexes. Tuber size of 35-45 mm
induced better tuber spacing uniformity than other
tested sizes.
Potato variety exhibited significant effects on both mean
tuber spacing and tuber spacing uniformity. From the results
of this study, a forward speed in the range of 2.25 km/h,
tuber size of 35-45 mm and spherical tuber shape could be
recommended for the cup-belt potato planter.
REFERENCES
1. Zaag, D.E., 1991. The potato crop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi
potato Developments Program, Ministry of Agriculture and
Water, Riyadh, KSA, Arabic edition.
2. Ministry of Agriculture, 2010. Annual statistic book, Edition
23, Ministry of Agriculture, Riyadh, KSA.
3. Ghonimy, M.I. and M.N. Rostom, 2005. Evaluation of auto-
feed potato planters. Misr. J. Ag. Eng., 22(1): 1-14.
planting when intercropping with vine grapes. Misr J. Ag.
Eng., 19(3): 775-788.
5. Wahby, M.F., A.A. Al-Janobi and A.M. Aboukarima, 2003.
Evaluation of potato planters in sandy loam soil in Saudi
Arabia. J. King Saud University, Agric. Sci., 15(2): 121-146.
6. Sieczka, J.B., E.E. Ewing and E.D. Markwardt, 1986. Potato
planter performance and effects of non-uniform spacing.
American Potato J., 63(1): 25-37.
7. Altuntas, E., 2005. The effect of some operational
parameters on potato planter's performance. Journal of
Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin
America (AMA), 36(2): 71-74.
8. Francak, J. and J. Cvek, 1994. Theoretical operation analysis
of finger disk planting mechanism. Acta-Technologic-
Agricultural, 34: 141-154.
9. Khairy, M.F., 1997. Performance evaluation of potato planter
in sandy soil. Misr J. Ag. Eng., 14(1): 119-129.
10. Thornton, M., M. Larkin, P. Nolte, Bohi, W. Jones and L.
Nolte, 1997. Potato seed handling and planter performance
survey. Proc. University of Idaho Winter Commodity
Schools, 29: 93-102.
11. Buitenwerf, H., W.B. Hoogmoed, P. lerink and J. Muller,
2006. Assessment of the behavior of potatoes in cup-belt
planter. Biosystems Engineering, 95(1): 35-41.
12. Ismail, Z.E., 2007. The triangle belt provided with spoons to
plant potato tuber with sprouts. J. Ag. Sci. Mansoura Univ.
Egypt, 32(11): 9093-9108.
13. Misener, G.C., 1982. Potato planters-uniformity of spacing.
Trans. of the ASAE, 25: 1504-1505, 1511.
14. Kepener, R.A.,B. Roy and E.L. Barger, 1987. Principals of
farm machinery. 8th Ed. CBS publishers and Distributors,
Delhi, India.

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 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

15. Ismail, Z.E., 1992. Potato crop (planting-harvesting- grading-
storaging). Dar El-Maarfe Pup., pp: 9-75.
16. Gruczek, T., 1994. Evaluation of potato planters in view of
agro technical requirements. eszyty- poblemowe-postepow-
Nauk-Rolniczych, 16: 239-148.
17. Hamad, S.A. and A.B. Banna, 1980. The grain drill Cz 3.6
and its viability for sowing different size seeds. J. Ag. Sci.
Mansoura Univ. Egypt, 32(5): 76-85.
Biosvstems Engineering (2006) 95 (1), 35-41
doi:i0.1016/j.biosystemseng.2006.06.007
PMPower and Machinery
18. Kachman, S.D. and J.A. Smith, 1995. Alternative measure of
accuracy in plant spacing for planters using single seed
metering. Transactions of the ASAE, 38(2): 379-387.
19. ISO. 1984. Standard Handbook 13. Agricultural Machinery,
International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland.
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
ScisnCGDifGCt

ELSE
VIER

Assessment of the Behaviour of Potatoes in a Cup-belt Planter

H. Buitenwerf1,2; W.B. Hoogmoed1; P. Lerink2; J. Muller1,4
'Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University, P.O Box. 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; e-mail of corresponding author:
willem.hoogmoed@wur.nl 2Krone GmbH, Heinrich-Krone Strasse 10, 48480 Spelle, Germany 3IB-Lerink, Laan van Moerkerken 85, 3271AJ
Mijnsheerenland, The Netherlands 4Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany

(Received 27 May 2005; accepted in revised form 20 June 2006; published online 2 August 2006)

The functioning of most potato planters is based on transport and placement of the seed potatoes by a cup- belt. The
capacity of this process is rather low when planting accuracy has to stay at acceptable levels. The main limitations are set
by the speed of the cup-belt and the number and positioning of the cups. It was hypothesised that the inaccuracy in
planting distance, that is the deviation from uniform planting distances, mainly is created by the construction of the cup-
belt planter.
To determine the origin of the deviations in uniformity of placement of the potatoes a theoretical model was built.
The model calculates the time interval between each successive potato touching the ground. Referring to the
results of the model, two hypotheses were posed, one with respect to the effect of belt speed, and one with respect
to the influence of potato shape. A planter unit was installed in a laboratory to test these two hypotheses. A high-
speed camera was used to measure the time interval between each successive potato just before they reach the soil
surface and to visualise the behaviour of the potato.
The results showed that: (a) the higher the speed of the cup-belt, the more uniform is the deposition of the
potatoes; and (b) a more regular potato shape did not result in a higher planting accuracy.
Major improvements can be achieved by reducing the opening time at the bottom of the duct and by improving
the design of the cups and its position relative to the duct. This will allow more room for changes in the cup-belt
speeds while keeping a high planting accuracy. 2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd

of the tubers at harvest (McPhee et al., 1996; Pavek &
Thornton, 2003). Field measurements (unpublished data) of
planting distance in The Netherlands revealed a coefficient
of variation (CV) of around 20%. Earlier studies in Canada
and the USA showed even higher CVs of up to 69%
(Misener, 1982; Entz & LaCroix, 1983; Sieczka et al.,
1986), indicating that the accuracy is low compared to
precision planters for beet or maize.
Travelling speed and accuracy of planting show an
inverse correlation. Therefore, the present cup-belt planters
are equipped with two parallel rows of cups per belt instead
of one. Doubling the cup row allows double the travel
speed without increasing the belt speed and thus, a higher
capacity at the same accuracy is expected.

1 Introduction
2Capacity and accuracy of plant spacing are the main parameters of machine performance. High accuracy of plant spacing
results in high yield and a uniform sorting

1537- 3 2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved

5110/$32.00 5 18 Published by Elsevier Ltd
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

100
wh
where l is the length, w the width and h the height of the
potato in mm, with h<w<l. As a reference, also spherical
golf balls (with about the same density as potatoes),
representing a shape factor S of 100 were used. Shape
characteristics of the potatoes used in this study are given
in Table 1.

2.2. Mathematical model of the process

Fig. 1. Working components of the cup-belt planter: (1)

potatoes in hopper; (2) cup-belt; (3) cup; (4) upper sheave;
(5) duct; (6) potato on back of cup; (7) furrower; (8) roller;
(9) release opening; (10) ground level
for handling and transporting. Many shape features, usually
combined with size measurements, can be distinguished
(Du & Sun, 2004; Tao et al, 1995; ZOdler, 1969). In the
Netherlands grading of potatoes is mostly done by using
the square mesh size (Koning de et al., 1994), which is
determined only by the width and height (largest and least
breadth) of the potato. For the transport processes inside
the planter, the length of the potato is a decisive factor as
well.
A shape factor S based on all three dimensions was
introduced:
l1

1 Materials and methods2.1. Plant material

Seed potatoes of the cultivars (cv.) Sante, Arinda and Marfona have been used for testing the cup-belt planter, because
they show different shape characteristics. The shape of the potato tuber is an important characteristic
Fig. 2. Process simulated by model, simulation starting when the
cup crosses line A; release time represents time needed to create
duct.
an opening sufficiently large for a potato to pass; model also When the parameters of the potatoes are known, the angle
calculates time between release of the potato and the moment it required for releasing a potato can be calculated. Apart from
reaches the soil surface (free fall); rc, sum of the radius of the its shape and size, the position of the potato on the back of
roller, thickness of the belt and length of the cup; x clear, clearance S
the cup is determinative. Therefore, the model distinguishes (1)
between cup and duct wall; x release, release clearance; ureiease,
two positions: (a) minimum required gap, equal to the height
release angle ; o, angular speed of roller; line C, ground level,
end of simulation of a potato; and (b) maximum required gap equal to the
length of a potato.
The gap in the duct has to be large enough for a potato to pass The time trelease in s needed to form a release angle ao is
and be released. This gap xrelease in m is reached at a certain calculated as
a
release
angle arelease in rad of a cup passing the roller. This release t
release
angle arelease (Fig. 2) is calculated as Or
Calculating trelease for different potatoes and possible positions
r x x
c ^ clear release
cos a
release on the cup yields the deviation from the average time interval
r between consecutive potatoes. Combined with the duration of
where: rc is the sum in m of the radius of the roller, the the free fall and the field speed of the planter, this gives the
thickness of the belt and the length of the cup; and xclear is the planting accuracy.
clearance in m between the tip of the cup and the wall of the

15
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons
for the low accuracy of cup-belt planters and to use this
knowledge to derive recommendations for design
modifications, e.g. in belt speeds or shape and number of
cups.
For better understanding, a model was developed,
describing the potato movement from the moment the
potato enters the duct up to the moment it touches the
ground. Thus, the behaviour of the potato at the bottom of
the soil furrow was not taken into account. As physical
properties strongly influence the efficiency of agricultural
equipment (Kutzbach, 1989), the shape of the potatoes was
also considered in the model.
Two null hypotheses were formulated: (1) the planting
accuracy is not related to the speed of the cup-belt; and (2)
the planting accuracy is not related to the dimensions
(expressed by a shape factor) of the potatoes. The
hypotheses were tested both theoretically with the model
and empirically in the laboratory.
A mathematical model was built to predict planting
accuracy and planting capacity of the cup-belt planter. The
model took into consideration radius and speed of the
roller, the dimensions and spacing of the cups, their
positioning with respect to the duct wall and the height of
the planter above the soil surface (Fig. 2). It was assumed
that the potatoes did not move relative to the cup or rotate
during their downward movement.
The field speed and cup-belt speed can be set to achieve
the aimed plant spacing. The frequency fpot of potatoes
leaving the duct at the bottom is calculated as
f=
J pot
c
where vc is the cup-belt speed in ms" and xc is the distance
in m between the cups on the belt. The angular speed of the
roller mr in rad s"1 with radius rr in m is calculated as
v
c
(3)
r
r

Table 1 velocity of the potato u0 in m s"1 is assumed to equal the

Shape characteristics of potato cultivars and golf balls used in the vertical component of the track speed of the tip of the cup:
experiments
Cultivar Square mesh size, mm Shape factor VQ rc<Or cos ^release(6)

The release height yrelease in m is calculated as

Sante 28-35 146
sin a
Arinda 35-45 362 yrelease yr " r
c release
Marfona 35-45 168 (7)
Golf balls 42-8 100
where yr in m is the distance between the centre of the roller
(line A in Fig. 2) and the soil surface. The time of free fall
tfall in s is calculated with
yrelease v
endtfall + '5 gtfc

where g is the gravitational acceleration (9-8ms 2) and the

final velocity vend is calculated as
Line A
2
v
end v0 + g yrelease
(9)

with v0 in ms"1 being the vertical downward speed of the

potato at the moment of release.
The time for the potato to move from Line A to the
release point trelease has to be added to tfall.
The model calculates the time interval between two
consecutive potatoes that may be positioned in different
ways on the cups. The largest deviations in intervals will
Line occur when a potato positioned lengthwise is followed by
C
one positioned heightwise, and vice versa.
When the potato is released, it falls towards the soil
surface. As each potato is released on a unique angular fall t (8)
position, it also has a unique height above the soil surface at 2.3. The laboratory arrangement
that moment (Fig. 2). A small potato will be released earlier
and thus at a higher point than a large one. A standard planter unit (Miedema Hassia SL 4(6)) was
The model calculates the velocity of the potato just modified by replacing part of the bottom end of the sheet
before it hits the soil surface u in ms"1. The initial vertical
end

c (4)
(5) 16 r (2)
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

metal duct with similarly shaped transparent acrylic

material (Fig. 3). The cup-belt was driven via the roller (8
in Fig. 1), by a variable speed electric motor. The speed was
measured with an infrared revolution meter. Only one row
of cups was observed in this arrangement.

17
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

A high-speed video camera (SpeedCam Pro, Weinberger a was set to 5% representing the probability of a type 1
AG, Dietikon, Switzerland) was used to visualise the error, where a true null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected.
behaviour of the potatoes in the transparent duct and to The confidence interval is equal to (100a)%o.
measure the time interval between consecutive potatoes. A
sheet with a coordinate system was placed behind the
opening of the duct, the X axis representing the ground 3. Results and discussion
level. Time was registered when the midpoint of a potato
passed the ground line. Standard deviationof the time 3.1. Cup-belt speed
interval between consecutive potatoes was used as measure
3.1.1. Empirical results
for plant spacing accuracy.
The measured time intervals between consecutive potatoes
For the measurements the camera system was set to a
recording rate of 1000 frames per second. With an average touching ground showed a normal distribution. Standard
free fall velocity of 2-5ms_1, the potato moves approx. 2-5 deviations a for feeding rates 300, 400 and 500 potatoes
mm between two frames, sufficiently small to allow an min"1 were 33-0, 20-5 and 12-7ms, respectively.
accurate placement registration.
The feeding rates for the test of the effect of the speed of
the belt were set at 300, 400 and 500 potatoes min" 1 (fpot =
5, 6-7 and 8-3 s"1) corresponding to belt speeds of 0-33, 0-
45 and 0-56ms"1. These speeds would be typical for belts
with 3, 2 and 1 rows of cups, respectively. A fixed feeding
rate of 400 potatoes min" 1 (cup-belt speed of 0-45ms"1) was
used to assess the effect of the potato shape.
For the assessment of a normal distribution of the time
intervals, 30 potatoes in five repetitions were used. In the
other tests, 20 potatoes in three repetitions were used.
2.4. Statistical analysis

The hypotheses were tested using the Fisher test, as

analysis showed that populations were normally dis-
tributed. The one-sided upper tail Fisher test was used and

Fig. 3. Laboratory test-rig; lower rightpart of the bottom end of the sheet metal duct was replaced with transparent acrylic sheet;
18 camera
upper rightsegment faced by the high-speed
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

According to the F-test the differences between feeding time interval. The shorter the time needed for creating the
rates were significant. The normal distributions for all three opening, the smaller the deviations. Results of these
feeding rates are shown in Fig. 4. The accuracy of the calculations are given in Table 2.
planter is increasing with the cup-belt speed, with CVs of
8-6%, 7-1% and 5-5%, respectively. The speed of the cup turning away from the duct wall is
important. Instead of a higher belt speed, an increase of the
3.1.2. Results predicted by the model
cup's circumferential speed can be achieved by decreasing
Figure 5 shows the effect of the belt speed on the time
the radius of the roller. The radius of the roller used in the
needed to create a certain opening. A linear relationship
test is 0-055 m, typical for these planters. It was calculated
was found between cup-belt speed and the accuracy of the
what the radius of the roller
deposition of the potatoes expressed as deviation from the
Table 2
Time intervals between consecutive potatoes calculated by the model (cv. Marfona)
Belt speed, m s" Difference between shortest and longest interval,
s

0-72 17-6
0-36 29-4
0-24 42-8
35

30

had to be for2
lower belt speeds,5
in order to
reach the 2
> 0
same circumferential speed of the tip of the cup as found for the e
highest belt speed. This resulted in a radius of 0-025 m for 300 T3 1
potatoes min"1 and of 0-041 m for 400 potatoes min" 1. Compared T 5
to this outcome, a linear trend line based on the results of the 3
f 1
e 0
0-035 0- T
3
030 - 0- 500 pot min 1 1 5
laboratory measurements =
025 ^ 0-
400 pot min-1
020 ^ 0- 0-00 0-02 0-04 0-
0
015 300 pot 06 0-08
-
min
0 010 Radius lower roller, m
Fig. 6. Relationship between the radius of the roller and the
-
0 005 predicts a maximum standard deviation of the time interval of deposition of the
performance at a radius of potatoes; the relationship is linear for radii r>0-01 m, K,
0-000 measurement data; A, data from mathematical model; ,
180 26 340 420 500 extended for r<0-01 m; , linear relationship; R 2, coefficient of
0
Time x, ms determination

Fig. 4. Normal distribution of the time interval (x, in ms) of

deposition of the potatoes (pot) for three feeding rates

around 0-020 m.
8
The mathematical model [Eqn (5)] predicted a linear relationship between the radius of the roller (for r>0-01 m) and the
accuracy of the deposition of the potatoes. The model was used to estimate standard deviations for different radii at a
0
c feeding rate of 300 potatoes min" 1. The results are given in Fig. 6, showing that the model predicts a more gradual
e
6s
x
o
c
432
^e 16 19
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

decrease in accuracy in comparison with the measured data. A radius of 0-025 m, which is probably the smallest radius
technically possible, should have given a decrease in
standard deviation of about 75% compared to the original Arinda tubers were deposited with a higher accuracy
radius. than Marfona tubers. Analysis of the recorded frames and
the potatoes, demonstrated that the potatoes of cv. Arinda
always were positioned with their longest axis parallel to
3.2. Dimension and shape of the potatoes the back of the cup. Thus, apart from the shape factor, a
higher ratio width/height will cause a greater deviation. For
The results of the laboratory tests are given in Table 3. It cv. Arinda, this ratio was 1-09, for cv. Marfona it was 115.
shows the standard deviations of the time interval at a
fixed feeding rate of 400 potatoes min" 1. These results
were contrary to the expectations that higher standard 3.3. Model versus laboratory test-rig
deviations would be found with increasing shape factors.
The mathematical model predicted the performance of
Especially the poor results of the balls were amazing. The
the process under different circumstances. The model
standard deviation of the balls was about 50% higher than
simulated a better performance for spherical balls compared
the oblong potatoes of cv. Arinda. The normal distribution
to potatoes whereas the laboratory test showed the opposite.
of the time intervals is shown in Fig. 7. Significant
An additional laboratory test was done to check the
differences were found between the balls and the potatoes.
reliability of the model.
No significant differences were found between the two
In the model, the time interval between two potatoes is
potato varieties.
calculated. Starting point is the moment the potato crosses
line A and end point is the crossing of line C (Fig. 2). In the
The poor performance of the balls was caused by the laboratory test-rig the time-interval between potatoes
fact that these balls could be positioned in many ways on moving from line A to C was measured (Fig. 3). The length,
the back of the cup. Thus, different positions of the balls in width and height of each potato was measured and potatoes
adjacent cups resulted in a lower accuracy of deposition. were numbered. During the measurement it was determined
The three-dimensional drawing of the cup- belt shows the how each potato was positioned on the cup. This position
shape of the gap between cup and duct illustrating that and the potato dimensions were used as input for the model.
different opening sizes are possible (Fig. 8). The measurements were done at a feeding rate of 400
potatoes min"1 with potatoes of cv. Arinda and Marfona.
Table 3 The standard deviations of the measured time intervals are
Effect of cultivars on the accuracy of plant spacing; CV, coefficient shown in Table 4. They were slightly different (higher)
of variation from the standard deviations calcu-
Cultivar Standard deviation, ms CV,%

Arinda 8-60 3-0

Marfona 9-92 3-5
Golf balls 13-24 4-6

0-050 0-045 0-040 0-035 0-030 0-025 0-

020 0-015 0-010 0-005 0- 000 245

Fig. 8. View from below Fig.

to the7.cup at Marfona
Normalandistribution
angle of 45of
degrees;
the timeposition
interval
Golf of(x,the
Arinda inpotato
ms) of on the back of the cup is decisive for its
ball
deposition of the factor
shape release
potatoes for different shape
shapefactors
(sphere) at a fixed
factor shape
168255 265 275feeding
285 295rate
305 315
362325 335
factor 100Time x, ms 20

Table 4
Differences between the standard deviations of the opening time
measured in the laboratory and calculated by the model
Cultivar Shape factor Standard deviation, ms
Measured Calculated
Arinda 326 8-02 5-22
Marfona 175 6-96 4-40
lated by the model. Explanations for these differences are:
(1) the model does not take into consideration situations as
shown in Fig. 8, (2) the passing moment at line A and C
was disputable. Oblong potatoes such as cv. Arinda may
fall with the tip or with the longest size down. This may
cause up to 6 ms difference for the potato to reach the
bottom line C.
4. Conclusions
The mathematical model simulating the movement of
the potatoes at the time of their release from the cup-belt
was a very useful tool leading to the hypotheses to be
tested and to design the laboratory test-rig.
Both the model and the laboratory test showed that the
higher the speed of the belt, the more uniform the
deposition of the potatoes at zero horizontal velocity. This
was due to the fact that the opening, allowing the potato to
drop, is created quicker. This leaves less effect of shape of
the potato and the positioning of the potato on the cup. A
relationship with the belt speed was found. So, to provide
more room for reductions in the cup-belt speeds while
keeping a high planting accuracy it is recommended to
decrease the radius of the roller till as low as technically
possible.
This study showed that the accuracy of planting
(distance in the seeding furrow) is influenced for a large
part by the cup-belt unit of the planter.
A more regular shape (lower shape factor) does not
automatically result in a higher accuracy. A sphere (golf
ball) in most cases was deposited with a lower accuracy
Biosvstems Engineering (2006) 95 (1), 35-41
doi:i0.1016/j.biosystemseng.2006.06.007
PMPower and Machinery
Assessment of the Behaviour of Potatoes in a Cup-belt Planter
H. Buitenwerf1,2; W.B. Hoogmoed1; P. Lerink2; J. Muller1,4
1 Introduction
Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011
than a potato. This was caused by the shapes of the guiding
duct and cups.
It is recommended to redesign the geometry of the cups
and duct, and to do this in combination with a smaller
roller.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are made to Miedema b.v. for
financial support and making available a planting unit for
the laboratory test-rig. The Animal Science group of
Wageningen University provided the high-speed video
camera.
References
Du Cheng-Jin; Sun Da-Wen (2004). Recent developments in the
applications of image processing techniques for food quality
evaluation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 15, 230-249
Entz M H; LaCroix L J (1983). A survey of planting accuracy of
commercial potato planters. American Potato Journal, 60, 617-
623
Koning de C T J; Speelman L; Vries de H C P (1994). Size grading
of potatoes: development of a new characteristic parameter.
Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 57, 119-128
Kutzbach H D (1989). Influence of crop properties on the
efficiency of agricultural machines and equipment. 4th
International Conference on Physical Properties of Agricultural
Materials, Rostock, Germany, September 4-8, pp 447-455
McPhee J E; Beattie B M; Corkrey R; Fennell J F M (1996).
Spacing uniformityyield effects and in-field measurement.
American Potato Journal, 73(1), 167-171 Misener GC (1982).
Potato plantersuniformity of spacing.
Transactions of the ASAE, 25, 1504-1505, 1511 Pavek M;
Thornton R (2003). Poor planter performance: what's it costing the
average Washington potato grower? Proceedings of the
Washington State Potato Conference, Moses Lake, WA, USA, pp
13-21 Sieczka J B; Ewing E E; Markwardt E D (1986). Potato
planter performance and effects on non-uniform spacing. American
Potato Journal, 63, 25-37 Tao Y; Morrow C T; Heinemann P H; Ill
H J S (1995). Fourier based separation technique for shape grading
of potatoes using machine vision. Transactions of the ASAE, 38,
949-957
Zodler H (1969). Ermittlung des Formindex von Kartoffel- knollen
bei Legemachinenuntersuchungen. [Determination of the shape
index of potato tubers in potato planter research.] Grundlagen
der Landtechnie, 15(5), 170
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
ScisnCGDifGCt
ELSE
VIER
21
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

'Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University, P.O Box. 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; e-mail of corresponding author:
willem.hoogmoed@wur.nl 2Krone GmbH, Heinrich-Krone Strasse 10, 48480 Spelle, Germany 3IB-Lerink, Laan van Moerkerken 85, 3271AJ
Mijnsheerenland, The Netherlands 4Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany

(Received 27 May 2005; accepted in revised form 20 June 2006; published online 2 August 2006)

The functioning of most potato planters is based on transport and placement of the seed potatoes by a cup- belt. The
capacity of this process is rather low when planting accuracy has to stay at acceptable levels. The main limitations are set
by the speed of the cup-belt and the number and positioning of the cups. It was hypothesised that the inaccuracy in
planting distance, that is the deviation from uniform planting distances, mainly is created by the construction of the cup-
belt planter.
To determine the origin of the deviations in uniformity of placement of the potatoes a theoretical model was built.
The model calculates the time interval between each successive potato touching the ground. Referring to the
results of the model, two hypotheses were posed, one with respect to the effect of belt speed, and one with respect
to the influence of potato shape. A planter unit was installed in a laboratory to test these two hypotheses. A high-
speed camera was used to measure the time interval between each successive potato just before they reach the soil
surface and to visualise the behaviour of the potato.
The results showed that: (a) the higher the speed of the cup-belt, the more uniform is the deposition of the
potatoes; and (b) a more regular potato shape did not result in a higher planting accuracy.
Major improvements can be achieved by reducing the opening time at the bottom of the duct and by improving
the design of the cups and its position relative to the duct. This will allow more room for changes in the cup-belt
speeds while keeping a high planting accuracy. 2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved Published by Elsevier Ltd

of the tubers at harvest (McPhee et al., 1996; Pavek &
Thornton, 2003). Field measurements (unpublished data) of
planting distance in The Netherlands revealed a coefficient
of variation (CV) of around 20%. Earlier studies in Canada
and the USA showed even higher CVs of up to 69%
(Misener, 1982; Entz & LaCroix, 1983; Sieczka et al.,
1986), indicating that the accuracy is low compared to
precision planters for beet or maize.
Travelling speed and accuracy of planting show an
inverse correlation. Therefore, the present cup-belt planters
are equipped with two parallel rows of cups per belt instead
of one. Doubling the cup row allows double the travel
speed without increasing the belt speed and thus, a higher
capacity at the same accuracy is expected.
Fig. 1. Working components of the cup-belt planter: (1)
potatoes in hopper; (2) cup-belt; (3) cup; (4) upper sheave;
(5) duct; (6) potato on back of cup; (7) furrower; (8) roller;
(9) release opening; (10) ground level
for handling and transporting. Many shape features, usually
combined with size measurements, can be distinguished
(Du & Sun, 2004; Tao et al, 1995; Zodler, 1969). In the
Netherlands grading of potatoes is mostly done by using
the square mesh size (Koning de et al., 1994), which is
determined only by the width and height (largest and least
breadth) of the potato. For the transport processes inside
the planter, the length of the potato is a decisive factor as
well.
A shape factor S based on all three dimensions was
introduced:

1537- 3
5110/$32.00 5

S= (1)

2Capacity and accuracy of plant spacing are the main parameters of machine performance. High accuracy of plant spacing
results in high yield and a uniform sorting

2006 IAgrE. All rights reserved

22 Published by Elsevier Ltd
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

l1
100
wh
where l is the length, w the width and h the height of the
potato in mm, with h<w<l. As a reference, also spherical
golf balls (with about the same density as potatoes),
representing a shape factor S of 100 were used. Shape
characteristics of the potatoes used in this study are given
in Table 1.

2.2. Mathematical model of the process

1 Materials and methods2.1. Plant material

Seed potatoes of the cultivars (cv.) Sante, Arinda and Marfona have been used for testing the cup-belt planter, because
they show different shape characteristics. The shape of the potato tuber is an important characteristic
Fig. 2. Process simulated by model, simulation starting when the
cup crosses line A; release time represents time needed to create
an opening sufficiently large for a potato to pass; model also
calculates time between release of the potato and the moment it
reaches the soil surface (free fall); rc, sum of the radius of the
roller, thickness of the belt and length of the cup; x clear, clearance
between cup and duct wall; xreiease, release clearance; ureiease,
release angle ; o, angular speed of roller; line C, ground level,
end of simulation

The gap in the duct has to be large enough for a potato to pass
and be released. This gap xrelease in m is reached at a certain
angle arelease in rad of a cup passing the roller. This release
angle arelease (Fig. 2) is calculated as
r
c ^ xclear xrelease
cos a
release
r
c
where: rc is the sum in m of the radius of the roller, the
thickness of the belt and the length of the cup; and xclear is the
clearance in m between the tip of the cup and the wall of the
duct.
When the parameters of the potatoes are known, the angle
required for releasing a potato can be calculated. Apart from
its shape and size, the position of the potato on the back of
the cup is determinative. Therefore, the model distinguishes
two positions: (a) minimum required gap, equal to the height
of a potato; and (b) maximum required gap equal to the
length of a potato.
The time trelease in s needed to form a release angle ao is
calculated as
a
release
t
release
Or
Calculating trelease for different potatoes and possible positions
on the cup yields the deviation from the average time interval
between consecutive potatoes. Combined with the duration of
the free fall and the field speed of the planter, this gives the
planting accuracy.

23
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons
for the low accuracy of cup-belt planters and to use this
knowledge to derive recommendations for design
modifications, e.g. in belt speeds or shape and number of
cups.
For better understanding, a model was developed,
describing the potato movement from the moment the
potato enters the duct up to the moment it touches the
ground. Thus, the behaviour of the potato at the bottom of
the soil furrow was not taken into account. As physical
properties strongly influence the efficiency of agricultural
equipment (Kutzbach, 1989), the shape of the potatoes was
also considered in the model.
Two null hypotheses were formulated: (1) the planting
accuracy is not related to the speed of the cup-belt; and (2)
the planting accuracy is not related to the dimensions
(expressed by a shape factor) of the potatoes. The
hypotheses were tested both theoretically with the model
and empirically in the laboratory.
A mathematical model was built to predict planting
accuracy and planting capacity of the cup-belt planter. The
model took into consideration radius and speed of the
roller, the dimensions and spacing of the cups, their
positioning with respect to the duct wall and the height of
the planter above the soil surface (Fig. 2). It was assumed
that the potatoes did not move relative to the cup or rotate
during their downward movement.
The field speed and cup-belt speed can be set to achieve
the aimed plant spacing. The frequency fpot of potatoes
leaving the duct at the bottom is calculated as
f=
J pot
c
where vc is the cup-belt speed in ms" and xc is the distance
in m between the cups on the belt. The angular speed of the
roller mr in rad s"1 with radius rr in m is calculated as
v
c
(3)
r
r

Table 1 velocity of the potato u0 in m s"1 is assumed to equal the

Shape characteristics of potato cultivars and golf balls used in the vertical component of the track speed of the tip of the cup:
experiments
Cultivar Square mesh size, mm Shape factor VQ rc<Or cos ^release(6)

The release height yrelease in m is calculated as

Sante 28-35 146
sin a
Arinda 35-45 362 yrelease yr " r
c release
Marfona 35-45 168 (7)
Golf balls 42-8 100
where yr in m is the distance between the centre of the roller
(line A in Fig. 2) and the soil surface. The time of free fall
tfall in s is calculated with
yrelease v
endtfall + 0-5 gfc

where g is the gravitational acceleration (9-8ms 2) and the

final velocity vend is calculated as
Line A
2
v
end vQ + g yrelease
(9)

"1
with v0 in m s being the vertical downward speed of the
potato at the moment of release.
The time for the potato to move from Line A to the
release point trelease has to be added to tfall.
The model calculates the time interval between two
consecutive potatoes that may be positioned in different (2)
ways on the cups. The largest deviations in intervals will
Line occur when a potato positioned lengthwise is followed by
C
one positioned heightwise, and vice versa.
When the potato is released, it falls towards the soil
surface. As each potato is released on a unique angular fall (8)
position, it also has a unique height above the soil surface at 2.3. The laboratory arrangement
that moment (Fig. 2). A small potato will be released earlier
and thus at a higher point than a large one. A standard planter unit (Miedema Hassia SL 4(6)) was
The model calculates the velocity of the potato just modified by replacing part of the bottom end of the
before it hits the soil surface u in ms"1. The initial vertical sheet metal duct with similarly shaped transparent acrylic
end

material (Fig. 3). The cup-belt was driven via the roller
r

(5)
(4) 24
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

(8 in Fig. 1), by a variable speed electric motor. The speed

was measured with an infrared revolution meter. Only one
row of cups was observed in this arrangement.

25
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

A high-speed video camera (SpeedCam Pro, Weinberger a was set to 5% representing the probability of a type 1
AG, Dietikon, Switzerland) was used to visualise the error, where a true null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected.
behaviour of the potatoes in the transparent duct and to The confidence interval is equal to (100a)%.
measure the time interval between consecutive potatoes. A
sheet with a coordinate system was placed behind the
opening of the duct, the X axis representing the ground 3. Results and discussion
level. Time was registered when the midpoint of a potato
passed the ground line. Standard deviationof the time 3.1. Cup-belt speed
interval between consecutive potatoes was used as measure
3.1.1. Empirical results
for plant spacing accuracy.
The measured time intervals between consecutive potatoes
For the measurements the camera system was set to a
touching ground showed a normal distribution. Standard
recording rate of 1000 frames per second. With an average
deviations a for feeding rates 300, 400 and 500 potatoes
free fall velocity of 2-5ms"1, the potato moves approx. 2-5
min"1 were 33-0, 20-5 and 12-7ms, respectively.
mm between two frames, sufficiently small to allow an
accurate placement registration.
The feeding rates for the test of the effect of the speed of
the belt were set at 300, 400 and 500 potatoes min" 1 (fpot =
5, 6-7 and 8-3 s"1) corresponding to belt speeds of 0-33, 0-
45 and 0-56 ms"1. These speeds would be typical for belts
with 3, 2 and 1 rows of cups, respectively. A fixed feeding
rate of 400 potatoes min" 1 (cup-belt speed of 0-45ms"1) was
used to assess the effect of the potato shape.
For the assessment of a normal distribution of the time
intervals, 30 potatoes in five repetitions were used. In the
other tests, 20 potatoes in three repetitions were used.
2.4. Statistical analysis

The hypotheses were tested using the Fisher test, as

analysis showed that populations were normally dis-
tributed. The one-sided upper tail Fisher test was used and

Fig. 3. Laboratory test-rig; lower rightpart of the bottom end of the sheet metal duct was replaced with transparent acrylic sheet;
26 camera
upper rightsegment faced by the high-speed
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

According to the F-test the differences between feeding time interval. The shorter the time needed for creating the
rates were significant. The normal distributions for all three opening, the smaller the deviations. Results of these
feeding rates are shown in Fig. 4. The accuracy of the calculations are given in Table 2.
planter is increasing with the cup-belt speed, with CVs of
8-6%, 7-1% and 5-5%, respectively. The speed of the cup turning away from the duct wall is
important. Instead of a higher belt speed, an increase of the
3.1.2. Results predicted by the model
cup's circumferential speed can be achieved by decreasing
Figure 5 shows the effect of the belt speed on the time
the radius of the roller. The radius of the roller used in the
needed to create a certain opening. A linear relationship
test is 0-055 m, typical for these planters. It was calculated
was found between cup-belt speed and the accuracy of the
what the radius of the roller
deposition of the potatoes expressed as deviation from the
Table 2
Time intervals between consecutive potatoes calculated by the model (cv. Marfona)
Belt speed, m s" Difference between shortest and longest interval,
s

0-72 17-6
0-36 29-4
0-24 42-8
35

had to be for lower belt speeds, in order to reach the same circumferential speed of the tip of the cup as found for the
highest belt speed. This resulted in a radius of 0-025 m for 300 potatoes min "1 and of 0-041 m for 400 potatoes min" 1.
Compared to this outcome, a linear trend line based on the results of the laboratory measurements
predicts a maximum performance at a radius of around 0-020 m.

The mathematical model [Eqn (5)] predicted

a linear relationship between30
the radius of the roller (for
r>0- 01m) and2
the accuracy of5
the deposition
2
of the > 0
potatoes. The model was used to estimate standard deviations for e
T
different radii at a feeding rate of 300 potatoes min" 1. The results 3 1
are given in Fig. 6, showing that the model predicts a more 3 5
T
f
gradual decrease in accuracy in comparison with the measured e 1
T
3 0
0-035 0- 1
=
030 - 0- 500 pot min 1 5
data. A radius of 0-025 m, which is
025 ^ 0-
400 pot min-1
020 ^ 0- 0-00 0-02 0-04 0-
0
015 300 pot 06 0-08
-
min
0 010 Radius lower roller, m
probably the smallest Fig. 6. Relationship between the radius of the roller and the
-
0 005 radius technically possible, standard deviation of the time interval of deposition of the
should have given a potatoes; the relationship is linear for radii r>0-01 m, K,
0-000 measurement data; A, data from mathematical model; ,
180 26 340 420 500 extended for r<0-01 m; , linear relationship; R 2, coefficient of
0
Time x, ms determination

Fig. 4. Normal distribution of the time interval (x, in ms) of

deposition of the potatoes (pot) for three feeding rates
decrease in
standard deviation of about 75% compared to the original The results of the laboratory tests are given in Table 3. It
radius. shows the standard deviations of the time interval at a
8
fixed feeding rate of 400 potatoes min" 1. These results
were contrary to the expectations that higher standard
0 3.2. Dimension and shape of the potatoes
c deviations would be found with increasing shape factors.
e
6s
x
o
c 0-00 0-05 0-10 0-15 0-20 0-25 Time, s
432 Fig. 5. Effect of belt speed on time needed to create opening
^e 16 27
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

Fig. 8. View from below to the cup at an angle of 45 degrees; position of the potato on the back of the cup is decisive for its
release

Especially the poor results of the balls were amazing. The
standard deviation of the balls was about 50% higher than
the oblong potatoes of cv. Arinda. The normal distribution
of the time intervals is shown in Fig. 7. Significant
differences were found between the balls and the potatoes.
No significant differences were found between the two
potato varieties.
the potatoes, demonstrated that the potatoes of cv. Arinda
always were positioned with their longest axis parallel to
the back of the cup. Thus, apart from the shape factor, a
higher ratio width/height will cause a greater deviation. For
cv. Arinda, this ratio was 1-09, for cv. Marfona it was 115.
3.3. Model versus laboratory test-rig

The poor performance of the balls was caused by the The mathematical model predicted the performance of
fact that these balls could be positioned in many ways on the process under different circumstances. The model
the back of the cup. Thus, different positions of the balls in simulated a better performance for spherical balls compared
adjacent cups resulted in a lower accuracy of deposition. to potatoes whereas the laboratory test showed the opposite.
The three-dimensional drawing of the cup- belt shows the An additional laboratory test was done to check the
shape of the gap between cup and duct illustrating that reliability of the model.
different opening sizes are possible (Fig. 8). In the model, the time interval between two potatoes is
calculated. Starting point is the moment the potato crosses
line A and end point is the crossing of line C (Fig. 2). In the
Table 3
Effect of cultivars on the accuracy of plant spacing; CV, coefficient laboratory test-rig the time-interval between potatoes
of variation moving from line A to C was measured (Fig. 3). The length,
Cultivar Standard deviation, ms CV,% width and height of each potato was measured and potatoes
Arinda were numbered. During the measurement it was determined
Arinda Marfona 8-60 shape factor 3-0 how each potato was positioned on the cup. This position
Marfona shape factor 9-92 362
Golf ball3-5 and the potato dimensions were used as input for the model.
Golf balls 168 13-24 (sphere) shape4-6 The measurements were done at a feeding rate of 400
factor 100
potatoes min"1 with potatoes of cv. Arinda and Marfona.
The standard deviations of the measured time intervals are
shown in Table 4. They were slightly different (higher)
0-050 0-045 0- from the standard deviations calcu-
- -
040 0 035 0
030 0-025 0-
020 0-015 0-010 255 265 275 285 295 305 315 325 335 Time x, ms
0-005 0-000 245
Fig. 7. Normal distribution of the time interval (x, in ms) of
deposition of the potatoes for different shape factors at a fixed
feeding rate

Arinda tubers were deposited with a higher accuracy

than Marfona tubers. Analysis of the recorded frames and

28
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 8 (4): 753-758, August2011

Table 4 than a potato. This was caused by the shapes of the guiding
Differences between the standard deviations of the opening time duct and cups.
measured in the laboratory and calculated by the model
It is recommended to redesign the geometry of the cups
Cultivar Shape factor Standard deviation, ms
and duct, and to do this in combination with a smaller
Measured Calculated roller.
Arinda 326 8-02 5-22
Marfona 175 6-96 4-40 Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements are made to Miedema b.v. for

financial support and making available a planting unit for
lated by the model. Explanations for these differences are: the laboratory test-rig. The Animal Science group of
(1) the model does not take into consideration situations as Wageningen University provided the high-speed video
shown in Fig. 8, (2) the passing moment at line A and C camera.
was disputable. Oblong potatoes such as cv. Arinda may
fall with the tip or with the longest size down. This may References
cause up to 6 ms difference for the potato to reach the
bottom line C. Du Cheng-Jin; Sun Da-Wen (2004). Recent developments in the
applications of image processing techniques for food quality
evaluation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 15, 230-249
Entz M H; LaCroix L J (1983). A survey of planting accuracy of
4. Conclusions commercial potato planters. American Potato Journal, 60, 617-
623
The mathematical model simulating the movement of Koning de C T J; Speelman L; Vries de H C P (1994). Size grading
of potatoes: development of a new characteristic parameter.
the potatoes at the time of their release from the cup-belt Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 57, 119-128
was a very useful tool leading to the hypotheses to be Kutzbach H D (1989). Influence of crop properties on the
tested and to design the laboratory test-rig. efficiency of agricultural machines and equipment. 4th
Both the model and the laboratory test showed that the International Conference on Physical Properties of Agricultural
higher the speed of the belt, the more uniform the Materials, Rostock, Germany, September 4-8, pp 447-455
McPhee J E; Beattie B M; Corkrey R; Fennell J F M (1996).
deposition of the potatoes at zero horizontal velocity. This Spacing uniformityyield effects and in-field measurement.
was due to the fact that the opening, allowing the potato to American Potato Journal, 73(1), 167-171 Misener GC (1982).
drop, is created quicker. This leaves less effect of shape of Potato plantersuniformity of spacing.
the potato and the positioning of the potato on the cup. A Transactions of the ASAE, 25, 1504-1505, 1511 Pavek M;
relationship with the belt speed was found. So, to provide Thornton R (2003). Poor planter performance: what's it costing the
average Washington potato grower? Proceedings of the
more room for reductions in the cup-belt speeds while
Washington State Potato Conference, Moses Lake, WA, USA, pp
keeping a high planting accuracy it is recommended to 13-21 Sieczka J B; Ewing E E; Markwardt E D (1986). Potato
decrease the radius of the roller till as low as technically planter performance and effects on non-uniform spacing. American
possible. Potato Journal, 63, 25-37 Tao Y; Morrow C T; Heinemann P H; 1ll
This study showed that the accuracy of planting H J S (1995). Fourier based separation technique for shape grading
of potatoes using machine vision. Transactions of the ASAE, 38,
(distance in the seeding furrow) is influenced for a large
949-957
part by the cup-belt unit of the planter. Zodler H (1969). Ermittlung des Formindex von Kartoffel- knollen
A more regular shape (lower shape factor) does not bei Legemachinenuntersuchungen. [Determination of the shape
automatically result in a higher accuracy. A sphere (golf index of potato tubers in potato planter research.] Grundlagen
ball) in most cases was deposited with a lower accuracy der Landtechnie, 15(5), 170
The cup-belt planter (Fig. 1) is the most commonly used machine to plant potatoes. The seed potatoes are transferred from a hopper to th
sized to hold one tuber. This belt moves upwards to lift the potatoes out of the hopper and turns over the upper sheave. At this point, the pota
next cup and are confined in a sheet-metal duct. At the bottom, the belt turns over the roller, creating the opening for dropping the potato into a
The cup-belt planter (Fig. 1) is the most commonly used machine to plant potatoes. The seed potatoes are transferred from a hopper to th
sized to hold one tuber. This belt moves upwards to lift the potatoes out of the hopper and turns over the upper sheave. At this point, the pota
next cup and are confined in a sheet-metal duct. At the bottom, the belt turns over the roller, creating the opening for dropping the potato into a

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