Seedigation parameter effects on seed distribution within pipeline
1994
Branch, B.G. | Ghate, S.R. | Thomas, D.L. | Cochran, D.L.
Seedigation tests were conducted in a laboratory using a 50-mm, inside diameter glass, irrigation model to find the effects of water pressure, water velocity, seed carrier, and sprinkler spacing on a turnip (Brassica rapa L.) seed distribution within a pipe. Seed distribution data were collected by analyzing 70 photo transparencies and seed distribution uniformity was tested by a chi-square test. Changes in velocity and pressure had little influence on the seed uniformity within a pipe. More than 80% seed were observed traveling near the bottom of the pipe as the travel distance along the pipe increased in the velocity and pressure sensitivity tests. However, significant improvement in seed distribution uniformity was noted when oil-based seed carrier was used. With oil-based seed carrier, about 35% of the seed were distributed in the top one-eighth area, 4% in the bottom one-eighth area, and the remaining in the rest of the pipe. The glass irrigation model was a useful tool for laboratory testing of seedigation parameters. Additional testing using various combinations of seed and seed carriers will be needed for obtaining uniform seed distribution within a pipeline for possible use in seedigation.
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