SEED SOWING APPARATUS AND A DIRECT SEED
SOWING MACHINE
Field of invention:
The present invention relates to a means for metering seeds, particularly, the present invention relates to a seed sowing apparatus with metering means, more particularly, the present invention relates to a direct seed sowing machine with metering means for paddy cultivation.
Background of the invention:
In agricultural operations it is known that seeds are sown in the fields for cultivating different varieties of crops. In case of cultivation of most of the crops seeds are directly sown in the fields e.g. for wheat cultivation the seeds are sown directly in the fields.
Figure 1 shows existing seed sowing machine for wheat cultivation. As it can be observed from figure 1 that the wheat seed sowing machine is provided with fluted rollers for seed sowing. It was observed that the existing wheat drill as shown in figure 1 does not have any control to achieve specified plant to plant spacing.
In case of paddy cultivation, the seeds are sown in a small nursery so as to raise seedlings of the paddy before transplanting into the main field, where it is grown under 4-5 inches of water after puddling. To get paddy saplings for transplanting, predetermined number of seeds are sown in the nursery. After growing the saplings for 4-5 weeks, these are transplanted manually or by a planting machine in the main paddy field. Figure 2 shows manual transplanting of saplings in a paddy field. To enable good aeration and sunlight reaching the plants, it is desirable to have transplanting of the saplings to be done with specified row to row, and plant to plant spacing. However, manual transplanting makes it difficult to achieve that. Hence, it is desirable to have paddy seeds to be directly sown/transplanted with mechanical transplanter in the paddy fields which would enable
idesirable spacing to be maintained. However, existing wheat sowing machines are not capable of doing the same.
As indicated previously, the existing seed sowing machine (as shown in figure 1) does not have any control to achieve specified spacing. This results in the saplings sometimes growing too close to each other causing not enough space to be available for tillering, and leads to lower output. Hence, the existing direct seed sowing facilities are not workable for paddy cultivation.
Traditionally paddy fields are transplanted after puddling and the standing crop is kept under 4-6 inches of water initially for about 6-8 weeks. The main reason for doing puddling and maintaining standing water is to prevent the growth of weeds. However, during and puddling, and the need to have 4 -6 inches of standing water leads to excessive water consumption during the paddy growing periods. Also, the paddy fields are irrigated very frequently in the initial phase of crop growth so that the puddled soil does not develop cracks as that leads to deep percolation of water. The average water consumption per hectare is about 7500-10000KL for different paddy varieties.
When paddy is being grown the field is irrigated either through rains, water from canals or water pumped from the subsoil. Usage of subsoil water is resulting in depletion of water table across the country and is posing a serious threat to sustainability of agriculture. Also, paddy uses up a major part of irrigation water provided through the canal network in the country. In case, water consumption in paddy can be reduced, the canal water saved can be used for irrigating more fields, thereby enabling higher food production.
As it can be clearly understood from the above paragraphs, the traditional methods for paddy cultivation leads to high water consumption, and is cumbersome.
As indicated in previous paragraphs that existing seed sowing machine is not workable for paddy cultivation because of their inability to have a precise control over the number
|of seeds to be sown with desiarable spacing between plants. In other words, there is no existing machine with inclination seed plate metering device which can be used for direct seeding of paddy cultivation.
Therefore, the inventors of the present invention felt a grave need of a seed sowing machine suitable for paddy cultivation and which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior existing machine. The inventors of the present invention have come out with a novel construction which can control the number of seeds to be sown as per desired spacing. Thereby, the inventors of the present invention provide a solution to the problems which make the prior existing seed sowing machine non-workable for paddy cultivation.
The prior existing direct seed sowing machines do not have inclination seed plate metering device to control the (a) Quantity of seeds, (b) Depth of seeding, (c) Seed spacing and (d) Row to row spacing.
The above four parameters are essential in a direct seed sowing machine to make it suitable for paddy cultivation.
In the present invention the inventors have developed an altogether different construction which comprises a means for metering which does not hamper the storing and dispensing of seeds. The means for metering of the present invention solves the problem of controlling the number of seeds to be sown at a particular location and controlling the gaps between two such locations. Therefore, the present invention provides a direct seed sowing machine for paddy cultivation which overcomes the need for raising paddy saplings in a nursery followed by manual transplanting. Direct seeding of paddy also saves large amount of water.
Objects of the present invention:
The main object of the present invention is to provide a metering means which can accurately measure the number of seeds to be sown at a particular location.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a metering means which can
maintain a constant gap between the saplings.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a seed sowing apparatus with
metering means.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a direct seed sowing machine
with metering means.
One more object of the present invention is to provide a direct seed sowing machine with
metering means for paddy cultivation.
Summary of the invention:
The present invention provides a metering device for correctly measuring the seeds to be sown. Particularly, the present invention provides seed sowing apparatus with a metering means for paddy cultivation. By using the apparatus of the present invention the paddy seeds can be directly sown in the fields and paddy crop can be cultivated.
Brief description of drawings:
Figure 1 shows prior existing facility of seed sowing for wheat cultivation as the prior art.
Figure 2 shows manual transplanting of rice seedlings in a paddy field for traditional
paddy cultivation according to the prior art.
Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of a seed metering means of the direct seed sowing
apparatus in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exemplary illustration of dispensing unit of the seed sowing apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a direct seeding machine of the present invention connected with a
tractor.
Detailed description of the invention
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a metering means for cultivation of paddy. The metering means comprises a support plate, an upstanding wall surrounding and connected with the support plate. The metering means comprises an inclination disc overlying the support plate. The inclination disc is rotatable inside the surrounding wall
and formed with plurality of seed carrying sections. The seed carrying sections are constructed so as to pick and carry a predetermined number of seeds. More particularly, the seed sowing sections are constructed on the periphery of inclination disc.
The present invention also provides a seed sowing apparatus which picks and drops a predetermined number of seeds at a particular location and also leaves a pre-determined gap between two such locations.
In the present invention, the seed sowing apparatus is constructed so as to optimize the following parameters:
(a) Quantity of seeds
(b) Depth of seeding
(c) Seed spacing
(d) Row to row spacing
Optimization of above parameters makes the seed sowing apparatus of the present invention suitable for paddy cultivation.
In accordance of an embodiment of the present invention the seed sowing apparatus comprises a metering device. The metering device comprises a support plate and upstanding wall surrounding and connected to peripheral edge of the support plate thereby forming a storage unit. Seeds to be sown can be stored in the storage unit. The seed sowing apparatus of the present invention comprises a drive shaft which intersects the support plate and projects upward along with central axis of the support plate. A machine element or a bearing can be interposed between the drive shaft and the support plate at the point of intersection. Such assembly keeps the support plate stationary while the drive shaft is rotating. The drive shaft can be driven by a main shaft which is coupled to receive power from a drive wheel which rotates as the tractor moves. The drive shaft and the main shaft are provided with a sprocket connection between them. According to an embodiment of the present invention the metering device comprises an inclination disc overlying the support plate. The inclination disc is connected with the rotating drive shaft so that the inclination disc is rotatable inside the surrounding wall. A clearance is
rovided between the inclination disc and the support plate so that the inclination disc can rotate freely. Similarly, a clearance is provided between peripheral edge of the inclination disc and the wall surrounding the disc. The inclination disc is provided with plurality of seed carrying sections for picking and carrying a predetermined number of seeds.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the seed carrying sections can be disposed symmetrically on the inclination disc. The inclination disc is located above the support plate so that the seeds contained in the storage unit are received by the seed sections. All the seed sections are constructed of equal size and each of the seed section can carry a predetermined number of seeds.
The number of seeds carried by a seed section depends upon the seed size and size of the seed section which can be constructed according to the requirement. A person skilled in the art may construct the size and shapes of section higher or lower as per the requirement. The shapes of the seed carrying sections can be selected from the group comprising triangular slots, circular slots, square or rectangular slots, saw tooth shaped slots or combinations thereof.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the seed carrying sections are constructed so as to carry 2 to 4 seeds for paddy cultivation. According to an embodiment of the present invention the seed sections are in the form of angular slots or curved slots having an open end and a closed end.
In an embodiment of the present invention the periphery of the inclination disc is formed with a saw-tooth profile having plurality of elongated tooth with a leading end and a trailing end. The area between the leading end of the trailing tooth and the trailing end of the leading tooth forms one seed carrying section for carrying predetermined number of seeds. The distance between the trailing end and leading end of a tooth partly determines the interval at which seeds to be dispensed thereby determines the gap to be left between two saplings. However, the rotational speed of the inclination disc along with distance
between the trailing end and leading end of a tooth determines the gap between two saplings.
In accordance of an embodiment of the present invention the support plate is formed with an opening for receiving said predetermined number of seeds from the seed sections. The opening is located in the support plate in such a manner so that seed sections come in alignment with the opening as the inclination disc rotates. When the seed section comes in alignment with the opening the seeds contained in the seed section fall into the opening due to gravity. As the person skilled in the art can understand that the support plate acts as a support for the seeds and seeds fall only when the opening comes in alignment with the seed section. The opening is formed such that upon rotation of inclination disc only one seed section comes in alignment with the said opening at any point of time.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit is mounted so that a central axis which passes through the support plate is inclined at an acute angle from the vertical axis. Therefore, the storage unit is inclined mounted in the seed sowing apparatus.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the seed sections are in the form of angular slots or curved slots having an open end and a closed end. When the storage unit is inclined, the seeds contained therein can be easily picked up by the inclination disc irrespective of orientation of the seeds with respect to the seed sections.
As explained earlier that a clearance is provided between the inclination disc and the support plate, the size of the clearance is smaller than the size of a seed. Similarly, the clearance provided between the peripheral edge of the inclination disc and the wall surrounding the disc is smaller that the size of a seed.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing unit is provided beneath the opening of the support plate. The dispensing unit is adapted to receive seeds falling inside the opening and dispenses the same to the ground. The seed dispensing unit
Keceives predetermined number of seeds carried by seed sections through the opening provided on the support plate and dispenses the same to field. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seed dispensing unit receives seeds at a predetermined interval and therefore, it dispenses seeds to the ground at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval can be determined depending upon the gap between the two seed sections and the rotational speed of the inclination disc.
According to an embodiment of the present invention the predetermined interval is 9 to 10 inches. In other words the space between two hills is 6 to 8 for paddy cultivation because 2-4 seeds dropped from dispensing unit will fall at a space of 2-3 inches because of momentum of tractor.
The dispensing unit can also be constructed so that it can open the furrow in the ground while dispensing the seeds. To follow the unevenness of the ground the dispensing unit can be constructed so as to be adjustable in vertical direction.
In another embodiment of the present invention the seed dispensing unit is coupled with a depth control device for sowing the seeds at a predetermined depth. The depth control device can be hinged to the seed dispensing unit so that the depth control device can moved in vertical direction and it can follow unevenness of the ground. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the depth control device is constructed so as to sow the seeds at a desirable depth of 0.5 to 1.0 inches for paddy cultivation.
As it is clear from the above description, in the present invention it is possible to dispense predetermined number of seeds in predetermined space intervals.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seed sowing machine which can be connected to a land vehicle suitable for farming purposes. As shown in figure 5, the direct seeding machine is connected with a tractor. The seed sowing machine comprises plurality of seed sowing apparatuses and each of the seed sowing apparatus is located at a predetermined distance from the other seed sowing apparatus.
In an embodiment of the present invention the said predetermined distance is in the range of 8 to 10 inches preferably 9 inches.
Following description describes the invention with reference to the figures. This description should not be construed in a limiting sense.
Figure 3 shows an exemplary illustration of the seed metering means for the seed sowing apparatus in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. As can be observed from figure 3, the seed metering means (10) comprises an inclination disc (20) which is rotatable around its central axis. The inclination disc (20) has plurality of seed sections (30) disposed symmetrically around the periphery of the inclination disc (20). The seed section (30) can also be formed integral to a circular disc (40). In other words, seed section can be made by cutting operations on the circular disc (40).
As shown in figure 3, the outer periphery of the inclination disc is having a saw tooth profile. The saw tooth profile comprises a plurality of elongated tooth having a leading end (EL) and a trailing end (ET). AS can be observed from figure 3, each of the said elongated teeth has a curved profile. The curved and elongated profile of the teeth is suitable for easy pick up and carrying the paddy seeds according a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, the elongated tooth can also be constructed so as to have a combination of curved straight line profile. The area (As) between the leading end (EL) of the trailing tooth (TT) and the trailing end (ET) of the leading tooth (TL) defines one seed carrying section. The area (As) determines the number of seeds to be carried in one seed section (30). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention area (As) is adapted to carry 2 to 4 seeds. The construction as shown in figure 3 is rotatable in clockwise direction. However, the inclination disc can be constructed for anticlockwise rotation by changing the orientation of the profile of the seed carrying sections formed on the disc.
Rhe distance between the trailing end (ET) and leading end (EL) of a tooth and the rotation speed determines the gap between the two locations of seed sowing thereby determines the gap between the two saplings. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, gap between the two locations of seed sowing is 8 to 10 inches.
Figure 3 shows the seed metering means (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, different shapes and sizes of the seed carrying sections (30) can be made on the disc depending upon the requirement. However, the seed carrying sections can be constructed of any other suitable shapes.
As shown in figure 3 the seed metering device (10) comprises a support plate (50) and upstanding wall (60) surrounding and connected to the peripheral edge of the support plate (50). The seed metering device (10) can be mounted in lower part of a seed hopper. The inclination disc (20) can be coupled to a drive shaft (70) which intersects the support plate and projects upward along the central axis of the support plate (50). The surrounding wall (60) and the support plate (50) form a storage unit (60') which can be used for containing the seeds to be sown. The storage unit (60') can be connected to a seed hopper (not shown) for continuously receiving seeds therefrom.
The storage unit (60') is mounted on a central axis which passes through the support plate which is inclined at an acute angle from the vertical axis.
The storage unit (60') and the support plate (50) is supported by the drive shaft (70) in such a manner so that the storage unit (60') remains stationary while the drive shaft (70) is rotating and only the inclination disc (20) rotates. This can be achieved by interposing a bearing (not shown) between the support plate (50) and the drive shaft (70).
As shown in figure 3, the support plate (50) is provided with an opening (80) which is located in such a manner so that the seed sections (30) comes in alignment with the opening (80) upon rotation of the inclination plate (20). The rotational speed of inclination disc can be determined depending upon the requirement. The rotational speed
determines the amount of the seeds to be sown in a field. The driving mechanism can be selected so as to select the rotational speed according to the requirement of the field.
Figure 4 shows is an exemplary illustration of the seed sowing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 4 the drive shaft (70) can be driven by a main shaft (70') which receives power from a drive wheel which rotates as the apparatus is moved.
As can be observed from figure 4, a seed dispensing unit (90) is mounted beneath the opening (80) provided in the support plate (50). As the inclination disc rotates the seed sections (30) select and carry a predetermined number of seeds from the storage unit (60') and when the seed section comes in alignment with the opening the seeds are dispensed through the dispensing unit.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seed sowing machine which can be connected to a land vehicle suitable for farming purposes. As shown in figure 5, the direct seeding machine is connected with a tractor. The seed sowing machine comprises plurality of seed sowing apparatuses and each of the seed sowing apparatus is located at a predetermined distance from the other seed sowing apparatus. In an embodiment of the present invention the said predetermined distance is in the range of 8 to 10 inches preferably 9 inches.
The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.
Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:
- Reduced cost of production
- Marginally higher output due to a uniform density of planting
Reduced water consumption and, therefore, reduced power consumption - Reduced Methane generation
Comparative cost in direct seeding versus transplanting is shown in table 1.
(Table removed)

Traditional paddy cultivation requires 7500 KL of water/ Hectare, whereas, the direct seeding for paddy cultivation using the machine of the present invention saves 2250KL/Hectare. Hence, 30 % reduction in water consumption can be directly observed or over Rs. 1000/- per acre of cultivation cost can be saved directly.
Direct seeding also provides reduced methane emission, as there is no standing water around the bio-mass at the base of the crop. Based on extrapolation of measurements conducted in Europe and USA, the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) attributed 38 million Tons of Methane being generated per year to Indian paddy cultivation. If the saving in methane emission by direct seeding is 30%, farmers can earn through Carbon Credits about Rs.2000/ acre.
As discussed in the background section, the traditional paddy cultivation requires puddling, manual transplanting the seedlings grown in nursery and thereafter, standing water for the first 6- 8 weeks. By direct seeding these operations can be avoided.
The present invention also has the following advantages:
(a) Optimum seed depth through adjustments in machines
(b) Better plant to plant spacing by introducing improved seed metering device
(c) Reduced effort by the farmer as transplanting of saplings from nursery to main field is avoided
(d) Reduced water consumption, as it avoids puddling & standing water of 4 - 6 inches at the base of the crop.

We Claim:
1. A seed metering device comprising a support plate (50) provided with upstanding wall (60) surrounding and connected with the support plate (50) thereby forming a seed storage unit (60') for containing seeds; said metering means (10) comprises an inclination disc (20) overlying the support plate (50) and rotatable inside the surrounding wall (60) wherein the inclination disc is provided with plurality of seed carrying sections (30) for pick and carry a predetermined number of seeds.
2. The seed metering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the periphery of the inclination disc is having a saw tooth profile with plurality of elongated teeth having a leading end (EL) and a trailing end (ET), and an area (As) between the leading end of the trailing tooth (EL) and the trailing end (ET) of the leading tooth (TL) defines the one seed carrying section (30).
3. The seed metering device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the elongated teeth is having a curved profile.
4. A seed sowing apparatus comprising: a metering means (10) which comprises a support plate (50) provided with upstanding wall (60) surrounding and connected with the support plate (50) thereby forming a seed storage unit (60') for containing seeds; said metering means (10) comprises an inclination disc (20) overlying the support plate (50) and rotatable inside the surrounding wall (60); a plurality of seed carrying sections (30) formed on the inclination disc (20) for selecting and carrying a predetermined number of seeds; an opening (80) located on the support plate for receiving said predetermined number of seeds from the seed sections (30); said opening (80) is formed such that upon rotation of inclination disc (20) only one seed section comes in alignment with the said opening (80); a seed dispensing unit for receiving said predetermined number of seeds from the said opening (80) and to dispense the same to flied at predetermined interval.
5. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the periphery of the inclination disc is having a saw tooth profile with plurality of elongated teeth having a leading end (EL) and a trailing end (ET), and an area (As) between the leading end of the trailing tooth (EL) and the trailing end (Ej) of the leading tooth (TL) defines the one seed carrying section (30).
6. The seed metering device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elongated teeth is having a curved profile.
7. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed any of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination disc is coupled with a drive shaft (70) being driven by a drive wheel which moves as the seeding machine is moved.
8. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit is having its central axis which passes through the support plate incline at an acute angle from the vertical axis.
9. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the seed dispensing unit is coupled with a depth control means for sowing the seeds at a predetermined depth.
10. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth control means is hinged to the said dispensing unit (90) so as to follow unevenness of the ground.
11. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the seed sections (30) are disposed symmetrically on the periphery of the inclination disc (20).
12. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination disc (20) and the support plate is provided with a clearance disposed there between which is less than the size of a seed.
13. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination disc (20) and the surrounding wall is provided with a clearance disposed there between which is less than the size of a seed.
14. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the seed sections (30) are in the form of angular slots or curved slots having an open end and a closed end.
15. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the depth control means sow the seeds at a desirable depth of 0.5 to 1.0 inches.
16. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the seed dispensing means dispense the seeds at an interval in the range of 8 to 10 inches.
17. The seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the seed carrying section is formed so as to carry 2 to 4 seeds.
18. A direct seed sowing machine, said machine is connectable to a land vehicle and comprises plurality of seed sowing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the seed sowing apparatus is located at a predetermined distance from the other seed sowing apparatus.
19. The direct seed sowing machine as claimed in claim 18, wherein the said predetermined distance is in the range of 8 to 10 inches preferably 9 inches.
A seed metering device and a seed sowing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.