Here comes the BPRE Pneumatic corn planter

(Part 3)

By Sosimo Ma. Pablico

Comes the Pneumatic Corn Planter

To recapitulate, the BPRE pneumatic corn planter can be mounted on the rear of any four-wheel tractor [22 to 35 hp] by means of any standard three-point hitch.  It is equipped with a planting assembly, fertilizer applicator assembly, and furrower.

The machine uses a pneumatic metering system which enables it to plant corn seeds of all sizes.  The metering system is operated by 5-hp gasoline engine.

The planting assembly has adjustments for row and hill spacing as well as seed depth.  It also has a mechanism that covers the seeds with soil.  Hill spacing could be set at 15 to 30 cm, row spacing at 65 to 75 cm, and seed depth at 5 to 10 cm.  Each hopper can contain 5 kg.

On the other hand, the fertilizer applicator assembly, made of stainless steel for protection against corrosion, has an adjustable metering device that regulates the fertilizer applied depending on the field condition. The fertilizer application rate could also be set at 3 to 9 bags a hectare.  It is recommended that only a bag of fertilizer is placed inside the fertilizer tank at a time to minimize compaction.

The corn planter also has a furrower attachment that maximizes the use of water during the first irrigation after planting.

Its optimum forward speed of 3.3 to 3.8 kph attains a high hill planting efficiency.

The newly developed pneumatic corn planter was launched recently during the 4th Philippine National Corn Congress in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

In his discussion of the machine’s features, BPRE executive director Dr. Ricardo L. Cachuela said mechanization offers the following benefits: increased cropping intensity; reduced labor requirement; reduced human drudgery; faster operation; increased productivity; improved quality and value of output; and precise, efficient and timely operations.

Caparino said the investment cost, 585,349 including reconditioned tractor and working capital, can be recovered in 3.55 years if the machine shall be used for custom services.

For more information, contact the BPRE Executive Director at tel. nos. (044) 456-0213, 456-0290; fax no. (044) 456-0110; email execdir@bpre.gov.ph.

-oOo-

Specifications of the BPRE Pneumatic Corn Planter

      Pneumatic seed metering
Adjustable row and hill spacing

Row spacing          65 – 75 cm

Hill spacing            15 – 30 cm

      Adjustable seed depth         5 – 10 cm

      Metering device for fertilizer     Adjustable

      Can be attached to mini tractor [22 – 35 hp]

      Can be used for minimum tillage planting

      Made of locally available materials

      Fuel consumption

            Engine [5 hp, gasoline] of seed metering       12 liters/ha

       Tractor [diesel]                                                8 liters/ha

      Labor requirement                                           2 persons

      Estimated cost                                         200,000 excluding tractor

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/harvest-time/)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments