International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Design and Manufacturing of Digger system for Automatic Vegetable Transplanter Rahul Kokane1, Saurabh Kasar2, Poonam Raut3, Sakshi Malunjkar4, Vaibhav Nehe5, Makarand Shirke6 1,2,3,4,5B.E. Students, Department of Mechanical Engineering, AVCOE, Sangamner, Maharashtra, India. 6Assistant Prof. Department of Mechanical Engineering, AVCOE, Sangamner, Maharashtra, India.
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Abstract: In agricultural automation, particularly in soil
soil degradation and lack scalability in heterogeneous conditions [11–13]. This study addresses these challenges by proposing a low-cost, fully mechanical digger system integrated into automatic vegetable transplanters, leveraging modular rotary blades and adjustable linkages to achieve ±5 mm depth accuracy at <₹20,000 manufacturing cost. By bridging the gap between high-cost automation and manual inefficiency, this innovation aims to empower small-scale farmers with sustainable precision agriculture tools, targeting a 70% labor reduction and 30% improvement in planting efficiency [14–16].
preparation for seedling placement. Traditional manual digging methods are labor-intensive and inconsistent while existing mechanical systems often lack adaptability to smallscale farming prevalent in regions like India. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a mechanically driven digger system tailored for automatic transplanters. The system employs a Five-Bar Digger mechanism synchronized with the transplanter’s movement to create uniform furrows at adjustable depths and intervals. Prototype testing demonstrated a digging success rate of 85–90%, with a capacity to prepare 1,800–2,000 planting sites per hour. The system’s mechanical simplicity ensures affordability and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for resource-constrained agricultural environments. Results highlight its potential to reduce labor dependency, enhance planting accuracy, and improve crop yield through optimized soil disturbance.
2.LITERATURE REVIEW Digging tools are essential in modern farming, especially in precision agriculture, where they are used for tasks like preparing soil, planting seedlings, and managing resources efficiently. Over time, there have been many improvements in digging technologies, but problems like high expenses, wear and tear, and energy inefficiency still limit their use, particularly in developing nations. This review examines the advancements in digging tools, the obstacles they face, and the areas that need improvement to make these technologies more affordable and practical for farmers worldwide. Japanese studies demonstrated serrated blades achieving 95% furrow consistency in clay soils, though frequent blade replacements were needed due to wear (Yamamoto et al., 2019) [17]. Dutch prototypes synchronized multiple blades using planetary gear trains, achieving 200 RPM with 2.5 HP input but requiring complex maintenance (Van der Berg, 2021) [18]. Hydraulic systems, such as Ferrari Agri’s HT-300 (2020), offered ±2 mm depth accuracy but consumed 3.8 HP, limiting adoption in fuel-scarce regions [19]. U.S. models like John Deere’s 1700 Series employed pneumatic grippers but reported 18% seedling damage from abrupt force application (Smith et al., 2020) [20]. Sensor-based technologies, such as South Korean LiDAR-enabled systems, achieved 98% precision but incurred prohibitive costs (Kim et al., 2023) [21].
Keywords: Automatic Vegetable Transplanter, Digger Mechanism, Soil Preparation, Agricultural Automation, Rotary Blade System, Furrow Consistency.
1.INTRODUCTION Agriculture serves as the economic backbone for over 58% of India’s population, contributing 17% to the national GDP, yet it remains plagued by inefficiencies rooted in labor-intensive practices [1]. Vegetable cultivation, a vital subsector generating ₹1.5 trillion annually, faces systemic challenges due to manual soil preparation methods, which result in inconsistent furrow depth (±30 mm variation) and spacing, reducing yields by 20–30% for high-value crops like tomatoes and chilies [2–4]. Manual tools such as hoes and spades not only demand excessive labor but also cause soil compaction (>25 kPa), damaging seedlings and lowering germination rates by up to 40% [5–7]. While mechanized solutions from developed nations—such as Japan’s Yanmar AP4 transplanter or Italy’s Ferrari HT-300—achieve precision (±5 mm depth accuracy), their prohibitive costs (₹500,000–₹800,000) exclude 85% of Indian farmers managing small plots (<2 hectares) [8–10]. Regional adaptations, like tractor-mounted plows, often exacerbate
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