Design and Parameters Optimization of <i>Pteris vittata</i> Automatic Sowing Machine for Phytoremediation

Abstract

In view of the uneven artificial sowing, low sowing, as well as the fact that the existing seeders cannot meet the sowing requirements of<em> Pteris vittata</em>, this paper designed an automatic plug seeder by using the method of spraying and sowing after mixing spores and water. In order to obtain the optimum working parameters of the seeder, response surface method (RSM) was employed to design the experiments and evaluate the results with the purpose of optimizing parameters for improving spraying uniformity. The parameters such as the distance between the nozzle and plug and the nozzle angle and transmission speed were selected, and then the regression equation of spraying uniformity was established. The results showed that the influence of various factors on spraying uniformity coefficient from high to low were nozzle angle, distance between the nozzle and plug and transmission speed. Through the experimental analysis, it can be concluded that when the distance between the nozzle and plug was 11.63 cm, the nozzle angle and the transmission speed were 79.23° and 0.21 m/s, respectively; the seeding uniformity coefficient was the largest, 83.43%. The verification test results indicated that the optimized result was reliable. This study can provide reference for the development of micro seed seeder.