Design and construction of an animal drawn maize planter with fertilizer applicator.

Abstract

Proper seed planting is an important farm operation which aims at increasing production through ensuring optimum plant population per area, even stands as well as reducing unnecessary plant competition for nutrients. Local Small holder farmers in Uganda are faced with numerous maize planting challenges ranging from the activity being tedious, labor intensive and inefficiency, the available modern methods like use of engine powered or tractor drawn planters are expensive for small holder farmers. This study is focused on the design, construction and performance evaluation of an animal drawn maize planter with fertilizer applicator which is adapted for gardens and small holder farmers cultivating less than two hectares. The major components of the planter are hopper, seed metering mechanism, seed chute, furrow opener, furrow closer and ground wheels. This planter is to be economical, requiring no special skill to operate and can be adopted for maize planting by small holder farmers of Nambaaale sub county, Iganga district.