Study on the Intercropping Mechanism and Seeding Improvement of the Cavity Planter with Vertical Insertion Using DEM-MBD Coupling Method

In the dry areas of Northwest China, cavity planters with vertical insertions are used for seeding on film. Due to the uncertain mechanism between cavity planters and maize seeds and soil, research on the cavity planter has been slow. Several theoretical and experimental methods have been developed to investigate the interaction between the cavity planter and maize seeds in soil. These methods enable exploration of the mechanism to reduce soil disturbance and improve seeding performance. However, these methods are unable to predict the dynamic force of tools and soil behavior because of non-linear soil properties. A simulation experiment was conducted using the DEM-MBD coupling method to explore soil disturbance caused by cavity seeders and the resistance to entry. Additionally, the effect of the maize shape and the cavity planter motion on the seed number qualification and the empty cavity rate was investigated. It was proposed that the inverted hook be used to prevent the movement of maize seeds up and down in cavity seeders, thereby improving seed filling performance. Simulations and experiments were conducted, and the results showed that the average empty cavity rate and the seed number qualification were 2.0% and 91.3%, respectively, which met the requirements of the maize sowing standards.