Semer en MSV :a tool to assist in adjusting AgriDrill seed drill wheels
A decision support tool (DST) has been developed to ensure reliable adjustment of the large seeder wheel and small seeder wheel Agri Drill, widely used in market gardening organic on small plots. This tool, accessible here, allows identifying the appropriate spoon for each species or mixture, based on measured flow rate data. It aims to secure the establishment of cover crops, optimize seeding density, and improve user autonomy in contexts of no-till seeding without motorization. Although these wheels were originally designed to sow market gardening crops, they also prove useful for establishing cover crops on small agricultural surfaces, as shown in the table below.
Optimizing seeding in MSV with Agri Drill seeder wheels
In organic market gardening farms on small plots, seeding cover crops is often done without motorized tools. In these contexts, spoon seeder wheels stand out as a simple, robust, and effective solution, especially in no-till or in the presence of plant residues.
But one difficulty remains: precise adjustment of seeding density. These tools do not have a dose indicator, and market gardeners often have to adjust by guesswork, risking under- or overdosing. It then becomes difficult to secure the cover crop establishment.
To overcome this difficulty, the association Maraîchage Sol Vivant (MSV Normandie) developed, within the project ATP “Improving the Triple Performance of market gardening farms” funded by the Normandy Region, a tool to assist in adjusting Agri Drill seeder wheels.
Objective: to facilitate the choice of the appropriate spoon for each species or mixture, to control seeding densities, whether in pure or mixed seeding.
Agri Drill seeder wheels: operation and characteristics
Agri Drill, created by a market gardener, imports and adapts these seeder wheels for living soil market gardening. Two models, tested in the ATP project, are available:
- The large wheel, robust and precise, suitable for medium and large seeds (coriander to squashes) and surfaces. It supports up to 8 cm of mulch and weighs 13 kg. It has 6 to 20 beaks and 20 spoons (8 in Arabic numerals, 12 in Chinese characters).
- The small wheel, light and versatile, covers small to large seeds, also supports 8 cm of mulch, weighs 7 kg, with 3 to 10 beaks and 14 numbered spoons. Advice: lay the plastic sheet 10-15 days before sowing for a false seedbed, and sow gently to avoid seeds bouncing.
Using the spoons
Each wheel operates with a system of interchangeable spoons that pick up seeds from the hopper at each wheel rotation. Each spoon has a specific volume, allowing more or less seeding depending on its size.
Tests carried out within the ATP project determined the average number of seeds picked by each spoon according to species. These data do not directly provide the seeding density (in kg/ha), but constitute a mechanical basis to adjust settings according to the desired density.
Identifying the spoons
Each spoon bears a molded or engraved symbol in the plastic, allowing identification in the tables. This symbol can be:
- an Arabic numeral (1, 2, 3…),
- a Chinese character (e.g. 勺—, 玉米2).
These markings appear in the tables to facilitate identification. A photo of spoon identification allows visual linking between the physical tool and the Excel file columns.
Reading and using the tables: explanation by tab
Agri Drill seeder wheels operate with a system of interchangeable spoons. Each spoon determines a pickup volume, thus a quantity of seeds deposited at each wheel rotation. The marking of each spoon (whether an Arabic numeral or a Chinese character) allows locating it in the tables.
Adjustment table – Large seeder wheel
This table lists tested species and indicates, for each spoon (identified by its symbol), the average number of seeds picked over 1 linear meter.
Usage:
- Understand the actual quantity of seeds deposited with a given spoon.
- Identify unsuitable spoons (very low or too high load, or no pickup).
- Serve as a basis to convert into seeding density (with Thousand Seed Weight (TSW) and spacing).
DST – Large seeder wheel
This tab applies conversion formulas from seeds/meter to deduce field settings. It includes 4 main functions:
- Determine the optimal spacing to reach a target density.
- Choose the most suitable spoon for a species based on a target density and preset spacing.
- Identify a spoon compatible with a species mixture.
- Calculate the quantity of seed to plan (in kg), according to species, area, spoon, and spacing.
Usage: this is a true adjustment assistant translating field observations into concrete strategies.
Adjustment table – Small seeder wheel
The operation is identical to the large wheel table. It indicates, for each spoon (no. 1 to 14), the number of seeds picked, species by species.
Cells are color-coded:
- Green: well-suited spoon.
- Orange: partial compatibility.
- Red: discouraged spoon (blockage or inconsistent flow).
Usage: ease of reading for quick choice, especially for fine sowing.
DST – Small seeder wheel
Operates on the same principles as the previous tab, with seeding logic adapted to the small wheel.
Usage: suited for small surfaces, fine sowing or low-density sowing.
TSW / Theoretical density
This table provides, for each species: the Thousand Seed Weight (TSW) observed in tests and reference density data (Archambeaud, Thomas).
Usage: Convert seed number into kg/ha. Adjust calculations with the TSW of your seeds. Serve as a basis for DST calculations, not mandatory for the user.
General recommendations encourage using the smallest possible spoon when multiple options exist, and splitting sowing into several passes for mixtures where no spoon fits perfectly or where densities are high.
A universal but adaptable tool
Originally designed for a single species, the spoons of Agri Drill seeders showed their limits in diversified market gardening systems, where mixtures and no-till objectives frequently vary. The work carried out transformed this empirical tool into a precise and economical single seed drill. While this type of seeding can be time-consuming on large surfaces, it remains particularly relevant and secure for small-scale market gardening farms. The expertise of Victor Walspeck, originator of these tools, plans the development of similar tables for market gardening crops.
In conclusion, Agri Drill seeder wheels and their DST constitute a practical and reliable guide, facilitating adjustments, securing seeding, and strengthening market gardeners’ autonomy.
Source
This content was produced by Victor Walspeck of the association Maraîchage Sol Vivant Normandie, within the project ATP "Improving the Triple Performance of market gardening farms", funded by the Normandy Region.
