Question

Calibration of seed drill refers to testing of seed drill for

• A. Row to row spacing
• B. Plant to plant spacing
• C. Correct seed rate
• D. Operational width

Hint:

Calibration adjusts the fluted roller exposure or gate opening to achieve the exact target seed rate (kg/ha).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed drill calibration is the laboratory or stationary field testing procedure performed prior to sowing to ensure the machine delivers the exact recommended seed rate (kg/ha).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Seed Rate (kg/ha)} = \frac{\text{Weight of seed collected (kg)} \times 10,000}{\text{Width of drill (m)} \times \text{Distance traveled (m)}} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Calibration of a seed drill or seed-cum-fertilizer drill involves:
1. Jacking up the drive wheel and rotating it through a known number of revolutions corresponding to a specific fraction of a hectare.
2. Collecting and weighing the seed discharged from all metering tubes.
3. Adjusting the seed rate lever or fluted roller exposure until the delivery matches the agronomically recommended seed rate (kg/ha).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, calibration refers to testing the seed drill for Correct seed rate, corresponding to option (C).