MACHINE MODELING AND SIMULATIONS, Machine Modelling and Simulations 2025

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Extended Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Metering Unit Inclination on Fertilizer Dose – Simulation Results and Validation
Wiktor Jan Łykowski, Łukasz Gierz

Last modified: 16. 05. 2025

Abstract


In Poland, broadcast seeders are commonly used for fertilizer application; however, they do not ensure precise and uniform distribution of fertilizer within the soil. In strip-till cultivation technologies, mechanical and pneumatic seeders are employed, allowing seeds to be placed at appropriate depths and in evenly spaced rows. These devices, however, follow the terrain surface and are therefore susceptible to uneven distribution of fertilizer depending on field slope. Uneven fertilizer placement results in localized overfertilization or deficiency of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), which may lead to crop lodging or frost damage in the case of excess, and to weakened plant growth and reduced yield in the case of nutrient shortage. Competition among plants for sunlight and water access may further suppress the development of weaker individuals. This paper presents the results of a study on the impact of hopper and metering system inclination (in the range from -15° to +15°, in 5° increments) on the quantity of granular material dispensed. The analysis was carried out using Rocky 2024 software (version R1), which is based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Boundary conditions for the simulations, including the static and dynamic friction coefficients and the restitution coefficient of the test object (granules of mineral fertilizer in the form of urea), were obtained from literature data. In the first phase of the study, the computational domain was generated based on the overall dimensions of the seeder, which resulted in a significant discrepancy compared to laboratory results. A substantial improvement, in terms of alignment between simulation and laboratory data, was achieved by increasing the size of the computational domain. The simulation results were validated using a laboratory test stand built on the basis of the seeder model used in the simulations. It was confirmed that the DEM method can be successfully applied to the dosing (sowing) of granular mineral fertilizers.