Performance Evaluation of a Tractor Mounted Precision Soya Beans Planter Tyobunde P. Terlumun 1* , V. I. Umogbai 1 , S. E. Obetta 1 and T. Bako 1 1 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. Abstract - The performance of an existing tractor mounted soya bean planter was evaluated at different levels of machine forward speeds (1.67 km/hr, 2.00 km/hr and 3.60 km/hr) and a planting depth of 5 cm. It was observed that the both the theoretical and effective field capacities increased with increase in the forward speed of the planter and it was observed that both the field efficiency and the metering efficiency decrease with increase in forward speed. The theoretical field capacity at 1.67 km/hr, 2.0 km/hr and 3.6 km/hr were 0.130 ha/hr, 0.158 ha/hr and 0.250 ha/hr respectively; effective field capacity at 1.67 km/hr, 2.0 km/hr and 3.6 km/hr were 0.103 ha/hr, 0.115 ha/hr and 0.150 ha/hr respectively; field efficiency at 1.67 km/hr, 2.0 km/hr and 3.6 km/hr were 79.23%, 72.78 % and 60 % respectively and metering efficiency at 1.67 km/hr, 2.0 km/hr and 3.6 km/hr were 95.67 %, 93.33 % and 93 % respectively. The laboratory test for germination viability was 94 %. Results of the field test show a mean germination rate after the tenth (10 th ) day of planting as 84 %, 88.26 % and 78.4 % for the speeds of 1.67 km/hr, 2.0 km/hr and 3.6 km/hr respectively. The lowest percentage recorded for the 3.6 km/hr may be due to the more damage of seeds during metering. Key Words: Performance, Soya Beans, Tractor Mounted, Precision, Planter. INTRODUCTION Soya bean (Glycine max) is among the major industrial and food crops grown in every continent. The crop can be successfully grown in many states in Nigeria using low agricultural input. Soya bean cultivation in Nigeria has expanded as a result of its nutritive and economic importance and diverse domestic usage. It is also a prime source of vegetable oil in the international market. Soya bean has an average protein content of 40% and is more protein-rich than any of the common vegetable or animal food sources found in Nigeria. Soya bean seeds also contain about 20% oil on a dry matter basis, and this is 85% unsaturated and cholesterol-free [1]. The rapid growth in the poultry sector in the past five years has also increased demand for soya bean meal in Nigeria. It is believed that soya bean production will increase as more farmers become aware of the potential of the crop, not only for cash/food but also for soil fertility improvement and Striga control [1]. The market for soya bean in Nigeria is growing very fast with opportunities for improving the income of farmers. Because of the seasonality of rain fed farming, soya bean planting is often late resulting in considerable losses in crop yield. A need exists for improved soya bean planting tools that allow farmers to plant in a timely manner in order to increase yield and reduce drudgery. Early planting is one of the most basic requirements for good crop production [2]. Early planting benefits from the higher soil fertility present at the beginning of the rainy season. As the season progresses, nutrients leach below the root zone and are therefore no longer available for uptake. Early planting also benefit from more days of sunshine. Uses of Soya Beans Direct human consumption of soya beans is significant in Nigeria, especially among rural low-income groups that cannot really afford animal protein sources such as meat, fish and eggs [3]. Soybean seeds contain 40 % protein and 20 % oil. Industrial and domestic processing give rise to numerous products consumed by both animals and man [4]. Examples are: Soybean meal: used as a protein supplement in poultry feeds, hog and cattle feed. Soybean Oil: An edible oil, which is also used to produce paints, vanish, soap, lubricant, sealant and pharmaceuticals. Lecithin: Used in oil and chocolate industries. Soybean curd: Soymilk, soy moimoi, dadawa, ogi etc. are produced from soybean curd. Industrial Uses of Soya Beans Leading infant food manufacturers in the country use soya beans because of its high nutritional value. Soya beans are also processed into flour and soya bean oil. Soya bean oil is used in paints, varnishes, ink, cosmetics, and soap making industries. Other uses include making a variety of popular products, such as salad and cooking oils, shortenings, and margarine [5]. MATERIALS AND METHODS Description of the Precision Planter Plate 1 is the Photograph of the Precision Planter and Table 1 is the specifications of the planter. The planter consists of the wheels made up with polymer material, frame made of mild steel rectangular iron sections, the furrow openers, feed hoppers having metering plates for feeding and metering seeds, hoses for connecting hoppers with pipes mounted on furrow openers and hitch assembly mounted on the frame. During operation, the seeds are fed by the International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 www.ijert.org IJERTV4IS110249 (This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.) Vol. 4 Issue 11, November-2015 194