Seed Handling Equipment: Understanding the Different Types and Their Applications

Seed handling equipment is vital to seed production in the agriculture industry. Their use allows farmers to maximize the quality of their seed crops while maintaining the highest level of purity. In this article, we explore various types of equipment from scalpers to de-awners, chemical treatment to roto-cleaners, so that you can feel ready to design the most effective platforms needed for your operation.

Why You Need Proper Seed Handling and Storage

Seed handling needs to be executed in a proper way to first preserve seed quality and viability, and secondly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases which reduces the risk of seed loss. When seeds are handled properly they are far more likely to be of higher value, leading to a higher degree of profitability. If little care is given to seed handling then they can be damaged or of lower quality, reducing their chances of delivering a high-yielding crop. 

It’s plain to see that with a proper seed handling procedure, the right equipment, and correct storage conditions, farmers are able to get the most from their seed crop.

What to Look For in Seed Handling Equipment

Picking the right seed handling equipment takes time and effort in research. There are many factors to consider but these three are a good place to start.

Handles Seeds Gently

Farming machinery is always the gentlest of equipment, but in the case of seeds, it needs to be. Seeds are easily damaged, and rough handling with excess force might damage the seed coat. That leads to a reduced germination rate and diminishes the overall viability of the seeds. Any equipment that is going to handle your seed crop needs to do so gently.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Keeping seed handling equipment clean is a necessity to make sure no contamination happens between crops. This keeps the purity and quality of the crop high. That cleaning process needs to be straightforward and easy to complete, otherwise, sections may be missed or overlooked, potentially causing issues down the line. In terms of maintenance, the same can be said. If aspects of maintenance are deemed too difficult or require professional assistance, then that maintenance may be missed leading to equipment that could be faulty, damage the seed, or break down.

Premium Contamination Protection

Premium contamination protection aims to prevent the entry of contaminants, such as dirt and debris, which can damage the seeds and reduce their viability. If contaminated the purity and quality of the seeds can also be reduced. Features such as sealed bearings and dust-tight enclosures offer premium contamination protection and are essential for high-quality reliant seed producers such as seed labs or processing facilities.

Types of Advanced Seed Handling Equipment 

The following pieces of equipment are typically seen in seed handling plants. It’s not unusual to see a combination of these working together to achieve an end goal of quality seed. Which equipment could work best for you depends on the seed you’re harvesting.

Cleaners

Cleaners remove contaminating material including dirt, debris, and other impurities from crops. If left on the seeds germination rate and quality can be reduced. Therefore, seeds need to be cleaned before being planted or stored. Typically cleaners are made up of a series of screens or sieves that separate the seeds based on size, shape, and other characteristics. As the seeds pass through they have contaminants removed. 

Separators

Designed in a similar way to cleaners, separators separate seeds or other small particles based on size, shape, and other characteristics. The seeds are passed through screens, sieves, air classifiers, or vibrating screens. Some particles and seeds will move onto the next stage, others are siphoned off. Separators can be used to remove impurities or to preserve the quality of the seeds by removing those with defects. 

Source: Canva

Scalpers

Scalpers remove contaminants at a larger scale. These contaminants include stems, leaves, roots, and other debris from a fresh batch of seeds. They follow the same design as cleaners and separators. As with cleaners and separators, by removing these larger contaminants, the remaining seeds are of better quality and purity.

Cylindrical Graders

Cylindrical graders serve the same purpose as a separator but work in a slightly different way. A cylindrical grader is a large drum, filled with screens and sieves of different sizes. These are placed in a spiral pattern so that as the drum is rotated seeds are separated based on their size and shape. Some cylindrical graders are used to remove contaminants, others are used to grade the seed based on specific criteria. In this way, the best-quality seeds can be separated from the lower-quality ones. 

Roto Cleaners

Roto cleaners, also known as rotary cleaners or rotary sieves, are another example of machines designed to separate seeds from impurities, or separate seeds based on size and shape. Roto cleaners in particular are used to clean seeds using a drum-like design.

Maize Processing Machine

Maize processing machines are used to handle maize for the purposes of food, feed, or fuel. The machines have several parts but typically involved conveyors, screens, and other equipment that serve to clean, dry, and sort maize. Most machines will also remove contaminants such as dirt and debris. Many will remove the outer husks or shells from the seeds to produce dehulled maize or remove the germ and bran to produce degermed maize. There are maize processing machines that have the capability to grind the maize into meal or flour if required.

Source: Canva

De-Awner and Brush Machines

De-awner and brush machines remove awns from the seeds of certain plant species. If left, awns can make certain seeds difficult to handle and also can reduce their germination rate. De-awner machines use rollers and brushes to remove awns as seeds pass through. Brush machines use bristles to brush the awns off. Both serve the purpose of de-awning seeds, just in slightly different ways.

Chemical Treatment Machines

Chemical treatment machines apply chemicals to seeds for three main reasons; to improve their germination, to protect them from pests and disease, and to alter their growth characteristics. The machines are made up of conveyors, tanks, and sprays that apply the treatment. At the end of the machine, seeds are dried and cooled before being packed or stored in bins.

Belt Sorter Machine

Belt sorters are advanced sorting machines that rely on sensors and cameras to analyze the seeds and sort them into different bins. These are more reliable than their sieve and screen counterparts but are considerably more expensive. Belt sorters can sort seeds based on size, shape, or other pre-determined characteristics. 

Key Takeaways

Selecting the right equipment for your operation will depend on a number of factors, but the type of seed you’re harvesting will likely be the biggest indicator. Spend time examining what’s available on the market, what’s within your budget, your management systems, and what your compatriots are using on their farms.

• You’ll likely need a combination of equipment to achieve maximum quality and efficiency.

• Picking the right equipment can drastically improve the seed production process.

Much of the seed handling process can be automated, so why not ask the experts, Wall Grain, for more information?