Development of irrigation system for roller-type onion pot-seeding machine

In this study, an irrigation system applicable to a roller-type pot-seeding machine for use in onion cultivation was developed, and optimal operating conditions were derived. The developed irrigation system is a drip-type irrigation system that can be easily attached to existing roller-type pot-seeding machines for onions, and it can supports irrigation by each pot tray cell. The main components are a water tank, water pump, irrigation pipe, irrigation height regulator, and hand valve, which were selected by considering an economic efficiency and durability. A factorial experiment was conducted, with the irrigation hole diameter of the irrigation pipe and the hand valve opening/closing set as the experimental factors. The best results were obtained when the irrigation hole diameter was 1.0 mm and the hand valve was closed. Applying the irrigation system developed in this study to the roller-type pot-seeding machine can increase the productivity and efficiency of onion cultivation by saving manpower and enabling initial irrigation.