Evaluation of seed dressing dust dispersion from maize sowing machines

•We studied the influence of different seeder parameters on dust dispersion.•Reduction of seeder air flow rate decreased dust dispersion.•Use of devices enabling the direction of the air flow towards the soil minimized dust dispersion.

The present study analysed the constructive and operative parameters of pneumatic seeders and researched and assessed possible technical solutions for limiting the unwanted dispersion of dust from seed dressing during sowing of maize seeds. Tests were made on several maize pneumatic seeder models. The air flow rates and the air velocities at the fan outlet were assessed, the sizes of the areas contaminated with the material from the maize seeds was evaluated and the air velocities along the contour of the sowing machines were measured. Results showed that by decreasing the fan air flow rate by 30% it was possible to consistently reduce the size of the area contaminated by seed dressing dust while maintaining a good quality of seeding. They also showed that the technical solutions proposed by the seeder manufacturers reduced the environmental contamination with the pesticide-containing dust by more than 90%.