Corn and sunflower seed preparation lines

The quality of the crop does not start in the field - it is laid even before sowing. Modern corn and sunflower seed preparation lines are high—precision equipment that turns crops into valuable seed, ready for high yields.

Corn grain is large, angular, easily damaged. Injury during the processing stage reduces germination, germination energy, and disease resistance.

Sunflower is a small, flat, oil-coated seed, prone to crushing and sticking together. Processing requires a special approach: the fight against brittleness and oiliness.

The corn and sunflower seed preparation lines are a strategic investment in the quality and profitability of agricultural production. They allow not only to process their own crops, but also to enter the seed market, competing with imported suppliers. Due to the possibility of full customization to the culture, such lines ensure maximum efficiency, reliability and payback already in the first seasons of operation.

Appointment

Not everything that is harvested from the field is suitable for sowing: seeds can be damaged, infected, of different sizes and densities, mixed with weeds. The purpose of the preparation line is to obtain seeds with high germination, uniformity and purity.

Why are training lines important?

1. High germination → fewer seeds per hectare → economy.

2. Uniformity of sowing → smooth shoots → uniform ripening.

3. Genetic purity → protection of the variety and hybrid.

Technology

The corn and sunflower seed preparation lines have fundamental differences due to the structure, shape, and fragility of the seeds.

General parameters of modern lines:

• Capacity - 7.5-10 t/h
• Staff - 2-5 people
• Power supply - 380 V, 50 Hz
• Power - up to 30 kW
• Area - from 150 sq.m.
• Room height - from 6 m

The main processing steps in the preparation lines:

1. Acceptance and pre-cleaning

Removal of coarse debris - stalks, dust, stones, threshed ears (for corn), husks (for sunflower).

2. Drying (if necessary)

It is carried out at a temperature of no more than 45 ° C for corn and 40 ° C for sunflower, so as not to damage germination.

3. Cleaning and separation
For corn (corn is a larger and more fragile seed. Special gentle technology is required so as not to damage the embryo).

• Length separation - trier cylinders (remove short and puny grains)
• Width calibration - screen separators
• Density department - gravity table (pneumatic sorting table)
• Polishing and coating - removal of hairs, application of film coatings, dyes, growth stimulants.

For sunflower:

• Removal of hollow grain and damaged seeds - gravity table
• Separation by thickness - screen machines
• Removal of small impurities - trier blocks and aspiration

4. Coating (pelletizing) - optional

It is used for sunflower and some corn hybrids to:

• improve the shape of seeds for precise seeding
• increase weight
• apply a mordant or growth stimulants.

5. Etching and inlay
Seed treatment with fungicides, insecticides, polymer coatings and biological products 
 

6. Packaging and labeling
Ready-made seeds are packed in bags of 20-25 kg or big bags (500-1000 kg) with the following instructions:

• varieties/hybrids
• of the class (elite, 1st reproductive, etc.)
• seeding rates
• expiration date

An example of a complete line (for sunflower, 10 t/h):

• Receiving hopper with scales
• Aspiration channel
• Screen separator
• Trier block
• Gravity table
• Etching unit
• Filling machine
• Automation system

Advantages

• High calibration accuracy — up to 99% uniformity in fractions
• Minimal loss of viable seeds — modern separators retain up to 98% of high-quality material
• Reduction of seed consumption by 15-25% due to the absence of duplicates and omissions
• Ready for precise seeding — the seeds are ideal for Monosem, AMAZONE, Vaderstad seed drills
• Increased productivity — due to friendly shoots and optimal standing density
• The opportunity to earn additional income from the sale of high—end seeds

Manufacturer: CJSC Borisov Plant "Metallist". Polymya: The Company Brand