Acoustic Wave Propagation Characteristics of Maize Seed and Surrounding Region with the Double Media of Seed–Soil

Yadong Li, Caiyun Lu (), Hongwen Li, Jin He, Zhinan Wang and Chengkun Zhai
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Yadong Li: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Caiyun Lu: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Hongwen Li: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Jin He: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Zhinan Wang: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Chengkun Zhai: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-18

Abstract: When monitoring seed positions in soil using ultrasonic waves, the main challenge is obtaining acoustic wave characteristics at the seed locations. This study developed a three-dimensional ultrasonic model with the double media of seed–soil using the discrete element method to visualize signal variations and analyze propagation characteristics. The effects of the compression ratio (0/6/12%), excitation frequency (20/40/60 kHz), and amplitude (5/10/15 μm) on signal variation and attenuation were analyzed. The results show consistent trends: time/frequency domain signal intensity increased with a higher compression ratio and amplitude but decreased with frequency. Comparing ultrasonic signals at soil particles before and after the seed along the propagation path shows that the seed significantly absorbs and attenuates ultrasonic waves. Time domain intensity drops 93.99%, and first and residual wave frequency peaks decrease by 88.06% and 96.39%, respectively. Additionally, comparing ultrasonic propagation velocities in the double media of seed–soil and the single soil medium reveals that the velocity in the seed is significantly higher than that in the soil. At compression ratios of 0%, 6%, and 12%, the sound velocity in the seed is 990.47%, 562.72%, and 431.34% of that in the soil, respectively. These findings help distinguish seed presence and provide a basis for ultrasonic seed position monitoring after sowing.

Keywords: double media of seed–soil; maize seed; acoustic wave propagation characteristics; discrete element method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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