Studies on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Teff [Eragrostis Tef] Seedling Relevant to Transplanter Development

Teff (Eragrostis tef), a staple crop in Ethiopia and an emerging global superfood, is increasingly being cultivated through transplanting to improve yield and resource efficiency. The development of efficient teff transplanting machinery requires a thorough understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of teff seedlings. This study investigated the physical and mechanical characteristics of four teff varieties (Quncho, Dukem, Tseday, and the local variety Gemechis) at 20, 25, and 30 days after sowing. The analyzed parameters included seedling weight, height, stem diameter, moisture content, tensile strength, shear stress, and coefficient of friction. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using Statistix 10 and MATLAB 2024b, and results were expressed as mean values for each parameter. The findings revealed that as the seedlings matured, their weight, height, stem diameter, tensile strength, and shear stress increased, whereas moisture content decreased. The measured tensile strength values were as follows: Quncho (12.17±0.053 N, 14.46±0.964 N, and 18.297±0.577 N), Dukem (12.36±0.058 N, 14.597±1.11 N, and 18.763±0.57 N), Tseday (12.66±0.057 N, 14.097±0.81 N, and 17.9±1.155 N), and Local (Gemechis) (12.18±0.057 N, 14.32±0.764 N, and 19.12±0.012 N) for 20-, 25-, and 30-day-old seedlings, respectively. All tensile strength values exceeded the forces applied by the transplanter, indicating that seedlings of these four teff varieties possess adequate strength and resilience, making them suitable for the design and development of mechanical teff transplanters.