Precision seeding relates to accurate seed metering and placement at a precise spacing and depth in the furrow at planting. In row-crops, precision seeding is important to attain timely and uniform emergence, which maximizes yield potential early in the season. Many factors including planter components, their setup and operation, field conditions, and planting speed can influence seed metering and placement. Currently, numerous planting technologies are also available to be utilized on row-crop planters to improve their seeding performance.
Our research in precision seeding is focused in two main areas:
- Evaluating the effect of different planter settings and operational parameters on seed metering and placement to provide recommendations on proper planter setup and operation to maximize planting performance
- Assessing performance and benefits of latest planting technologies in varying field conditions to learn and share information about their effective utilization for improving seeding performance
Some of the projects we had or currently working on in precision seeding are listed below:
- Comparative performance of traditional and advanced seed metering systems at varying seeding rates and ground speeds
- Evaluating in-field performance of advanced seed delivery systems at increased planting speeds
- Assessing seed depth variability for traditional depth control systems and evaluating performance of advanced depth control systems to minimize depth variations
- Seed singulation and spacing quality assessment of commonly used seed meters at varying rotational speeds (rpm) and vacuum pressures
- Influence of planter downforce on seed placement, crop emergence and yield in corn, cotton and peanut
- Planter downforce evaluation in varying soil textures in large-scale fields and assessing its influence on crop emergence