Key Points
- Accurate seed spacings and plant populations are most likely when planters have been calibrated at similar speeds and on ground of similar tilth to the area to be planted
- Uniform plant stands are less likely to occur when planters are driven above recommended speeds
- Slower speeds may be needed for accurate populations and uniformity on rough ground
- For the vacuum planter there is no indication that using narrow rows to reduce planter mechanism speed will give more uniform plant stands
- For the finger planter, sowing in narrow rows to reduce planter mechanism speed could improve the uniformity of plant spacing
- Rough seedbeds are likely to delay emergence if action is not taken to ensure good seed-soil contact
- Planters are designed to perform 2 main tasks: Put the right number of seeds in the ground and put them in evenly (depth and distance apart)