Precision Planting for Row Crops By: Kevin Waldschmidt

Precision Agriculture Anything that maximizes an agricultural producers profitability Does not require a computer and wiring

Objectives: Achieve a greater level of precision when planting row crops by updating your current planter Increase yield Maximize profit

How to Meet Objectives? Level the Planter Check Bushings Replace Kinked or Rusted Chains Change Worn Seed Tubes Use Keeton Seed Firmers Equip with Walking Gauge Wheels Swap Spoked Closing Wheels for Smooth Replace Disc Blades When they Fall Below Factory Specifications Replace Down Pressure Springs with Airbags Ensure Planter Monitor is Fully Functional Calibrate Watch Your Speed

Level the Planter Why? How? Benefit? Trash wheels too deep, closing wheels too shallow Seed tube angle How? Adjust drawbar height Benefit? Better emergence

Check Bushings Why? How? Benefit? Increased row unit bounce → Seed bounce How? Wiggle row unit up & down & side to side Benefit? Reduce skips and doubles

What is a Skip, Double? Skip Double When a seed is not planted causing wasted space Double When two seeds are planted side by side causing increased competition

Replace Kinked or Rusted Chains Why? Disrupts metering Benefit? Minimize skips and doubles

Change Worn Seed Tubes Why? Benefit? Dog ear projection Reduce skips and doubles

Use Keeton Seed Firmers Why? Improve seed to soil contact Increase depth control Benefit? Uniform germination Six bushels / acre

Equip with Walking Gauge Wheels Why? To follow the ground contour Benefit? Enhanced seed placement

Swap Spoked Closing Wheels for Smooth Why? Loose dirt is placed on furrow Less compaction Earlier entry after rain Benefit? Quicker emergence Increase planting window

Replace Disc Blades When they Fall Below Factory Specifications Why? Cause uneven seed depth Poor penetration Benefit? Improved depth control → uniform germination

Replace Down Pressure Springs with Airbags Why? Adjust for: differences in seed box weight Soil moisture content Soil types Benefit? Improve germination Improve root growth (allow growth outside of furrow)

Ensure Planter Monitor is Fully Functional Why? Notification of seeding error Eliminate guess work How? Make sure all row unit lights come on at the end of each pass signaling that no seed is falling through the seed tubes. Benefit? Confidence in seeding rate Reduces risk of costly errors

Calibrate Why? How? Benefit? Ensure proper seeding rate Drive a few feet and confirm that the number of seeds that fell in a foot is near your targeted rate. Benefit? Provides the intended population of seeds Seeding too thick or too light can reduce yield

Watch Your Speed Why? What speed? Benefit? Higher speeds increase row unit bounce → skips and doubles What speed? Refer to owners manual for recommended speeds Benefit? Enhanced seed placement Larger profit

After Making these 12 Improvements: Achieve a greater level of precision when planting row crops Increase yield Maximize profit

Sources www.exapta.com www.precisionplanting.com http://www.jddealer.deere.com/DeereFiles/RegionNA/LargeImages/Planting/Planter-1780FF-I19590.jpg

Questions or Comments?