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Precision Planting for Row Crops
By: Kevin Waldschmidt
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Precision Agriculture
Anything that maximizes an agricultural producers profitability Does not require a computer and wiring
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Objectives: Achieve a greater level of precision when planting row crops by updating your current planter Increase yield Maximize profit
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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
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Level the Planter Why? How? Benefit?
Trash wheels too deep, closing wheels too shallow Seed tube angle How? Adjust drawbar height Benefit? Better emergence
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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
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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
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Replace Kinked or Rusted Chains
Why? Disrupts metering Benefit? Minimize skips and doubles
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Change Worn Seed Tubes Why? Benefit? Dog ear projection
Reduce skips and doubles
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Use Keeton Seed Firmers
Why? Improve seed to soil contact Increase depth control Benefit? Uniform germination Six bushels / acre
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Equip with Walking Gauge Wheels
Why? To follow the ground contour Benefit? Enhanced seed placement
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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
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Replace Disc Blades When they Fall Below Factory Specifications
Why? Cause uneven seed depth Poor penetration Benefit? Improved depth control → uniform germination
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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After Making these 12 Improvements:
Achieve a greater level of precision when planting row crops Increase yield Maximize profit
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Sources www.exapta.com www.precisionplanting.com
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Questions or Comments?
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