Better Farming - October 2016

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52 Farm News First > Better Farming October 2016
In my last article about newer
hydraulic systems (“Keep your
hydraulics running smoothly with
regular maintenance” in Better
Farming’s September 2016 issue), I
referred to the recent developments
in planter designs. Many upgrades
have occurred in recent years. Most
manufacturing efforts have been
directed to improving seed spacing,
seed-to-soil contact, and uniform
planting depth, as well as firming of
the soil cover over the seeds.
In addition, higher plant popula-
tions can be desirable in some areas
of the fields to take advantage of yield
potential. Also, many new planters
allow for row run out or for switching
varieties to maximize yield potential
in the entire field.
Gone are the days of the large row
hoppers that provided varying seed
unit down pressure as planting
progressed. In many cases now, down
pressure is provided by air or hydrau-
lic pressure to ensure uniformity.
Down pressure can even be controlled
electronically by strain gauges. This is
technology that was used extensively
in machine design and testing only a
few years ago.
Giving your crop a good start
Controlling seed placement as well as soil contact and moisture is critical during
planting. New technologies are changing how these factors are managed.
by RALPH WINFIELD
HOWITWORKS
This no-till planter can plant both
corn and soybeans effectively and
accurately in 15-inch rows.
Down pressure is controlled by
electric over hydraulic systems.
In 2016, many conventionally
tilled soybean fields looked like
this.
Many of us recall the years when
we used a roller or even a packer to
firm the soil to increase the seed-to-
soil contact if sufficient rainfall did
not follow planting. Some of us also
note that after-planting rolling was a
requirement to smooth the soil
surface to improve harvesting
conditions for crops such as field peas
and beans. The roller also pushed
stones down to prevent damage to
harvesting equipment!
But most of us also remember the
need for a rotary hoe! On rare
occasions excessive rainfall would
prevent emergence, mostly in soy-
beans. Unlike corn, soybeans require
a larger soil breakthrough area to
prevent the cotyledon from being
held back and breaking off, resulting
in a no-plant space in the row.
To maximize yields, we often
planted soybeans at a higher rate than
necessary to reduce plant spacing.
Closer neighbours meant more help
to break through crusted soil. Plant
spacing became an issue as we
decreased row spacing in an effort to
ensure an earlier canopy to control
weeds.
The decision to use a rotary hoe is,
and was always, difficult. As I was told
one year when it was absolutely
necessary to bring peas through –
“keep your speed up and don't look
back!” The resultant pea yield was
very respectable. It would have
suffered greatly if the rotary hoe had
not been available and used at the
critical time.
The evolution of plant spacing
Some of us remember when the row
spacing for corn was 38 to 40 inches.
That row width had been dictated by
the need to accommodate the width
of a horse when cultivating for
aeration and weed control.
Row width for corn (and soy-
beans) decreased to 30 inches as
varieties improved and yields in-
creased. This narrower row width also
assisted soybeans in breaking
through.
In very recent years we’re trending
toward 15- to 20-inch rows for both
corn and soybeans. Again, improved
corn varieties drive the trend as yields
increase into the 250-bushel per-acre
range. These yields often require
higher plant populations which can
better utilize the narrower row widths.
On the positive side, narrower row
widths allow soybeans to form
beneficial canopies earlier in the
season. Soybeans were planted
successfully in 30-inch rows but many
farmers were, and still are, planting
soybeans with grain drills in seven-
inch rows.
No-till’s environmental advantage
We are seeing a significant trend to