BTI Ag Solutions: Agronomic Tips for Planting

Uniform Emergence Is Critical To Outcome!

Improving uniform emergence can set the stage for improved corn yields!  Let’s be proactive in our attempts to make sure corn seeds have a chance to emerge together.  There is research and visual observation showing plants emerging 2 – 4 days after the first emerged plants will have smaller ears and therefore limit the overall yield potential for those plants.  Those tardy seedlings are late to the table and will never be able to compete for nutrients and water like their taller and fit neighbors.  How can we promote even emergence?  Good soil preparation is key! Taking time to set down pressure and trash openers to control planter bounce is critical.   Do some digging and make sure seeds are in consistent moisture for even germination.    Any thing we can do to improve uniform emergence is going to pay us dividends!

Getting The Count Right!

With the start of corn planting we may need to help a customer verify that our JD planter is putting down the correct population.  Here is an easy method.  Find a spot where the planter was at operating speed.  Dig up seed in a row for 60” and place seeds next to the row where found.  Count the number of spaces between the first and last seed. Divide the inches you measured by the number of spaces counted.  Any distance can be used.

Example 30” rows:  60” measurement/9 spaces counted = 6.67”

Take 210”/6.67” = 31.48 X 1,000 = 31,484 seeds per acre.

Example 20” rows:  60” measurement/6 spaces counted =10.00”

Take 312”/10.00” = 31.20 X 1.000 = 31,200 seeds per acre.

*Best to count 3 separate rows and average them for accuracy.

Let’s Get Picky!!

Setting the planter correctly has a significant impact on the final yield potential.   Corn should be planted at an even 1 ½“ to 2” depth.  When measuring depth, first scrape off the loose soil that is pushed up by the press wheels.  Make sure the population is correct and that the CV values displayed on the monitor are staying under approx. .32.  Confirm starter fertilizer is being placed in the proper position.   Tubes get bent and placement can be off.   If your planter or a particular row, are not above 97% singulation then stop and make some checks to determine what is causing the problem.  If we just keep planting  we will be limiting the top end yield potential for the field.  Make sure tires are properly inflated to reduce pinch rows from compaction.  Spend some time getting the vacuum set at the correct level.  Being particular about the planting process will reward you later!   

Reminders: 

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Prime Planting Windows

Corn April 4-10 to 5-10

Soybeans 4-25 to 5-25

Cotton 5-5 to 5-31

Sorghum 5-10 to 6-10

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