Seed

Seed is a commodity that can be variably applied in order to achieve an even establishment despite changing soil type.

Agronomic Reasons for Variable Seed Rate:

• different soil textures have diffent seed to plant establishment ratios and so to create an even crop, the seed rate can be altered to take this into account.
• inherently high yielding areas may be able to support a higher density of plants - this would improve the hectolitre weight of the crop.
• in some areas of the field the slug population may be higher than in others, for example in wet soils, and so the seed rate can be changed to compensate for this.
• by changing the potato seed rate the size distribution of the potatoes can be evened out.

Mapping Variable Seed Rate:

Seed maps can be created either in the office or in the field. In the office, seed maps can be made using the FarmWorks Site software with a Google Earth background to create zones yourself. Or the FarmWorks Mobile software can be used in the field, to physically drive round the field and create zones according to soil type. The other option is to create a variable seed rate map based on an EMI scan of the field. The EMI reacts to changes in soil texture across the field and is closely linked to the water content of the soil. Height maps created with Digital Elevation Models can also be added in to the seed rate maps, as it has been shown that there is a link between height and slug population.

In the Field:

To apply the variable seed rates, FarmWorks Mobile can be used to directly control your drill. The Trimble FmX and the Trimble CFX-750 can also be used to control your drill for variable rate applications.

Benefits:

• even plant population at harvest
• can compensate for slug damage
• potential increase in grain quality
• potential seed saving