Seeding

Stand Establishment and Survivability

• Establishment: seed is able to germinate, emerge, and grow
   - Establishment % =  (Number of plants per square foot)
                                  (Number of seeds planted per square foot)
• ​Survivability: the number of plants that contribute to yield
   - Survivability % = (Plant count after harvest)
                               (Plant count at 4 leaf)
   - Also depends on pests, soil conditions, equipment, environment

 Metering Accuracy

PROBLEMS SEEDING ABOVE THE OPTINUM RATE

  5-7 PLANTS/FT² OPTIMAL TARGET PLANT PRODUCTION

THE ADVANTAGES OF TARGETED PLANT POPULATION

• Good Weed Control
• Efficient use of resources
• ​Even maturity with uniform plant structure
• Reduced Intra-competition
• Reduced Sclerotinia incidence
• Reduced Lodging

  ---

   

SEEDING CONDITIONS

• Too shallow or too deep reduces emergence rates 
    - Verify your drill is level and the openers are well maintained.
• Seed into moisture 
    - One Inch
• Packing Pressure
  ​   - Wet Conditions: reduce pressure 
     - Dry conditions; increase pressure

SEED DEPTH 

From left to right depth: .75", 1.25", 1.75"
All plots 233p at 78 seeds/m²     

SEED DEPTH IMPACT AT FLOWERING

SEED DEPTH IMPACT ON YIELD

 Seed Depth & Consistency

Economic Opportunity for Improved Survivability

CANOLA TARGET PLANT POPULATIONS 

• Target 5-7 plants/ft2 (10 seeds/ft2) 
   - What's your survivability? (plant counts)
   - What's your seed weight (TSW or TKW)
• Seed into moisture
   - 1 - 1 1/4" has shown to be most consistent
• Is your equipment set properly?
   - Check seed depth and seeds per foot

Andrea De Roo
Crop Intelligence Agronomist 

Derooandrea@southcountry.ca  (639) 906-7066