Evaluation of a high‐speed planter in soybean production

Abstract

AbstractTimely and quality planting of soybean is important to achieve maximum yield potential. Wet spring soil conditions and rain frequently shorten the time for farmers to plant crops within optimal soil conditions. New planter technology has been introduced that enables farmers to plant their fields faster and more precisely than with traditional planters. Large plot field studies were conducted in Indiana from 2015 to 2017 to evaluate a high‐speed planter at various planting speeds with multiple seeding rates on soybean. Seedling emergence, plant distribution, and final yield were evaluated. Three planting speeds [8, 12, and 16 kilometers per hour (kph)] and two seeding rates (222,000 and 321,000 seeds ha−1) were included in all years, and an additional planting speed and seeding rate were included in 2016 (20 kph and 420,000 seeds ha−1, respectively). Overall, planting speed did not impact soybean seedling emergence. Uniformity of plant spacing decreased slightly as the planting speed increased from 8 to 20 kph in 2016. Cool and wet conditions immediately after planting likely led to inconsistent emergence. Final grain yield was not affected by planting speeds or seeding rate except in 2017 when 12 kph planting speed yielded 0.25 Mg ha−1 higher than the other planting speeds. Increasing planting speed can be achieved without detrimentally affecting plant population, plant spacing, and yield in soybean.