Experimental explore of the impact of MF 9108 VE planter settings on corn yield

Abstract

The explore is devoted to the impact of row unit down force, planting depth, planting rate, singulation and planting velocity on corn germination and yield. Planting depth is crucial for technological operations of planting corn. The explore of planting corn seeds at a depth of 2.5 cm, 5.1 cm, 7.6 cm and 10,1 were fulfilled using the MF 9108 VE planter. Down force on planter row unit is also significant at planting operation. Inadequate down force conduct to deprivation of planting depth, planting of seeds in soil with low humidity and deprivation of the yield. Planting with superfluous down force on the row unit, conduct to compaction of the root zone for plants and as a result the crop deprivation. The planting explores of down force on the row unit have been made with help of Delta Force system from Precision Planting company. The equipment has been regulated to the pressing mode 200 kg, 20 kg, automatic mode (the contact force of the row unit depth wheels with soil at level 50 kg). Doubles and skips also have impact on yield of corn. Therefore, explore of singulation is extremely significant. If we have the doubles, we will have battle between plants, stress for them and a great decline of the yield. If we have skips, we will have the planting rate decline, reducing of corn kernels quantity in the row, and yields reduction. The explores of corn planting have been made with singulation 93.5 % and the control plot with a singulation 99. 5%. The explores of impact of planting velocity 8 and 16 km/h on quality of planting and corn yield have been made. The explores of impact of planting rate 70 000 seeds/ha and 80 000 seeds/ha on corn yield have been made. According to results of MASSEY FERGUSON MF 9108 VE planter with Delta Force and SpeedTube system study, the following operating adjustments could be recommended: plating depth – 5 cm, panting velocity – 16 km/h, Delta Force in automatic setting with depth wheel force to the soil 50 kg, 99.5 % level of singulation. Such modes of the planter allows to raise yield up to 2.06 t/ha. Keywords: down force, planting velocity, Delta Force, planting depth, planting rate, singulation, corn yield.