Disc Furrow Research Articles

Oxisol resistence to penetration in no-till system after sowing

If inappropriately conducted, management and sowing practices may compromise the environment and the profitability of the agricultural activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the furrow opener mechanisms action and the level of load applied to soil firming mechanism in no-till, on the Oxisol resistance to penetration during soybean sowing, under three soil moistures. The experiment was arranged in split-split plot design, in which the plots were composed by three soil moistures (23.8; 25.5 and 27.5% b.s.), two furrow opener mechanisms sub-plots (double disks and furrow plough) and the split-split plot of three levels of load applied to soil firming mechanism (12.2; 18.5 and 24.1 kPa), according to randomized blocks design, with three replications. The soil moisture provided different resistance behavior to penetration with the depth, on the seedbed, independently of the furrow opener and the level of load applied to soil firming mechanism. The furrow plough use provided less soil resistance to penetration when compared to the double disk furrow opener, on the seedbed, independently of the soil moisture and the level of load applied to soil firming mechanism. The pressure applied by soil firming mechanism of 18.5 kPa provided the lower resistance to penetration, when the furrow plough was used. The soil resistance to penetration was less on the sowing line than on between rows, with 20 cm deep.

AN EVALUATION OF SEED FURROW SMEARING

Seed furrow sidewall smearing describes compaction of soil in the seed zone that is caused, in some soilconditions, by the planter furrow opener and that may interfere with crop stand establishment. Soil smearing caused byplanting with double disk furrow openers was investigated by measuring physical properties of soil in the seed furrow andby evaluating corn (Zea mays, L.) emergence and growth. Planter attachments for row preparation (no-coulter, singleoffset bubble coulter, and triple offset fluted coulter planter attachments) were evaluated for their influence on seed furrowsidewall smearing over a range of soil moisture contents. Planting tended to reduce soil bulk density in the 0 to 100 mmlayer in the seed zone. In general, the soil was least dense when the triple-coulter attachment was used. Air permeabilityof soil samples taken from the seed furrow sidewall, before the furrow was closed, tended to decrease with increasing soilmoisture. The triple-coulter treatment resulted in greater air permeability than did other coulter treatments. Soilpenetration resistance below the seed and in the seed furrow sidewall was greatest for the single coulter and least for thetriple coulter. We observed that more roots grew parallel to the soil surface with no-coulter and single-coulter treatmentsthan with the triple-coulter treatment especially when soil property measurements indicated that more sidewall smearinghad occurred. This research showed that row preparation by coulter planter attachments placed ahead of double-diskopeners can reduce seed furrow sidewall smearing and may improve stand establishment of corn.

Effectiveness of a strip seeder direct drill for pasture establishment

Improvement of depleted grasslands can be restricted by the lack of reliable, cost effective and ecologically sound establishment techniques. This paper presents results from an experimental strip seeder drill designed to mechanically remove competing vegetation. Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.), cocksfoot ( Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinace Schreb.) were drilled into undeveloped natural grassland with either a triple disc drill or a strip seeder drill in the absence or presence of herbicide. There were small differences between the drills in initial seedling establishment 7 weeks after September sowing but seedling survival over summer varied with drill and herbicide treatment. With the strip seeder drill, 80% and 85% of seedlings survived in the absence and presence of herbicide, respectively, while with the triple disc drill 74% survived in the presence of herbicide but only 40% survived in the absence of herbicide. Five months after sowing, 56% and 63% of the strip seeder furrow was covered by sown species in the absence and presence of herbicide compared with only 6% and 35% of the triple disc furrow. These differences in cover were also reflected in herbage dry matter of sown species in the 3 years following drilling. The results demonstrate the agronomic superiority of the strip seeder drill for establishment of improved pasture species.

Evaluation of Furadan 4F as a Cultivation Treatment for Control of Corn Rootworm Larvae, 1991 and 1992

Abstract The performance of Furadan 4F as a cultivation-time rescue treatment tank-mixed with Marksman herbicide was evaluated in comparison with Furadan 15G and 2 placement methods (banded and in-furrow) of Counter 15G applied at planting time. Experimental design was a randomized complete block containing 4 replicates, and was carried out at 3 SD sites each year (Armour, Brookings, and Nunda in 1991; Aurora #1, Aurora #2, and Nunda in 1992). Individual plots consisted of single 15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Insecticide granules were applied with modified, ground-driven Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to applications. Banded granular treatments were applied in an 18 cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by drag chains. Infurrow applications consisted of insecticide granules directed immediately between double disk furrow openers. Banded liquid applications were carried out using a CO2 backpack sprayer unit and a hand-held spray boom with a single TeeJet 8002 nozzle, that delivered 20 gal/acre at 35 psi. The 38 cm band was created by applying a 7.5 inch band on either side of, and including the treatment row. Broadcast treatments were applied using the aforementioned sprayer system, however the boom had 4 Teejet 8002 nozzles spaced 18 inches apart which were also calibrated to deliver 20 gal/acre. Corn was seeded at 23,000 kernels per acre at all locations. Five roots per replicate were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Percent root protection (1 - [treatment root rating/untreated root rating] × 100) was calculated for a more visible comparison of treatment performances.

Evaluation of the Smartbox Metering Unit for Application of Corn Rootworm Soil Insecticides, 1993

Abstract A cornfield near Sinai, in east-central SD was chosen for this study. The experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of insecticide applications using modified ground-driven Noble metering units with the electronic smartbox metering unit on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter using 2 insecticide placement methods (band and in-furrow) for control of NCR and WCR larvae. The study was a RCBD containing 4 replications. Individual treatment plots were single 15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Noble and smartbox metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow applications consisted of directing granules immediately between double disk furrow openers. Corn was seeded at 23,000 kernels per acre at all locations. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were then washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated using the Iowa I to 6 scale.

Control of Corn Rootworm Larvae in South Dakota Using Planting-Time Soil Insecticide Applications, 1993

Abstract Three studies were conducted at 3 SD sites (Delmont, Garretson, and Sinai) to evaluate insecticide application rates and techniques (hand and in-furrow) for control of NCR and WCR larvae. A randomized complete block design with 4 replications was used in these studies. Individual treatment plots were single 15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Insecticide granules were applied with modified, ground-driven Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded treatments were applied in an 18 cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow applications consisted of directing granules immediately between double disk furrow openers. Corn was seeded at 23,000 kernels per acre at all locations. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were then washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale.

Planting-Time Insecticide Applications to Control Corn Rootworm Larvae in South Dakota, 1992

Abstract Three studies were conducted at 3 SD sites to evaluate insecticide application rates and techniques (band and in-furrow) for control of corn rootworm larvae. A RCBD with 4 replications was used in all studies. Individual plots were single 15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Insecticide granules were applied with modified, ground-driven Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded treatments were applied in an 18 cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by drag chains. In-furrow applications consisted of directing granules immediately between double disk furrow openers. Corn was seeded at 23,000 kernels per acre at all locations. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were then washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Percent root protection (1 - [treatment root rating/untreated root rating] × 100) was calculated for a more visible comparison of treatment performances.

Insecticidal Corn Rootworm Control Using Various Application Rates and Techniques, 1991

Abstract Three studies were conducted at sites in Brookings, Garretson, and Nunda, SD. Treatments consisted of varied rates and application techniques (band and in-furrow) of registered and experimental insecticides for control of corn rootworm larvae. Design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single 15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Insecticide granules were applied with modified, ground-driven Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded treatments were applied in an 18 cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow applications consisted of insecticide granules directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. Corn was seeded at 23,000 kernels per acre at all sites. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Corn rootworm infestations were low to moderate, which was consistent with very few grower reports of significant rootworm damage. Above normal spring rainfalls were experienced, although no plots were lost due to flooding. However, the abundance of postapplication precipitation may have affected efficacy associated with application technique.

A Comparison of Drills for Direct Seeding Alfalfa into Established Grasslands

Information is presented on the suitability of various drills for direct seeding into permanent pastures and rangelands in Saskatchewan. Strips of sod 30 to 100-cm wide were killed during the growing season by glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl] glycine) in grazing lands at several sites in Saskatchewan. Six drills: 1 with a powered disk furrow opener, 2 with hoe openers, and 3 with rolling disk openers were used to seed measured amounts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed in the killed strips in late fall of the same year or early the subsequent spring. Drill performance was assessed during the seeding operation, and emerged seedlings were counted early the following growing season. Seedling emergence ranged from near 0 to 48% of seed sown. Soil moisture conditions in early spring, which in turn were a function of winter precipitation, were a major limitation on seed germination. All of the furrow-opening mechanisms were capable of placing seed at a suitable depth for successful establishment in some situations. The best seedling emergence was obtained with drills having each opener suspended independently with sufficient weight to penetrate dead thatch and hard ground, and with mechanisms to control seeding depth and pack the soil around the seeds.

Corn Rootworm Insecticide Rates and Application Technique, 1990

Abstract Seven studies were conducted in dryland corn in Nunda, S. Dak., using standard recommended and reduced rates of commonly used granular insecticides. The experimental design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single rows, 15 m long, with 96.5 cm row spacing. Granular formulations of insecticides were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially adapted Kinze, 4-row corn planter. The metering units were grounddriven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Insecticide granules were applied in a 7-inch band in front of the furrow-closing wheels and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. Furrow applications were directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. Pioneer 3615 corn was seeded at a rate of 23,000 kernels/acre at all study locations. Five roots/replication were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for rootworm feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1-6 scale.

Russian Wheat Aphid Control

Abstract EVALUATION OF PLANTING-TIME AND POSTPLANTING INSECTICIDES, 1988: Winter wheat was planted on 29 Aug in a Lismore silty clay loam soil in 17.5 cm rows using a ten-row International drill near the Northern Grain Insects Research Laboratory, Brookings, SD. The experimental design was a 4 replicate, randomized complete block with 20 treatments, plus a control. The 6 planting-time treatments were applied in the furrow on 29 Aug. Furadan 4 F was injected into the furrow through small plastic tubes fixed adjacent to disc furrow openers using a small pump attached to the drill. On 7 Sep, 21 screen cages (1.0 m2) were set over each replicate. Plants within the cages were infested with laboratory-reared Russian wheat aphids on 8 Sep, followed by a light rain. On 4 Oct, aphid numbers were sampled from 16 tillers per cage. On 7 Oct, foliar insecticides (except Cygon) were applied using a 4-nozzle (1.5 LE Even Flat) hand-held spray boom at 15 psi and 13.4 gal/acre. Cygon was applied in the same way on 12 Oct. The number of aphids/16 tillers was determined on 14 and 28 Oct.

Comparative Efficacy of Corn Rootworm Insecticide Rates in South Dakota, 1988

Abstract Insecticide trials were conducted in dryland corn using standard recommended and reduced rates of commonly used granular insecticides. Brookings, Nunda, Chamberlain, Pierre, and Fort Thompson sites served as locations for these studies. The experimental design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single rows, 15 meters in length, with 96.5 cm row spacing. Granular formulations of insecticides were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze, 4-row corn planter. The metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Insecticide granules were applied in a 7-inch band in front of the furrow-closing wheels and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. Furrow applications were directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. A seeding rate of 22,100/acre at all study locations. Five roots/replication were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for rootworm feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. The 1988 growing season began with spring seedbeds being moderately moist at best. As the season progressed, soil moisture levels became abnormally low at most dryland locations.

Corn Rootworm Larval Control in South Dakota, 1989

Abstract Three granular corn rootworm insecticide studies were conducted to evaluate various application techniques, rates, and formulations. Garretson, Nunda, Rutland, and 2 Lake Andes sites served as locations for these studies. The experimental design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single rows, 15 m in length, with 96.5 cm row spacing. Granular formulations of insecticides were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze, 4-row corn planter. The metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Insecticide granules were applied in a 7-inch band in front of the furrow-closing wheels and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. Furrow applications were directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. Wilson brand 1100 was the corn variety utilized, and it was seeded at a rate of 22,100 kernels/acre at all study locations. Five roots/replication were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for rootworm feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Sufficient levels of soil moisture were present at all locations. Rootworm infestations ranged from moderate to heavy which resulted in untreated plots being severely damaged. Significant treatment separations were observed in all studies among various pesticides.

Comparative Efficacy of Corn Rootworm Insecticide Rates in South Dakota, 1989

Abstract Insecticide trials were conducted in dryland corn using standard recommended and reduced rates of commonly used granular insecticides. Garretson, Nunda, Rutland, and 2 Lake Andes sites served as locations for these studies. The experimental design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single rows, 15 m in length, with 96.5 cm row spacing. Granular formulations of insecticides were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze, 4-row corn planter. The metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Insecticide granules were applied in a 7-inch band in front of the furrow-closing wheels and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. Furrow applications were directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. Wilson brand 1100 was the corn variety utilized, and it was seeded at a rate of 22,100 kernels/ acre at all study locations. Five roots/replication were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for rootworm feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Sufficient levels of soil moisture were present at all locations.

Corn Rootworm Larval Control in South Dakota, 1988

Abstract Five granular corn rootworm insecticide studies were conducted to evaluate various application techniques, rates and formulations. Brookings, Nunda, Chamberlain, Pierre and Fort Thompson sites served as locations for these studies. The experimental design for all studies was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single rows, 15 meters in length, with 96.5 cm row spacing. Granular formulations of insecticides were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze, 4-row corn planter. The metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Insecticide granules were applied in a 7-inch band in front of the furrow-closing wheels and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. Furrow applications were directed immediately between the double disk furrow openers. Wilson brand 1100 was the corn variety utilized, and it was seeded at a rate of 22,100 kernels/acre at all study locations. Five roots/replication were dug from each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for rootworm feeding damage, and rated in accordance to the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. The 1988 growing season began with spring seedbeds being moderately moist at best. As the season progressed, soil moisture levels became abnormally low at most dryland study locations.

第２報 オープナの作業特性 高精度施肥播種技術に関する研究

In order to make clear the working activity of furrow openers and the using way, the three kinds of furrow openers were tested and the shape of groove opened by them was investigated. The results were as follows.1) The groove by the single disc opener gave the same working depth as set and it is adapted for grooving deep ditch.2) The double disc opener can make the symmetric groove for seed. It is adaptable to make shallow ditch, because the width of groove becomes wider and the soil movement is larger with increasing the working depth of disc.3) The chisel opener makes a symmetric groove for seed bed. The groove width becomes larger with increasing the working depth of disc. The effectivity of this opener was between the single disc and double disc furrow opener.

Evaluation of Planting-Time Insecticide Treatments and Foliar Applications Against Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid, Corn Leaf Aphid, and Russian Wheat Aphid, 1987

Abstract Winter wheat was planted near Brookings, S. Dak., in 17.5-cm rows on 1 Sep using a 1.8- m International drill. Planting-time insecticides were applied in the furrow. A small pump attached to the drill injected Furadan 4F into the furrow via small plastic tubes attached adjacent to disk furrow openers. Two seed treatments and 7 foliar treatments also were evaluated. The design for the experiment was a randomized complete block replicated 4 times with 16 treatments. On 21 Sep plants were infested (5 aphids/plant) with laboratory-reared Russian wheat aphid. Screen cages (1 m3) were used to enclose 1 m2 of treated plot area. One cage for each treatment/replicate was used. The cages were employed in an effort to reduce predation of aphids. Infestations of corn leaf aphids and bird cherry-oat aphids were the result of naturally occuring populations. On 30 Sep prespray counts were made for each species by removing 20% of the plants enclosed within a cage and determining the number of aphids/plant. Following the prespray popultion estimates, the foliar insecticides were applied using a 4-nozzle (1.5 LE Even Flat) hand-held spray boom at 15 psi and 13.4 gal/acre. On 2 Oct, 20% of the plants were again removed from each cage and the number of aphids/plant for each species determined. The percentage reduction in aphid number was determined for each foliar treatment.

Influence of Tillage Practices on Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Yields1

AbstractAn experiment to investigate seedbed preparation and planting methods for safflower was conducted from 1963 through 1965. Three tillage intensities, designated excessive, moderate, and minimum depending on the number and kind of tillage operations performed prior to planting, were used.Three different tillage tools were used as the primary implement in preparing the seedbed — sweep machine, one‐way, and plow. Two different types of drill were used: one with a double rolling disk furrow opener and the other with a planting shoe opener.Minimumm, oderate, and excessive tillage plot yields averaged 462, 419, and 383 kg/ha, respectively. Yields of 459, 397, and 383 kg/ha of safflower were obtained from sweep‐machine, plow, and oneway plots, respectively. Shoe‐drill plots averaged 455 kg/ha, disk‐drill plots averaged 387 kg/ha, and in only rare instances did the diskdrill equal or exceed shoe‐drill plot yields. Sweep‐machine, minimum tillage plots seeded with the shoe drill gave 336 kg/ha greater safflower yields than commercial fields in the 3 years of the test and 25% better yields than the next highest plot yields in the test. Implements used to produce these yields are common items in farmers' equipmenbt but are seldom used for this crop. In addition, the use of minimum tillage would leave crop residue on the soil surface to help prevent wind erosion and conserve moisture.

RATES OF SEEDING IRRIGATED PASTURES

An experiment to determine the effects of different rates of seeding on stand establishment and early yield of an irrigated pasture mixture was conducted from 1953 to 1956. The seed mixture used, in parts by weight, was: smooth bromegrass 7, orchard grass 7, creeping red fescue 4; and white Dutch clover 2. Plots 6 ft. by 30 ft. were seeded at rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 lbs. per acre, with a tractor-drawn, multiple V-belt seeder with double disk furrow openers spaced 7 in. apart. Herbage yields were determined by mowing a 3-ft. strip down the middle of each plot.Good stands were obtained from all rates of seeding, but there were differences in rate of establishment, early yield, and botanical composition of the swards. The heavier rates developed stands more quickly, yielded more in the year of seeding, and were less subject to weed encroachment than the lighter rates. Orchard grass dominated under the heavier seeding rates, resulting in an undesirable balance of species. Although satisfactory stands were obtained using light rates, moderate ones were considered more economical because they developed a sward more quickly and produced higher yields in the year of seeding.