Double Disc Furrow Opener Research Articles

Optimization and Design of Disc-Type Furrow Opener of No-Till Seeder for Green Manure Crops in South Xinjiang Orchards

For the issues of the poor stability of the furrow opener depth, large soil backfill depth, and inconsistent furrow shape on a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards in South Xinjiang, a double-disc, corrugated furrow opener is designed. This paper analyzes the law of soil movement between corrugated double-disc and traditional double-disc furrow openers using the discrete element method (DEM) and concludes that the corrugation width and number of corrugations on the corrugated double-disc furrow opener are the primary factors affecting furrowing operation. When the number of corrugations is sixteen, the forward speed is six kilometers per hour, and when the corrugation width is seventeen and a half millimeters, the simulation operation parameters are optimal. The soil-bin validation experiment results are as follows: Under the condition of an 80 mm furrow depth, the stability of the average furrow depth is enhanced by 3.54%, the working resistance and the average disrupted soil area are increased by 26.16 N and 220 mm2, respectively, and the backfill depth is decreased by 10.98 mm. The operation effect of a double-disc furrow opener with corrugated discs is enhanced by the high stability of the furrow depth, low working resistance, and small backfill depth. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of the furrow opener components of a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards.

Discrete element method simulation of disc type furrow openers in paddy soil

For granular materials, discrete element modeling is one of the best computer tools to simulate their behavior and interactions. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of disc furrow openers in paddy soil. Discrete element simulation was done to develop a 3D DEM model for notched, toothed and double disc furrow openers using EDEM software. Hertz Mindlin contact model with bonding was applied for simulation to fulfill the obligations of the soil moisture and bonding between the cohesive particles. Simulated and field experimental data were compared to determine the applicability in the different working conditions. The results of the simulation validated the applicability of the Hertz-Mindlin contact model with bonding to simulate the no till paddy soil using an extremely narrow tillage tool. The calibrated value of normal and shear stiffness was 5×107 N/m, and the calibrated value of bond normal and shear strength was 3×107 Pa. The relative error (–1.7% to 20.6%) for the double disc furrow opener was lower as compared with that notch typed (29.2% to 44.4%) and toothed type (31.5% to 45.9%) furrow openers. Keywords: soil tillage, discrete element method, discrete element modeling, furrow opener, paddy soil DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201304.4800 Citation: Ahmad F, Qiu B J, Ding Q S, Ding W M, Khan Z M, Shoaib M, et al. Discrete element method simulation of disc type furrow openers in paddy soil. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(4): 103–110.

Development of the Seed Drill to Suit Planting in Wet Soil

In this study, the seed drill with double disk furrow openers was developed to suit planting in wet soil (Heraty sowing) by adding an auxiliary furrow opener, disk cleaning blade and soil firming roller. The performance of the developed seed drill was evaluated at different planting forward speeds of 1.8, 2.3, 3.1, and 4.2 km/h; different sowing depth of 5, 6 and 7 cm; and two different soil moisture content of 34.5 and 31.1% (d.b.). The emergence ratio, emergence period, seed scattering, slippage ratio were measured, and also the required power, consumed energy and total cost were estimated. The obtained results revealed that the developed seed drill can used for sowing in wet soil (Heraty sowing) at planting forward speed not exceed a limit of 2.3 km/h, sowing depth ranged between 5 - 6 cm and soil moisture content not exceed 31.1% (d.b.).

Design and Fabrication of a Semi-Automatic Cassava Planter

A single-row semi-automatic cassava planter was developed at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The planter consists of a hopper, a roller-picker, cutting unit, a belt conveyor acting as the metering device, a double disc furrow opener, a double disc furrow coverer, a gear transmission system, the frame and the land wheels. The planter is driven by a tractor of 41 horsepower (30.6 kW). The field test showed that the semi-automatic cassava planter satisfied the functional requirements of a planter. The planter was found suitable at a functional efficiency of 95.45%. The evaluation of the performance of the planter to determine its relationship with the forward speeds, land preparation, and lug arrangement of rigid wheel will further be carried out. This development will reduce the cost of planting by eliminating the extra labour required behind the tractor by the presently available commercial planters. It will also increase cassava production, reduce the present drudgery in planting cassava as well as attracting the youths into agricultural production.

Anti-blocking performance of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet assisted furrow opener for no-till seeder

No-till planting method is widely used for maize-wheat two-crops-a-year area in the North China Plain. However, cruel soil conditions, especially the large number of maize stalks which are hard to cutoff covering, often cause an unsatisfying planting quality. Based on the authors’ previous investigation, ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) waterjet is capable to solve this problem and obtain qualified seedbeds. Thus, a UHP waterjet assisted furrow opener for no-till seeder was designed. Field tests showed that double-disc furrow openers worked well with UHP waterjet, since the sharpened disc blades could help to cut soil and residue, meanwhile, minimize soil disturbance. Response surface method (RSM) was used to investigate the relationship among forward speed, waterjet pressure, jet impingement angle and anti-blocking performance (stalks cutoff ratio and depth of soil cutting), and a Box-Behnken three-factor design was used to identify the optional operation parameters. A total of 17 combinations were conducted, and the results showed all three operation parameters significantly affected anti-blocking performance. Stalks cutoff ratio and depth of soil cutting increased with the increase of waterjet pressure, jet impingement angle, and decreased with the increase of forward speed. The optimization analysis indicated that when waterjet pressure was 267-280 MPa, jet impingement angle was 80.2° to 90.0° and forward speed was 4.00-4.42 km/h, the overall performance of UHP waterjet assisted double-disc furrow opener for no-till seeder was maximized. Stalks cutoff ratio could be above 95% and no blockage occurred. This study may provide a new approach and reference for the anti-blocking technology of no-tillage seeding. Keywords: waterjet, ultrahigh-pressure, conservation tillage, maize stalks, cutting, no-till, anti-blocking DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201302.5630 Citation: Hu H N, Li H W, Wang Q J, He J, Lu C Y, Wang Y B, et al. Anti-blocking performance of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet assisted furrow opener for no-till seeder. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(2): 64–70.

Performance Evaluation of IARI Wheat Seed-cum-Fertilizer Plot Drill for Pearl Millet-Wheat Cropping System on Permanent Raised Bed System

A four-row IARI seed-cum-fertilizer plot drill developed at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi for permanent raised bed system was evaluated under pearl millet-wheat cropping system. The machine was fitted with two Oyjord metering mechanisms with four outlets for metering seed and fertilizer. Successful seeding on raised beds with pearl millet crop residue was achieved by first cutting the plant residue with a plain disc coulter, followed by seed drilling in narrow slit furrows opened by double disk furrow openers. The plot drill required 33.56 kW tractor for its operation in sandy loam soils, and two operators to feed measured quantity of seed and fertilizer. Field capacity of the plot drill was 0.17 ha.h-1 at 1.5 km.h-1 forward speed of operation. Field machine index, field efficiency and cost of operation were 72.72, 80 % and ` 648/- per hour, respectively. The plant stands of wheat sown on permanent raised beds with the developed plot drill were significantly higher than with precision plot drill.

Semeadura direta com diferentes mecanismos sulcadores: alterações em propriedades de um Latossolo Bruno e produtividade das culturas

The mechanisms of seeding machines to cut the mulch, mobilize the topsoil and deposit the seeds in the furrows modify soil properties and interfere in crop growth. This study sought to evaluate the effects of furrow openers and scarification on the attributes of a South Brazilian latosol (Bruno – oxisol) and crop yields. The treatments were: double disc furrow opener (DD); shovel type furrow opener (S); shoe type furrow opener (SH); and scarification followed by double disc furrow opener (SC+DD). Samples were collected at 0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm and evaluated for soil physical (bulk density, total porosity, macro and microporosity), chemical (pH, Ca, Mg, K and P) and organic carbon content. The normality of data was tested, and the analysis of the variance was performed (F test, p<0.05), and the means was compared by Tukey’s test (p=0.05). Soil attributes were analyzed for each layer separately. After four years it was observed that the bulk density is still affected by scarification, which reduces it. The successive use of DD in the winter for the implantation of the crops caused the homogenization of the soil, although with no differences on the other physical and chemical properties. In general, grain yield and dry mass were higher in the treatment that used scarification and the double disc during the summer, and the shoe type when compared to shovel type.

Performance Evaluation of IARI Wheat Seed-cum-Fertilizer Plot Drill for Pearl Millet-Wheat Cropping System on Permanent Raised Bed System

A four-row IARI seed-cum-fertilizer plot drill developed at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi for permanent raised bed system was evaluated under pearl millet-wheat cropping system. The machine was fitted with two Oyjord metering mechanisms with four outlets for metering seed and fertilizer. Successful seeding on raised beds with pearl millet crop residue was achieved by first cutting the plant residue with a plain disc coulter, followed by seed drilling in narrow slit furrows opened by double disk furrow openers. The plot drill required 33.56 kW tractor for its operation in sandy loam soils, and two operators to feed measured quantity of seed and fertilizer. Field capacity of the plot drill was 0.17 ha.h-1 at 1.5 km.h-1 forward speed of operation. Field machine index, field efficiency and cost of operation were 72.72, 80 % and ` 648/- per hour, respectively. The plant stands of wheat sown on permanent raised beds with the developed plot drill were significantly higher than with precision plot drill.

Comparative Performance of Various Disc-Type Furrow Openers in No-Till Paddy Field Conditions

Different furrow openers are required to be evaluated for their suitability to manage rice straw for direct planting of wheat in paddy fields. This study was carried out to assess the straw-cutting ability and draft requirements of four different disc-type furrow openers (notched, toothed, smooth-edge single disc, and double disc) in no-till paddy fields. The openers were attached to an in-field traction rig equipped with S-type load cells, and tested using three operating depths of 30, 60, and 90 mm, and three traveling speeds of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m s−1. Vertical and horizontal forces acting on the openers were observed using LabVIEW software based data acquisition system. The results of this study indicated that the furrow opener type, operating depth, and speed significantly influenced the horizontal and vertical forces, as well as straw-cutting ability of the furrow openers. The highest draft and vertical force were noted for double disc-type furrow openers. The mean straw-cutting efficiency of notched, toothed, and smooth-edge single disc and double disc furrow openers were 12.4, 46.2, 11.4, and 78.5%, respectively. The double disc furrow opener (DD) produced the lowest level of hair-pinned straw and had the highest straw-cutting efficiency with a value of 88.6% at 90 mm operating depth, and therefore had the best performance in comparison with other furrow openers.

Specific demands to the traction of cutting discs and furrow openers for the no-tillage system

The objective of this study was to identify the specific demands to the traction considering the work depth and the soil area mobilized by different associations between crop residue coulter discs and fertilizer furrow openers of crop planters, for the no-tillage system, subject to the ground speed. This experiment was conducted in a farm in the city of Santa Maria (Brazil – Rio Grande do Sul), in a soil classified as Red Ultisol with sandy loam texture. The experiment consisted of 24 combinations of treatments, in a factorial design of 2x3x4. The treatments were obtained by the interaction of furrowers (hoe furrow opener and double-disc opener) with three arrangements in relation to the cutting discs (without disc, smooth and offset fluted coulter) and speeds (1.11, 1.67, 2.22 and 2.78 m s -1 ). The combination of mechanisms was possible through the coupling in a mobile tool holder structure and by using an instrumented tractor as a power source. There was a significant influence of all factors on the variables. The double-disc presented the highest specific demand due to the depth, with 24.08 kN m -1 , while the hoe opener required 19.09 kN m -1 . For the need of traction per mobilized soil area, the double-disc opener also had superior requirement, 9.94% higher. Therefore, the hoe opener is more efficient in the use of traction. The use of cutting discs integrated with this furrow opener reduced the extension of the demands and provided lower speed influence, while the opposite happens for the double-disc furrow opener. Regardless of the combination, an increment of variables was observed with the increase of speed.

COMPARITIVE EFFECT OF SOME PLANTER FURROW OPENERS AND SEED COVERING DEVICES ON SOME SOIL PROPERTIES AND CROPS PRODUCTIVITY

Two field experiments were carried out at a private farm in East Qantara; Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during two cultivated successive seasons (summer and winter) of 2011. The experimentsaimed to compare the effect of planter furrow openers (single disc, double disc, hoe and shoe) and seed covering devices (press wheel, paddles and drag chains) on some soil physical properties and energy consumed of seeding operation as well as seed germination and biological yield of corn silage (Zea mays) and pea (Pisum sativum ) on sandy loam soil under sprinkler irrigation system. The comparative effect of studied furrow opener devices on the values of soil bulk density of cultivated surface soil depth (0- 15cm) under both crops in this study were ranked as hoe > shoe > single disc > double disc. While, the comparative effect of studied covering devices on the soil bulk density of cultivated surface soil depth values were ranked as wheel > paddles > drag chains. Under studied treatments, the lowest of soil bulk density value was 1.40 and 1.38 g/cm3 for double disc furrow with drag chains treatment at 40 and 3 days after the planting date of the corn silage, respectively. The obtained results showed that soil porosity values at 40 days of the planting date of the corn silage and pea plants were lower than after 3 days of planting under studied treatments. Under the same treatments, the soil porosity highest value was about 47.92 and 47.17 % for double disc furrow with drag chains treatment after 3 and after 40 days of the planting date for corn silage, respectively. At the same treatments, the highest value of soil porosity was 50.19 and 49.43 % for double disc furrow opener with drag chains treatment after 3 and after 40 days of the planting date of the pea plants, respectively. Soil water content takes the same trend of obtained results of soil bulk density and soil porosity using the furrow opener devices, while it takes the opposite trend with using covering devices at the same treatments. The obtained results revealed that the consumed energy values of corn silage varied 35.65 to 51.02 and 31.93 to 45.73 kW. h /fed for corn silage and pea plants under studied treatments, respectively. Generally the single disc furrow openers was less double disc, shoe and hoe furrow openers respectively. The biological yield values of corn silage varied between 39260 to 20410 kg/fed and 5299 to 815 kg/fed for pea plants under studied treatments, respectively. Also, the obtained results showed that the highest value of biological yield was 39260 and 5299 kg/fed at double disc furrow with wheel treatment for the corn silage and pea plants under the same treatments, respectively. The using double disc furrow opener with wheel treatment at seeding operation is preferabletreatment for increasing the productivity of studied crops.

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.

Cultivation and Planting-Time Insecticide Treatments for Control of Corn Rootworms in South Dakota, 1997

Abstract Cornfields located near New Holland and Garretson in central and eastern South Dakota, respectively, were chosen for this study. The experiment was conducted to evaluate insecticide efficacy using ground-driven Noble metering and electronic Smartbox metering units with band or in-furrow insecticide placement methods for control of northern and/or western com rootworm larvae. Treatment plots (15.2-m-long rows spaced 0.96 m apart) were arranged in a RCB design with four replications. 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. Pioneer IR-3751 (100-day) com seed was planted at approximately 23,000 kernels per acre at each location. Five roots per replicate were dug, washed, examined for feeding damage, and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Data were analyzed with the ANOVA procedure and means were compared using LSD.

Soil Insecticide Efficacy Trials for Managing Corn Rootworms Using Planting Time Applications in South Dakota, 1995

Abstract The 1995 corn rootworm insecticide efficacy trials were conducted at 5 dryland field sites (Aurora, Cavour, Delmont, Garretson, and Lake Andes) in South Dakota. Experimental design for all studies was a RCB with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single 15.2 m long rows which were spaced 96.5 cm apart. Untreated control data from tests containing 2 untreated plots was pooled within replicates to obtain a single mean for comparison with insecticide treatments. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Banded (B) insecticide treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath over the open seed furrow in front of furrow-closing wheels (T-band), and were incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow (F) treatments were placed directly between double-disk furrow openers and into the open seed furrow. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for corn rootworm larval feeding damage, and rated in accordance with the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Root injury ratings were analyzed using SAS’s General Linear Models (GLM) procedure with root rating and percent root protection means being compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

Evaluation of Corn Rootworm Insecticide Treatments and Carry-Over Control of European Corn Borers in South Dakota, 1995

Abstract A secondary benefit of corn rootworm insecticide treatments could be the residual control of European corn borer (ECB) larvae. Our study was repeated at sites near Aurora, Cavour, Delmont, and Garretson, South Dakota to assess the efficacy and secondary ECB control provided by 3 insecticides (Furadan, 60720A, &amp; Regent). Treatment plots consisted of single 15.2 m long rows which were spaced 96.5 cm apart. The study was arranged in a RCBD with 4 replicates at each site. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially adapted Kinze 4-row com planter. Metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter before applications. Banded (B) insecticide treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath over the open seed furrow in front of furrow-closing wheels (T-band), and were incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow (F) treatments were placed directly between double-disk furrow openers and into the open seed furrow. Cultivation-time liquids were applied using a CO2-powered backpack canister sprayer system equipped with a single nozzle (Teejet 8003 flat fan) hand-held boom. The system was calibrated to deliver 20 gpa. To evaluate rootworm damage 5 roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for corn rootworm larval feeding damage, and rated in accordance with the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. For assessment of ECB control, 10 com stalks were randomly chosen from each plot. Plants were split vertically and examined for corn borer tunneling damage. The number and length of ECB cavities were analyzed along with root injury data using SAS’s General Linear Models (GLM) procedure and means were compared by DMRT.

Comparison of Planting- and Cultivation-Time Applied Insecticides for Managing Corn Rootworm Larvae in South Dakota, 1995

Abstract Cavour and Aurora, South Dakota were chosen as sites for comparing at planting and cultivation time applied insecticides for rootworm control. Individual treatment plots consisted of single 15.2 m long rows which were spaced 96.5 cm apart. The study used a RCB design with 4 replications per location. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units mounted on a specially adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter. Metering units were ground-driven, and all units were calibrated on the planter. Banded (B) insecticide treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath over the open seed furrow in front of furrow-closing wheels (T-band), and were incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. In-furrow (F) treatments were placed directly between double-disk furrow openers and into the open seed furrow. Cultivation-time liquid treatments were applied using a CO2-powered backpack canister sprayer system. A 1.8-m boom with 4 nozzles (Teejet 8003 flat fan) spaced 45.7 cm apart was used to deliver 20 gpa. Five roots per replicate were dug for each treatment. Roots were washed, examined for corn rootworm larval feeding damage, and rated in accordance with the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Percent root protection was calculated: % RP = 100 * (1 – [rating of treatment - l]/rating of untreated control). Root injury ratings were analyzed using SAS’s General Linear Models (GLM) procedure with root rating means were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test.

Planting-Time and Rescue Applications of Furadan 4F for Control of Northern and Western Corn Rootworm Larvae in South Dakota, 1994

Abstract Cornfields located near Aurora, Cavour, and Garretson in central and east-central SD were chosen for this study. The experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of traditional (banded or in-furrow) planting-time insecticide application methods with cultivation-time rescue treatments for controlling corn rootworm larvae. Experimental design was a RCB with 4 replications. Individual treatment plots consisted of single 15.2-m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart. Pioneer IR-3751 (100-day) corn seed was planted at approximately 23,000 kernels per acre at each location. Planting-time granular formulations were applied using Noble metering units mounted on a specially-adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter, and all units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded granular treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath in front of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. All planting-time applications (banded and in-furrow) consisted of directing insecticides immediately between double-disk furrow openers and into the open seed furrow. Post-emergence banded applications of Furadan 4F were placed over the row in 18- to 20-cm swaths using a single-nozzle (Teejet 8003 flat fan) boom. Broadcast ("Broad") liquid treatments were applied with a 1.8-m boom-equipped with 4 Teejet 8003 flat fan nozzles spaced 46 cm apart. Liquid formulations (planting-time and post-emergence rescue) were applied using a CO2-powered canister spray system calibrated to deliver 20 gpa at 3 mph. All post-emergence treatments were applied at cultivation time, and those that received cultivation following application were incorporated using a 2-row John Deere cultivator. Five roots per replicate were dug, washed, examined for feeding damage and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Data were analyzed with SAS’s General Linear Models procedure and means were compared using DMRT.

Soil Insecticide Applications Using the Smartbox Metering Unit for Control of Corn Rootworm Larvae in South Dakota, 1994

Abstract Cornfields located near Aurora and Cavour in central and east-central SD, respectively, were 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 band or in-furrow insecticide placement methods for control of northern and western corn rootworm larvae. Treatment plots (15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart) were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replications. 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. Pioneer IR-3751 (100-day) corn seed was planted at approximately 23,000 kernels per acre at each location. Five roots per replicate were dug, washed, examined for feeding damage and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Data were analyzed with SAS’s General Linear Models procedure and means were compared using DMRT.

Northern and Western Corn Rootworm Adult Emergence and Root Injury Ratings Relative to Planting- Time and Post-Emergence Applications in Eastern South Dakota, 1994

Abstract A dryland field near Aurora, SD, was chosen to assess northern and western corn rootworm adult beetle emergence from planting-time and post-emergence insecticide treatment corn. Additionally, efficacy in preventing larval root injury was evaluated. The site had been continuously planted to corn for at least 5 years prior to the 1994 growing season. Individual treatment plots (single 15.2-m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart) were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replications. Pioneer IR-3751 (100- day) corn seed was planted at approximately 23,000 kernels per acre. Planting-time granular formulations were applied using Noble metering units mounted on a modified Kinze 4-row corn planter, and all units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Banded granular treatments were applied in an 18-cm swath in fromt of the furrow-closing wheels, and incorporated by the wheels and drag chains. All planting-time applications (banded and in-furrow) consisted of directing insecticides immediately between double-disk furrow openers and into the open seed furrow. Post-emergence banded applications of Furadan 4F were placed over the row in 18- to 20-cm swaths using a single-nozzle (Teejet 8003 flat fan) boom. Broadcast ("Broad") liquid treatments were applied with a 1.8-m boom equipped with 4 Teejet 8003 flat fan nozzles spaced 46 cm apart. Liquid formulations (planting-time and post-emergence rescue) were applied using a CO2-powered canister spray system calibrated to deliver 20 gpa at 3 mph. All postemergence treatments were applied at cultivation time, and those that received cultivation following application were incorporated using a 2-row John Deer cultivator. Five roots per replicate were dug, washed, examined for feeding damage and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Prior to rootworm beetle emergence, 2 cages (0.6 m wide by 1.0 m long by 15.2 cm high) were placed (equidistant from each other and the end of the plot) over each treatment row. The exterior rectangular frame base of each cage was constructed of 26-gauge galvanized steel and the top was made of aluminum screening material (45-mesh per cm2). A plastic cylindrical capture device was positioned at the apex of each screened pyramid to capture the emerged beetles. An inverted aluminum screen cone was fastened on the bottom side of each capture device to prevent beetle re-entry into the cage, and a small piece of “No Pest Strip” material was placed inside the device to kill captured beetles. Cages were monitored at weekly intervals for 6 wk. Monitoring consisted of collecting all beetles for the respective treatments from each replicate, and returning them to the laboratory for identification by species. Root rating and emergence data were analyzed using SAS’s General Linear Models procedure with treatment means being compared by DMRT.

Preplant-Incorporated Insecticide Treatments to Manage Northern and Western Corn Rootworm Larvae in Eastern South Dakota, 1994

Abstract Cornfields were chosen at Aurora and Cavour South Dakota based on corn rootworm egg and adult surveys. Therefore, offering the potential for significant larval pressures during this study. The experiment was conducted to compare efficacy of preplant-incorporation (PPI) with traditional planting-time insecticide application methods (banded or in-furrow) for controlling rootworm larvae. The PPI treatments were applied using a hand-held spray boom equipped with 4 Teejet 8002 nozzles spaced 46 cm apart. Delivery rate was 20 gpa at 25 psi while travelling at 3 mph. Immediately following liquid applications, the soil was tilled with a tandem disk harrow at a 5 to 8 cm depth for insecticide incorporation. Granular materials were applied using Noble metering units on an adapted Kinze 4-row corn planter using band or in-furrow insecticide placement methods. Metering units were calibrated on the planter prior to insecticide applications. Treatment plots (15.25 m long rows spaced 96.5 cm apart) were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replications. Band 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. Pioneer TR-3751’ (100-day) corn seed was planted at approximately 23,000 kernels per acre at each location. Five roots per replicate were dug, washed, examined for feeding damage and rated using the Iowa 1 to 6 scale. Data were analyzed with SAS’s General Linear Models procedure, and means were compared using DMRT.