Seeding Rate Treatments Research Articles

Optimal seeding rate enhances seedling quality, mechanical transplanting quality, and yield in hybrid rice.

To determine the appropriate seeding rate for machine-transplanted hybrid rice, field experiments were conducted during 2022-2023 using the hybrid rice variety Huazhe You 210 as the material. Four seeding rate treatments were set up: 40 (T1), 60 (T2), 80 (T3) and 100g tray-1 (T4), to investigate the effects of seeding rate on the seedling quality, transplanting quality, yield formation, and economic benefits of high-quality indica hybrid rice seedlings. The results showed that with increasing seeding rate, the seedling base stem diameter and seedling plumpness of hybrid rice seedlings decreased, but the root entwining force gradually increased, leading to a deterioration in individual seedling quality but an improvement in collective characteristics. As the seeding rate increased, the missing hill rate during mechanical planting of hybrid rice significantly decreased, while the number of seedlings per hill and the damaged seedling rate showed an upward trend. The growth volume of tillers, tillering spikelet rate, and harvest index of hybrid rice in the field showed an overall downward trend with increasing seeding rate, while the accumulation of dry matter initially increased and then decreased. The yield and economic benefits of hybrid rice grains showed an initial increase followed by a decrease with increasing seeding rate, with the highest yield and economic benefits achieved with the T2 treatment. In conclusion, the appropriate seeding rate for machine-transplanted hybrid rice is T2 (60g tray-1), which can maintain good seedling quality and improve transplanting quality, coordinate larger collective growth and appropriate harvest index, contributing to high yield and good economic benefits.

Soybean planting date and seeding rate effect on germinability and vigor of harvested seed

AbstractSeed is one of the most crucial inputs for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production due to its influence on plant population, uniformity, and yield, as well as its cost as an input. Seeds of good quality have high germinability and vigor, providing an adequate stand with uniformly good growth and development even under adverse conditions. This study aimed to measure the effect of soybean planting date and seeding rate on harvested seed mass, seed germinability, and seed vigor. Seeds were collected from a field experiment during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at two locations in Ohio: Western Agricultural Research Station and Northwest Agricultural Research Station. The study was conducted using a split‐plot randomized complete block design (planting date–whole plot; seeding rate–subplot) with four replications. Standard germination and accelerated aging tests were conducted in the laboratory using seeds harvested from the field study. All four site‐years demonstrated that planting soybean very late (June 16–July 1) produced lower weight seeds than the other planting dates. Across planting date and seeding rate treatments, the harvested seed germinability was ≥94%. However, soybean planted in early June (June 1–June 15) had the lowest seed vigor results (64%–81%) compared to other planting dates (80%–89%). Rainfall at R7–R8 development stages is negatively correlated with the seed vigor. The results will help seed producers optimize seed production and quality and suggest avoiding planting in June to increase harvested seed vigor.

Sustainable management practices for durum wheat production: Analyzing specific agronomic interventions on productivity, grain micronutrient content, and quality

As compared with single agronomic crop management practices during grain formation, knowledge about integrated agronomic management practices on grain mineral composition and grain technological properties in durum wheat is limited. This knowledge is important for determining management strategies aimed at increasing grain yield without affecting grain nutritional quality. Integrated agronomic practices such as foliar nutrient application × seeding rate × varieties combined with growing locations were investigated to evaluate the dynamics of yield and grain quality traits. Two durum wheat varieties, three-level of micronutrients (i.e. control, FeSO4, and ZnSO4), and four levels of seeding rate (i.e. 100, 125, 150, and 175 kg ha−1) were arranged in split-split plot design under two different growing locations (environments). The main plots were assigned to the varieties, subplots to micronutrients, and sub-sub plots to the seeding rate treatments. Zinc and iron were applied in a form of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 at the early flowering stage, both at a rate of 25 kg ha−1. Results showed a linear increment in biomass (21.5%) and grain yield (23.5%) under a high seeding rate, even though the 1000-grain weight, the number of grains spike−1, spike length, and the number of grains spike−1 were decreased. Higher varietal and environmental response of seeding rate was observed between varieties. The grain protein content, gluten, and zeleyn index decreased as the seeding rate increased. Grain micronutrient content was significantly influenced by seeding rate and varietal difference. The grain protein content was higher in a dryland environment than in a wet environment. A combined use of density-tolerant varieties, high seeding rate, and foliar-based iron application can improve the grain yield from 2.01 to 3.20 t ha−1 under a potential environment. Hence, all stakeholders should consider the genotype (G), environment (E), management (M), and their synergies, as far as grain yield and quality are considered simultaneously.

Seeding rate effect on winter malting barley yield and quality

AbstractGrowth in the craft brewing industry has increased the demand for locally sourced malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain in the Eastern United States. However, most malting barley seeding rate recommendations are from the Northern Great Plains, the Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada. Therefore, seeding rate research was needed in the humid growing environment of the Eastern United States. The objective of this research was to identify the agronomic optimum seeding rate (AOSR) where grain yield is maximized, and identify the seeding rate that met or exceeded grain quality parameters. An experiment with five seeding rate treatments ranging from 1.9 to 6.2 million seeds ha–1 was established at eight site‐years in Ohio. Under normal growing conditions, the AOSR was 3.8–6.2 million seeds ha–1 (average 4.5 million seeds ha–1). When plants experienced winter injury, the AOSR was greater at 5.3–5.4 million seeds ha–1. Grain quality parameters of protein, germination, and deoxynivalenol all tended to improve with increasing seeding rate. Seeding rates of 4.5–4.7 million seeds ha–1 should maximize yield most years while meeting grain quality parameters. However, regions that experience winter temperatures <15°C without snow coverage should increase seeding rates due to increased chance of winter injury reducing plant stand.

Pre- and Post-anthesis Deficit Irrigation of Corn in the West Central Great Plains— Working with Less Water

HighlightsConcentrating deficit irrigation during the post-anthesis period optimized grain yield and water productivity, while minimizing the seasonal irrigation amount.Corn grain yields were not greatly affected by deficit irrigation strategy, but irrigation amounts varied as much as 62%.Seeding rates ranging from 62,000 to 74,000 corn plants per hectare were acceptable under deficit irrigation.Corn hybrid effects were not consistent across years and location.Abstract. A three-year study (2018 to 2020) was conducted in west central and northwestern Kansas on silt loam soils to determine corn grain yield and yield component response, water use, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation capacity and timing, corn hybrid, and seeding rate. A range of four irrigation treatments concentrated greater application amounts in either the pre-anthesis or post-anthesis period. The Pre-38 treatment applied 38 mm weekly pre-anthesis as needed (limited by weather-based scheduling) and only applied 38 mm every two weeks during the post-anthesis period. The Pre-25 treatment applied 25 mm weekly as needed pre-anthesis, followed by 25 mm applications every two weeks post anthesis. Post-38 and Post-25 treatments had application amounts similar to Pre-38 and Pre-25, respectively, but had the weekly applications concentrated during the post anthesis period and less frequent (every two weeks) applications pre-anthesis. Two corn hybrids (Pioneer 1197 and Pioneer 0801) were planted at seeding rates of 62 and 74 thousand seeds ha-1. Averaged across location and year, the Pre-25 irrigation treatment had approximately 5% less yield than the other three treatments but received approximately 28% less irrigation. Overall, when averaged across all irrigation, hybrid and seeding rate treatments, the yield components of kernels ear-1 and kernel mass varied approximately 2% and 3%, respectively and were responsible for nearly all of the grain yield variation. The Pre-25 and Post-25 treatment had the greatest water productivity and generally had similar yields to the other deficit irrigation treatments and thus should be considered as effective strategies to reduce irrigation in this region. Seeding corn at 74 thousand seeds ha-1 increased yield only 2% compared with 62 thousand seeds ha-1 indicating that a considerable range of seeding rates produce similar yields when using deficit irrigation strategies in this region. Hybrid effects were not consistent across years and locations. Keywords: Crop water productivity, Evapotranspiration, Irrigation scheduling, Limited irrigation, Maize.

Comparison of Insecticidal Seed Treatment Rates and In-Furrow Insecticides for Control of Corn Rootworm Larvae, 2019

Comparison of Insecticidal Seed Treatment Rates and In-Furrow Insecticides for Control of Corn Rootworm Larvae, 2019

Evaluation of Varying Rates of Mancozeb fungicide and Some Plant Leaf Powders as Seed Treatment and their cost-benefit for the Management of Early Leaf Spot (Cercospora arachidicola Hori) Disease of Groundnut in Makurdi, Nigeria

Field experiment were carried out during the first and second cropping seasons (2013//2014) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State of Nigeria, the effect of seed treatments with varying rates of Mancozeb fungicide, Pawpaw and Moringa leaf powders on early leaf spot incidence and ground nut yield was studied; and the cost benefit ratios calculated. The seed treatments were: Mancozeb, Moringa leaf powder and Pawpaw leaf powder while the seed treatments rates were 0.0 (control), 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0gm. Groundnut variety Benue AGR seeds were treated with the seed treatment rates replicated 3 times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results of the first season and second seasons showed that seed treatment with Mancozeb significantly gave the highest plant establishment followed by moringa leaf powder and pawpaw leaf powder respectively. In the first year, 3.0g seed treatment significantly gave the highest plant establishment while the untreated control recorded the lowest plant establishment, but was not significantly difference (P ≤ 0.05) amongst the treatment rates in the second year. In the two cropping seasons, plants grown from seed treated with mancozeb recorded the lowest incidence of early leaf spot disease followed by moringa leaf powder at 40, 47 and 54 DAS respectively. Seed treatment rate of 3.0gm gave the lowest disease incidence from 40 to 54 DAS. At 90 DAS of the first season, seed treatment with Mancozeb significantly lowered the leaf defoliation followed by Moringa leaf powder compared to Pawpaw leaf powder. Similarly, during the second season, seed treatment with Mancozeb also reduced the leaf defoliation compared to the plant powders at 70, 80 and 90 DAS respectively. Mancozeb and Moringa leaf powder gave higher grain yield compared to Pawpaw leaf powder in the first season. Increase in seed treatment rate resulted to higher percentage increment in grain and haulm ............

Can optimizing seeding rate and planting density alleviate the yield loss of double‐season rice caused by prolonged seedling age?

AbstractProlonged seedling age (PS) caused by delayed transplanting frequently occurs in double‐season rice (Oryza sativa L.), leading to a significant grain yield loss. However, it is not clear whether optimizing the seeding rate in the nursery and planting density in the field could compensate for this yield loss. Field experiments with two seedling age, two planting density, and two seeding rate treatments were conducted in the early and late growing seasons of 2013 and 2014 in Wuxue County, Hubei Province, China. Increasing the planting density significantly increased grain yield but couldn't completely alleviate the negative effect of PS on grain yield in both early and late growing seasons. Reducing the seeding rate in the nursery significantly increased the grain yield in both seedling age treatments in the late season with an average of 4.4% across treatments and years. There was a significant interaction effect between seedling age and seeding rate on grain yield in the early season, suggesting that yield loss could be significantly mitigated by reducing seeding rate. In conclusion, optimizing seeding rate and planting density could partially compensate for the yield loss caused by PS.

Tillage system and seeding rate effects on the performance of Brassica carinata

AbstractBrassica carinata, a nonfood oilseed crop, is used to produce renewable fuels because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid profile. Production in the southeastern United States is relatively new, and information on agronomic management practices to optimize growth and yield is limited. Since optimal seeding rate may depend on the land preparation method for this small‐seeded crop, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage system (conventional, no‐till, broadcast‐disc, and ripper‐roller) and seeding rate (1.12, 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1) on the performance of B. carinata. A randomized complete block design with a strip‐plot restriction on randomization and four replications was implemented in Headland, AL, Jay, FL, and Quincy, FL, over five site‐years during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 growing seasons. Data were collected on soil residue cover; plant population; soil penetrometer resistance and moisture; biomass (including carbon and nitrogen); stalk diameter; yield and yield components; seed oil, protein, and glucosinolates concentration; and oil composition. Soil penetrometer resistance was significantly affected by tillage system, with the ripper‐roller consistently having the lowest penetration resistance values across all site‐years. Ripper‐roller tillage had the highest oil content and lowest protein and glucosinolate contents. Yield response to tillage system was variable. Among seeding rate treatments, yield was lowest at 1.12 kg seed ha−1 and similar among 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1 at all site‐years. There was no tillage by seeding rate interaction for yield. Results indicate that among seeding rate treatments used, 5.6 kg seed ha−1 rate was optimal at all site‐years regardless of land preparation method and is thus the recommended seeding rate for commercial carinata production in the Southeastern United States.

Comparison of variable‐rate prescriptions and optimum seeding rate in soybean

AbstractAs the cost of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed increases, farmers are interested in reducing seeding rates. Variable‐rate seeding (VRS) allows farmers to adjust seeding rates within a field by management zone, and many farmers practice VRS in soybean. However, without field validation, the accuracy of existing VRS practices is unknown. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine the agronomic optimum seeding rate (AOSR) of soybean in predetermined management zones and (b) compare the AOSR to each farmer's standard VRS practice. Ten on‐farm trials were established in Ohio and Michigan during 2017 and 2018. The trials consisted of three uniform seeding rate treatments of low, moderate, and high and a variable‐rate treatment determined by each cooperating farmer. Farmers used a variety of methods to create management zones within their fields. Within each site‐year, soybean grain yield was not different among management zones. The farmer‐selected seeding rate was within 10% of the calculated AOSR in 6 out of 15 management zones. In 8 out of 15 management zones, soybean was underseeded by >10%, and one management zone out of 15 was overseeded by >10%. Underseeding was likely due to low plant populations caused by heavy rainfall after planting or late planting, even though seeding rate was high. We recommend farmers take a stand count to understand the relationship between seeding rate and plant population in their individual field management zones and adjust their seeding rates accordingly.

Evaluating winter malting barley grain yield with fractional green canopy cover

AbstractBecause of growth in the craft brewing industry, farmers in the eastern United States are planting winter malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to meet demands for locally sourced grain. However, given that barley is a relatively new crop in this region, basic agronomic information relating to stand assessment is needed. This is particularly relevant in this region, as climatic variability from extreme temperature fluctuations during the winter and spring can reduce a barley stand, creating the need for farmers to estimate grain yield potential. The objective of the research was to evaluate the relationship between spring stem counts, fractional green canopy cover (FGCC), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and barley grain yield. Trials were established at five site‐years in Ohio, where seeding rate treatments of 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 million seeds acre−1 were used to simulate a range of poor to excellent plant stands. All barley stand assessment methods were conducted in the spring at the Feekes 5 growth stage. Stem counts were correlated with FGCC and NDVI measurements (r = .76 and .74, respectively). Stem counts (R2 = .67) and FGCC (R2 = .65) measurements accounted for the greatest variability in barley grain yield. Specifically, FGCC ≤5% corresponded to yield between 27 and 39 bu acre−1, whereas 5 to 10% corresponded to yield between 60 and 89 bu acre−1. Fractional green canopy cover should be considered as a stand and yield assessment tool, as it reduces labor compared with stem counting techniques.

English

A field experiment was conducted in 2013 cropping season at Bedloale and Werer sites in Amibara district, Afar Regional State, to determine optimum seeding rate for row method of sowing for productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under irrigated ecosystem. The experiment was conducted with five levels of seed rate treatments (50, 60, 70, and 80 kg ha-1 and local practice) laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of agronomic analysis showed that there was no statistical difference for all parameters at Bedolale site. However, at Werer site total number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, total biomass and grain yield were significantly affected by seed rate. Compared to the control, 50 and 60 kgha-1 seed rates have shown a grain yield and superior performance in total biomass yield advantage. Moreover, the partial budgeting analysis results showed that sowing of 60 kg ha-1 NERICA-4 seed yielded positive gross margin at Werer site. While at Bedolale site, the two least cost treatments, that is, 50 and 60 kg ha-1 could be economically viable. In general, from the results of this study, it can be concluded that 60 kg ha-1 drilling is optimum seed rate for row method of sowing. Key words: Seed rate, rice productivity, NERICA-4, sowing method, row planting. &nbsp

Influence of oat and spring pea mixtures on forage characteristics in different environments

AbstractForage mixtures including oat (Avena sativa L.) and spring pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum) provide opportunities to optimize forage production with increasing forage quality, relative to single species stands. Under different climate scenarios, adjusting seeding rates of these mixtures may produce variable results in forage quantity and quality. We conducted a 2‐yr study at three study sites to evaluate forage characteristics within mixtures of oat and spring pea stands across a semi‐arid to subhumid precipitation gradient. At the western‐most and driest location (219 mm March–June precipitation), the oat monoculture produced 16−19% more total biomass than seeding treatments with mixtures of oat and spring pea. In contrast, at the moderate‐precipitation site (255 mm precipitation), no differences in total biomass were detected for the oat monoculture and seed mixtures of oat and spring pea. Large variation at the wettest site (339 mm precipitation) limited our ability to detect differences for total biomass production across treatments, but weed pressure in Year 2 of the study reduced forage production. Typically, crude protein (CP) concentration decreased linearly (P < .01) as spring pea decreased in the seeding rate, but CP concentration and total CP yield varied for the seeding rate treatments at the different study sites. Environmental condition may influence the benefit of substituting spring pea into a properly managed oat forage crop to increase forage quality. The contribution of spring pea forage in the total forage biomass of mixtures may be limited, especially in drier conditions.

Seed treatment with the fungicide fluopyram limits cotyledon infection by Leptosphaeria maculans and reduces blackleg of canola

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a serious disease on canola or rapeseed in Canada, Australia and Europe. Disease levels have increased in western Canada recently and additional tools are needed to improve blackleg management. Seed treatment can be a cost-effective approach against blackleg, but there is currently no registered seed-treatment product targeting aboveground blackleg infection. In this study, a range of fungicides was evaluated for control of cotyledon infection by L. maculans and blackleg of canola. Under controlled environmental conditions, fluopyram showed greater efficacy than fluquinconazole (used against blackleg in Australia) in limiting cotyledon infection, while Prosper® EverGol and Helix® Vibrance (industry standards) were ineffective. Fluopyram at a rate of 30–150 g/100 kg seed generally inhibited cotyledon infection and this efficacy was not affected by delayed soil moisture for 3 weeks after planting. This indicates that the efficacy will unlikely be affected by a slight delay in germination due to a soil moisture deficit after seeding. In addition to typical mechanisms of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides, fluopyram also induced expression of the indicator gene coding PR-1 proteins substantially, indicating the potential for inducing disease resistance. In field trials at 75 and 150 g/100 kg seed, fluopyram reduced the infection on cotyledons resulting from pricking inoculation on both susceptible and resistant canola cultivars, potentially limiting the infection into the stem. These seed treatment rates reduced the disease severity index (DSI) substantially on the susceptible cultivar, while DSI was low on a resistant cultivar with or without fluopyram treatment.

Crop density affects weed suppression in organically managed Sunflower

AbstractA field experiment in central New York evaluated the effect of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) density on weed biomass and yield in organic sunflower production. Two varieties of sunflower, Badger DMR and N5LM307, were seeded at 6.1 and 8.6 seeds m−2, and grown using organic management practices at one site in 2016 and two sites in 2017. Sunflower density, weed biomass, and sunflower yield were quantified at crop maturity. Weed biomass was lower (P < .05) in plots with sunflower seeded at 8.6 seeds m−2 compared to 6.1 seeds m−2 in only one variety in one site‐year. However, a negative relationship (P < .05) was observed between sunflower density and weed biomass when data were pooled over site‐years. No difference was observed in sunflower seed yield between varieties or seeding rate treatments. Sunflower seed yield was higher in 2016 (354 g m−2) when conditions were extremely dry, and in one site‐year in 2017 (308 g m−2), when conditions were extremely wet and seeding was delayed by a month. In the other site‐year in 2017, sunflower seed yield was lower (225 g m−2), which was likely due to weed competition as weed biomass was an order of magnitude greater in this site‐year than the other two site‐years. Although more research is needed to refine management recommendations for organic sunflower production, our results suggest that increasing sunflower density can contribute to weed suppression.

Efficacy of reduced rates of chlorantraniliprole seed treatment on insect pests of irrigated drill-seeded rice.

For the past decade, insecticidal seed treatment has been the most widely used control tactic against insect pests of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the USA. Seed treatments are used primarily to control the most economically important early-season pest of rice, the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel). This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of reduced rates of chlorantraniliprole seed treatment against the rice water weevil, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), and sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis F.) under field and laboratory conditions. Concentrations of chlorantraniliprole in plant tissues were determined at vegetative and reproductive developmental stages of rice plants. Chlorantraniliprole seed treatment reduced the densities of rice water weevil larvae relative to non-treated controls even at rates 75% lower than the label rate. Increased mortality of fall armyworm larvae was observed at reduced seed treatment rates relative to a non-treated control. Chlorantraniliprole seed treatment increased the mortality of sugarcane borer larvae at all rates relative to controls and the mortality was consistently higher in larvae that were fed stems from treated plants at the vegetative developmental stage than larvae that were fed stems from plants at the reproductive stage. Concentrations of chlorantraniliprole in plant tissues increased with seed treatment rate and decreased with plant age. This study has shown that reduced chlorantraniliprole seed treatment rates can provide adequate control against the rice water weevil, fall armyworm, and sugarcane borer, particularly at early developmental stages of rice plants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia

This paper presents the study reports on evaluating a new transplanting operation by taking into accounts the interactions between soil, plant, and machine in line with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices. The objective was to modify planting claw (kuku-kambing) of a paddy transplanter in compliance with SRI guidelines to determine the best planting spacing (S), seed rate (G) and planting pattern that results in a maximum number of seedling, tillers per hill, and yield. Two separate experiments were carried out in two different paddy fields, one to determine the best planting spacing (S=4 levels: s1=0.16 m×0.3 m, s2= 0.18 m×0.3 m, s3=0.21 m×0.3 m, and s4=0.24 m×0.3 m) for a specific planting pattern (row mat or scattered planting pattern), and the other to determine the best combination of spacing with seed rate treatments (G=2 levels: g1=75 g/tray, and g2= 240 g/tray). Main SRI management practices such as soil characteristics of the sites, planting depth, missing hill, hill population, the number of seedling per hill, and yield components were evaluated. Results of two-way analysis of variance with three replications showed that spacing, planting pattern and seed rate affected the number of one-seedling in all experiment. It was also observed that the increase in spacing resulted in more tillers and more panicle per plant, however hill population and sterility ratio increased with the decrease in spacing. While the maximum number of panicles were resulted from scattered planting at s4=0.24 m×0.3 m spacing with the seed rate of g1=75 g/tray, the maximum number of one seedling were observed at s4=0.16 m×0.3 m. The highest and lowest yields were obtained from 75 g seeds per tray scattered and 70 g seeds per tray scattered treatment respectively. For all treatments, the result clearly indicates an increase in yield with an increase in spacing. Keywords: system of rice intensification, sustainable cultivation, smart farming, modified transplanter, paddy fields, Malaysia DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191202.2999 Citation: Shamshiri R R, Ibrahim B, Balasundram S K, Taheri S, Weltzien C. Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(2): 54–67.

Field Validation of Seed Meter Performance at Varying Seeding Rates and Ground Speeds

Abstract. High planter performance requires achieving near-perfect seed meter performance in the field during planting. In-field meter performance can be impacted by several factors including meter setup, ground speed, seeding rate, planter vibration, and field conditions. A study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of two different seed meters (John Deere Standard and Precision Planting eSet) at varying seeding rates and ground speeds during planting. Study treatments consisted of planting corn at seeding rates of 49,000, 59,000, 69,000, 79,000, and 89,000 seeds ha-1 at four different ground speeds of 6.1, 7.1, 8.2, and 9.5 km h-1. These ground speeds and seeding rates were implemented in a strip-split plot design in the field with seeding rates blocked within the individual ground speed replications. Field tests were performed by uploading a variable-rate seeding prescription map into the planter rate controller and then travelling at the desired ground speed for each planter pass. Field data collection consisted of measuring plant population and plant spacing in the plots separately for each seed meter. Meter performance was evaluated by computing percent skips, multiples, singulation, coefficient of variation (CV), and crop emergence from the field data. Statistical analysis on field data suggested that the percent skips, singulation, CV, and crop emergence were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the seeding rate, and the ground speed did not have any significant (p>0.05) effect on these variables. The percent multiples and CV values also differed significantly (p<0.05) between the John Deere Standard and Precision Planting eSet meter at different ground speed and seeding rate treatments. The percent skips (0.5-3.8%) observed in the field data were, on average, higher than the percent multiples (0.0-1.8%) for both seed meters. The percent skips in general decreased with an increase in the seeding rate whereas no particular trend was observed in the percent multiples. The singulation values varied between 96.0% and 99.4%, and they were not statistically different between the seed meters. The percent CV values increased with an increase in the seeding rate indicating higher variability in plant spacing with increases in the seeding rate. The mean percent emergence for both seed meters ranged from 92.8% to 99.3%, and it was influenced by the seeding rate for the JD Standard meter. A weak association (R2 values between 0.2028 and 0.6587) between the meter performance parameters (percent skips, singulation, and CV) and the meter speed was determined for both seed meters. Results from the study suggested that meter performance was significantly affected by the seeding rate, and the type of seed meter had a significant impact on percent multiples and CV (plant spacing) values attained during planting. Keywords: Field performance, Ground speed, Meter speed, Seed meter, Seeding rate.

Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia

This paper presents the study reports on evaluating a new transplanting operation by taking into accounts the interactions between soil, plant, and machine in line with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices. The objective was to modify planting claw (kuku-kambing) of a paddy transplanter in compliance with SRI guidelines to determine the best planting spacing (S), seed rate (G) and planting pattern that results in a maximum number of seedling, tillers per hill, and yield. Two separate experiments were carried out in two different paddy fields, one to determine the best planting spacing (S=4 levels: s1=0.16 m×0.3 m, s2= 0.18 m×0.3 m, s3=0.21 m×0.3 m, and s4=0.24 m×0.3 m) for a specific planting pattern (row mat or scattered planting pattern), and the other to determine the best combination of spacing with seed rate treatments (G=2 levels: g1=75 g/tray, and g2= 240 g/tray). Main SRI management practices such as soil characteristics of the sites, planting depth, missing hill, hill population, the number of seedling per hill, and yield components were evaluated. Results of two-way analysis of variance with three replications showed that spacing, planting pattern and seed rate affected the number of one-seedling in all experiment. It was also observed that the increase in spacing resulted in more tillers and more panicle per plant, however hill population and sterility ratio increased with the decrease in spacing. While the maximum number of panicles were resulted from scattered planting at s4=0.24 m×0.3 m spacing with the seed rate of g1=75 g/tray, the maximum number of one seedling were observed at s4=0.16 m×0.3 m. The highest and lowest yields were obtained from 75 g seeds per tray scattered and 70 g seeds per tray scattered treatment respectively. For all treatments, the result clearly indicates an increase in yield with an increase in spacing. Keywords: system of rice intensification, sustainable cultivation, smart farming, modified transplanter, paddy fields, Malaysia DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191202.2999 Citation: Shamshiri R R, Ibrahim B, Balasundram S K, Taheri S, Weltzien C. Evaluating system of rice intensification using a modified transplanter: A smart farming solution toward sustainability of paddy fields in Malaysia. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(2): 54–67.

The effect of seeding rate on radiation interception, grain yield and grain quality of autumn sown oats

Abstract Oats are attracting increasing interest as a result of their nutritional and health benefits but increasing financial pressures are forcing growers to review all inputs including seed costs. High seeding rates are traditionally used for autumn sown oats in Ireland but it may be possible to use lower seed rates with resultant savings if oat plants can compensate for lower plant populations. A series of experiments were conducted in Ireland from 2015 to 2017 to investigate if lower seed rates could be used for autumn sown oats without compromising yield or quality. Experiments were conducted on both light and heavy soils at sites near Carlow in the centre of Ireland in which three oat varieties (Barra, Husky and Vodka) were grown at five seeding rates (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 seeds/m2). Experiments were also conducted at Kildalton in the south east of Ireland in which the same three oat varieties were grown at five different seeding rates (125, 250, 375, 500 and 625 seeds/m2). Establishment decreased significantly with seeding rate. Oat plants at low plant populations developed additional grains primarily through an increase in the number of grains per panicle. At GS32, there was no significant difference in radiation interception between seeding rates from 200 seeds/m2 to 500 seeds/m2. The difference in yield between the lowest and highest seeding rate treatments was 1.1 t/ha at the Carlow sites and 0.7 t/ha at the Kildalton site. There were no significant difference in margin between seeding rate treatments at a grain price of €125/tonne. Grain quality was not affected by seeding rate. Autumn sown oats can compensate for low plant populations with the result that the seeding rates used in good sowing conditions can be reduced without any impact on margin or on grain quality.