Seeding quality and soybean yields from using different furrowers and operation speeds

Abstract

The sowing process for annual no-till crops affects the physical soil conditions around the seeds by exposing them to adverse conditions that may limit initial plant development and reduce potential yield. The use of seed drills that are not compatible with field conditions and the use of inappropriate seed drill speeds affect sowing performance. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of different seed drill types and operating speeds on soybean quality parameters and yield components. Two furrow opener (double disc and chisel) and four operating speed (0.86; 1.22; 1.47 and 1.94 m s -1) treatments were used. The following variables were evaluated: mean number of days until emergence, plant distribution uniformity, sowing depth, area of the soil disturbed, crop stand and grain yield. Overall, the chisel furrow opener provided a greater sowing depth and increased the disturbed soil area more than the double disc furrow opener. Increased operating speeds reduced crop stands and yields and increased the disturbed soil area.