For quality planting, it is crucial to have your planter with all maintenance services updated and properly adjusted according to the crop to be planted. This is one of the factors that ensures higher yields.
The recent Stara launching products already allow for the automatic adjustment of rates, as much for seeds as for fertilizer. However, some implements are still mechanically adjusted.
For Stara planters, the calibration of seeds is recommended to be performed on the Topper 5500 controller. On the equipment menu, and the planter coupled to the tractor and set up on Topper, enter the number of teeth for drive gears and driven gears that are assembled along with the number of holes of the seed discs.
On the other hand, on mechanical planters, for proper adjustment of the seed meter units, first, choose the correct disc for the seed type chosen. Then, position it over the ring. For this test, the seeds cannot be too exposed nor too deep on the disc. Remember that each crop has a different kind of disc, which must be changed and chosen as needed. Most of the planter features a table that provides the number of seeds per linear meter that is supposed to fall. Then, the drive/driven gears must be changed accordingly.
Understanding the planting depth
In addition to the planter adjustment, it is essential to pay attention to the planting depth. Most crops have better emergence when the seed is placed three to five centimeters deep in the soil, regardless of the planter adjustment type, either by springs, pneumatic bags, or pistons. This depth range is recommended so the plant can germinate strongly. Additionally, it is crucial to make sure that the planter wheels are at the same depth and that the springs or pneumatic bags are in good operation conditions. Otherwise, replace them. It is advisable to inspect the soil moisture conditions and the weather forecast for the following days after the planting has been carried out.
How the furrow opener and double disc work
To place the seeds with uniformity, choose the correct disc. And analyze the conditions of the characteristics of each situation and apply the best one to meet the demand of every area. The furrow opener as the disc has its advantages and disadvantages.
The double disc cuts the straw, reduces blockage, and requires less tractor power. But, it is not possible to reach good depth, and it doesn’t decompact the soil. The furrow opener, on the other hand, can decompact the soil and apply the fertilizer deeper into the soil and farther from the seeds. But, it requires higher tractor power. As a consequence, there is higher fuel consumption, and the chances for blockage are higher due to the high flow of straw.
The planting speeds
The planting operation speed also interferes directly with seed cover, placement uniformity, stand of plants, and yield. One of the main factors is the equipment. It is required to check what seed meter system is.
In addition, take into consideration the soil type and the fertilizer system of the planter (double disc or furrow opener). Clay soils enable the operator to travel at faster speeds since it is a soil with plenty of resistance and requires higher tractor power.
Higher speeds result in advantages, such as higher operating yield, more opportunities during the planting season, and higher yields. On the other hand, there are disadvantages: higher tractor fuel consumption or even changing the tractor may be required, less planting furrow quality, more soil disturbance, and the possibility of lower seed placement quality. Consequently, lower yields.
Last but not least, it is important to highlight that planting is one of the most important steps of the production cycle. A good stand of plants is the first quality factor of a crop. The farmers who adjust their machinery and have all the maintenance services performed are ahead of the others and ensure more positive results.
Thomas Liska – Stara Product Marketing Coordinator
Lucas Henrique Luersen – Stara Product Marketing Analyst
