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Title: Considerations for site-specific implementation of active downforce and seeding depth technologies on row-crop planters

Author
item FULTON, JOHN - The Ohio State University
item PONCET, A - Auburn University
item MCDONALD, TIM - Auburn University
item BRIDGES, REESE - Auburn University
item SHAW, JOEY - Auburn University
item KNAPPENBERGER, T - Auburn University
item Balkcom, Kipling

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2015
Publication Date: 11/7/2015
Citation: Fulton, J.P., Poncet, A., Mcdonald, T., Bridges, R., Shaw, J., Knappenberger, T.J., Balkcom, K.S. 2015. Considerations for site-specific implementation of active downforce and seeding depth technologies on row-crop planters. In: Proceedings of the 73rd Conference LAND, TECHNIK - AgEng 2015, November 6-7, 2015, Hannover, Germany. 2251(2015):139-145.

Interpretive Summary: Planter technology continues to rapidly advance including row-by-row control of parameters such as applied downforce and seeding depth that permit real-time adjustment to varying field conditions. Research conducted by Auburn University researchers in conjunction with an ARS scientist in Auburn, AL investigated the relationship of seeding depth and applied downforce to soil properties in order to specify required control system response to field conditions. Field results indicated that active downforce and seeding depth technology will require as low as 0.05 second response time in order to account for soil property variation during operation. This research will help determine if controlling applied downforce and seeding depth in real-time on a row-by row basis can benefit maize production.

Technical Abstract: Planter technology continues to rapidly advance including row-by-row control of parameters such as applied downforce and seeding depth that permit real-time adjustment to varying field conditions. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of seeding depth and applied downforce to soil properties in order to specify required control system response to field conditions. Field experiments were conducted using a common US row-crop planter with maize (Zea mays L.). Two fields were selected with differences in soil texture and terrain attributes. Treatments included 3 seeding depths (2.5, 5.1, and 7.6 cm) and 3 applied downforces to each row unit (0, 113, 181 kg) that were replicated as 6-row strips within fields. Soil electrical conductivity and soil volumetric moisture content were measured the day of planting as indicators of soil texture and soil moisture, respectively. After planting, live plant density was collected along with intrusive measurements through soil excavation to verify true seeding depth. Data were analyzed using mixed effect and regression models. Seeding depth was significantly impacted by the interaction between depth setting and applied downforce on the row-units. Differences in the quality of crop establishment existed between the field-scale study sites and combinations of planter settings. In general and across all sites, deeper planting depth and heavy downforce reduced the final live population and delayed emergence for maize. Soil texture significantly affected final maize seeding depth with shallowest occurring in heavier textured soil. Field results indicated that active downforce and seeding depth technology will require as low as 0.05 second response time in order to account for soil property variation during operation. Results inferred that seeding depth and downforce will need to be controlled concurrently to maintain the target seeding depth when soil and terrain variability exists within a field.