Population, seed singulation, avoiding those skips and doubles, and getting the seed in the ground in the proper planting window are all key to optimizing corn yield; but if the planter is not properly tuned for uniform emergence, corn yield can take a big hit.
On this episode of the RealAgriculture Corn School, Huron Tractor technician Turner Sanford notes that failing to set up the planter properly can steal yield in several areas. Population problems can cost 2 to 4 bu/acre; failure to achieve uniform spacing can also rob 2 to 4 bu/acre; missing the optimum planting window can set growers back 4 to 10 bu/acre; and failure to achieve uniform emergence can cost a whopping 10 to 18 bu/ac, or a 5 to 9 per cent yield hit.
“At the end of the day, what we really need to focus on is uniform emergence and we want to see all of those plants come up within 24 hours of each other to give them a good, equal fighting chance,” says Sanford.
To make sure the planter is consistently hitting the planting sweet spot, Turner looks at mechanical adjustments, including gauge wheel depth adjustments; setting sufficient downforce to maintain the correct margin; achieving good ride quality and ground contact for gauge wheels; and maintaining an effective closing system for good seed-to-soil contact. Watch the video below.
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