Planting season is upon us! Hands down, the planting operation is the most important pass of the season. Take the time to ensure yourself of an even stand, and a stand that emerges as close to the same time as possible. A little extra personal discipline to focus on the details will ensure that the results you see on the combine meet your expectations!
Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you prepare for this planting season:
- Inspect and replace all worn parts on your planter
- Make sure parallel linkage rides parallel to the tool bar
- Make sure there is no gap in double disk openers
- Seed can bounce in a worn, or poor seed tube. Replace or upgrade
- Closing wheels need to be centered on the row
- Calibrate seed meters
- Consider seed firmers
- Calibrate the fertilizer system, and ensure proper placement of fertilizer
- Start with a good seedbed
- Row cleaners need to move trash, not soil
- Watch your speed while planting. Slower speeds increase accuracy of spacing and depth
- Plant at a proper depth. Too deep is better than too shallow, especially under cooler conditions
- Field conditions vary. Dig behind your planter early, often and in all fields.
- Remember, no two rows along a planter are exactly alike – but the results of each row need to be as close as possible to each other
Did you enjoy this post? You’ll want to check out previous post like Planter Tune-Up Tips.
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