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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #334793
Title: Impact of ground speed and varying seeding rates on meter performance

Author
item VIRK, SIMERJEET - Auburn University
item FULTON, JOHN - Auburn University
item MCDONALD, TIMOTHY - Auburn University
item Balkcom, Kipling
item PONCET, AURELIE - Auburn University
item BROOKE, ANOORA - Auburn University

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2014
Publication Date: 7/13/2014
Citation: Virk, S.S., Fulton, J.P., Mcdonald, T.P., Balkcom, K.S., Poncet, A., Brooke, A.B. 2014. Impact of ground speed and varying seeding rates on meter performance. ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 13-14, 2014, Montreal, Quebec. CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Achieving optimum planter performance is an important requirement for obtaining higher crop yields. Planter performance depends on several factors but meter speed is an important one which is a function of ground speed, seeding rate and row spacing. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of planter ground speed and varying seeding rates on meter performance for row-crop planters equipped with variable-rate technology (VRT). Two different types of seed metering units (John Deere Standard and Precision Planting’s eSet setups) were used for planting corn (Zea mays) and cotton (Gossypium) at 5 different seeding rates and 4 ground speed treatments. All treatments were randomized and replicated four times. Field tests were performed by uploading variable-rate seeding prescription maps to the planter rate controller and then the required ground speed selected prior to each pass. Field data collection consisted of measuring actual population, seed spacing and crop yield. Static laboratory tests were also conducted by running the metering units on a test stand corresponding to the seeding rate and ground speed treatments. Meter performance was evaluated based on singulation (%), skips (%) and doubles (%) obtained from both field and laboratory data. Preliminary results suggested that the eSet meter setup exhibited higher singulation (> 98.5%) compared to Standard JD meter (93.6% - 96.9%) for all treatments. Meter performance starts degrading at higher meter speeds (> 38 rpm) for both meter types. The results of this study will further discuss the importance of using correct meter speeds for achieving high meter performance during field operation.