Effects of soil moisture on a no-tillage planter's operation

A study was made to determine the effects of soil moisture and planting speed on the number of emerged corn plants when compared to the theoretical rate for no tillage planting. Response factors, (e.g., soil cover and compaction index above, in, and below the seed zone, location of the seed below the original soil profile, and seed spacing), were measured as indicators of the planter's performance in placing the seed in a suitable environment for germination. The study showed that there was a significant difference in the number of emerged plants due to moisture of the soil and speed of planting. The soil moisture was varied over five levels covering a range of ten to twenty five percent (dry basis) for Dickson silt loam soil, and the planting speeds were two, three, and four miles per hour. For the treatment combinations, the results of the other response factors were: soil cover and compaction index for the soil in the seed zone was significantly different at three depths zero to one inch, one to two inches, and two to four inches; location of the seed below the original soil profile was significantly different; and seed spacing was significantly different in two of three replications. The study also included an emergence comparison of a conventional tilled seedbed versus a grass sod seedbed. In this study, there was no significant difference in the number of emerged corn plants between the two tillage methods. There was also no significant difference in the soil cover and compaction index around the seed zone at the zero to two inch depth. There was a significant difference in location of the seeds below the original soil profile between the two tillage methods.