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Selection of correct planting parameters and their optimization based on current field conditions is crucial in achieving
high crop emergence, which can translate to higher yields. A study was conducted during 2017 to evaluate the effect
of planter downforce and seed vigor on crop emergence and yield in two cotton varieties planted with singulated and
hill-drop seed plates. For this study, two cotton varieties (a small seeded low vigor variety and a large seeded high
vigor variety) were planted at 1-inch seeding depth using two different planters to obtain singulated and hill-drop
planting conditions. Two seeding rates of 29,000 seeds/ac and 42,500 seeds/ac were used to represent a typical low
and high population for planting cotton in Georgia. Planter downforce treatments consisting of low, medium and high
downforce values (100, 200 and 300 lbs., respectively) were implemented using the available downforce technology
on both planters. Field data collection consisted of emergence counts at one and three weeks after planting and yield
data from the center two rows of a four row plot at the end of the season. Data analysis indicated that singulated seeds
were more effective in low downforce treatments independent of the crop variety. Hill-drop seeds exhibited better
crop emergence (75-81%) in higher downforce treatments as compared to crop emergence (62-72%) obtained with
singulated seeds. Yield data also suggested that singulated cotton can maximize emergence in low to medium
downforce conditions for large seeded high vigor varieties whereas hill-drop cotton yields better with small seeded
low vigor varieties planted at medium to high downforce. Results showed that low vigor varieties require higher
seeding rates (more seeds per foot) when planted using low downforce to provide an overall high crop emergence rate
whereas this trend was not observed in the high vigor variety. A comparison among seeding rates showed that higher
seeding rates did not maximize crop emergence when planted as hill-drop. Overall results from this study emphasized
the importance of using correct planting parameters (downforce, seeding rate, and variety) based on existing field
conditions to maximize crop emergence and yield. |
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