Not so fast

Research supports slowing down the seeder for better canola emergence.

Consider seeding speed

There’s a push in the spring to get your seed into the ground – the sooner the better in the right conditions. But that doesn’t mean excessively speeding up your seeding operation to catch those extra days of sunshine for your canola crop. Recent research by Bayer CropScience indicates there is a lot to lose by seeding too fast.

The negative impact of increasing the speed of the seeding operation on crop stand establishment is generally not considered or assessed. As illustrated in the data generated by Bayer CropScience (data provided click here) the success in achieving canola crop emergence is directly related to the seeding operation speed.

By increasing the speed of the seeding equipment from five to seven miles per hour, the number of plants emerging was almost reduced by 40 percent. In addition, the resulting stand was significantly less uniform, thereby providing greater opportunity for unencumbered weed establishment.

“We tested different seeding speeds during seeding and how it affected crop stand establishment,” says Heather Boensch, Bayer CropScience Market Development Specialist for North Saskatchewan. “The results were very significant and something every farmer should consider when they are thinking of pushing their seeding equipment just a little faster.”

Boensch concludes that there are too many variables for blanket recommendations. Seedbed, amount of trash, seeding equipment and speed, moisture and temperature are all important factors when deciding how fast to perform your seeding operation. “The thing that matters is plants per square meter and not pounds per acre,” reminds Boensch.

Most producers seed InVigor® hybrid canola at five pounds per acre, generally about a half pound less than open pollinated varieties. “Air speed flow is very important so keep the fan speed as low as possible. This is especially true if you aren’t placing fertilizer with the seed,” explains Boensch. She also reminds producers that canola seed will crack so make sure you set your air delivery system to a fan speed to handle the precious canola seed.

For more information on Using Crop Management to Make Weeds Less Comfortable, click here to read this article published by Top Crop Manager.