He added Precision Planting’s DeltaForce — a hydraulic cylinder that automatically controls downforce to row units to ensure all seeds are planted at a uniform depth to promote even emergence — to his planter in 2018 and the Conceal liquid fertilizer system last year. He said his corn yields jumped by 6 bpa by banding 10 gallons of 32% UAN (urea-ammonium nitrate) and 5 gallons of 12-0-0-26 ammonium thiosulfate per acre at planting.
“Being wet and cold last year, we could definitely see the advantage,” Recker said. “We look forward to using it again.”
TEST ROI
A simple $25 saturated cold germ test of seed corn per lot number is one idea that could pay off for farmers, Webster said. However, a Precision Planting poll indicates less than 20% of farmers take advantage of this test. Seed is placed in 100% saturated soil at 50 degrees for seven days, then transitioned to 77 degree soil for four days, which simulates a grower planting in both cold and wet soils.
Since seed companies typically only provide warm germination information, Webster said testing for cold and wet tolerance is a good idea given the past and predicted spring conditions.
In Precision Planting tests, two corn hybrids were planted at 36,000 seeds per acre on April 26 and June 5. Hybrid A’s saturated cold germ test was 87% and 33,000 plants per acre emerged after the early planting date. Only 15,000 plants per acre emerged for hybrid B, which had a 40% saturated cold germ test result. Emergence in June was nearly the same for both hybrids at 35,000 and 34,000 plants per acre, respectively.
Hybrid B planted in cold, wet soil in April yielded 55.8 bpa less than hybrid A, trial results showed.
“We lost over $200 per acre, and a $25 test told me that would happen,” Webster said, noting that’s more than a 700% return on investment for the test.
PLANTING SUCCESS
Precision Planting research shows the success of corn and other crops is tied to getting seed in the ground at the right depth, adequate moisture, uniformity and keeping the furrow clean. Proper seed-to-soil contact, among other things, is also paramount.
Some Precision Planting products designed to improve placement include:
— The 20|20 display is the heart of Precision Planting products. The in-cab monitor can collect yield data and information for planter settings and it powers other equipment to control seed population, downforce, liquid fertilizer and other planter functions.
— SmartFirmer measures soil temperature, moisture and residue in the furrow in real time.
— SmartDepth allows farmers to change planting depth manually or from the cab utilizing the 20|20 display so seeds have proper moisture to germinate. For example, research shows optimum soil moisture is 30% for corn and 10% for cotton.
— FurrowForce is a new closing system that preserves moisture and seed-to-soil contact while preventing compaction. It utilizes a sensor automatically adjust downforce of the closing system. The first stage uses notched wheels to close the furrow by shifting soil inward. Next, stitch wheels firm the soil around the seed to the proper density in order to maintain moisture after planting.
Mark Daggy is looking to increase revenue on his 732-acre grain operation near Humboldt, Iowa, by transitioning to organic farming. He’s also considering long-term equipment investments, like upgrades to his 16-row Case-IH 1250 planter. He has a 20|20 display and DeltaForce was installed two years ago. The company claims incorrect downforce can cost corn farmers up to 16 bpa.
Daggy’s plan is to add SmartFirmer, the CleanSweep residue management system and FurrowForce to the planter to hopefully boost yields.
“I’m a long-term investor. I think farmers need to be,” Daggy said. “My dad, even in the 1950s and ’60s, said you have to plant into moisture,” which SmartFirmer can assist with.
A 2019 PTI corn planting depth study showed corn planted 2 inches deep into 18% moisture averaged 241.1 bpa. At 3 inches deep at 38% moisture, corn averaged 248.9 bpa.
Webster urged farmers to question their current agronomic practices.
“The seven most expensive words in business: ‘we have always done it that way,'” he said.
Matthew Wilde can be reached at matt.wilde@dtn.com
Follow him on Twitter @progressivwilde
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