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Site-Specific Sowing

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Precision in Crop Farming

Abstract

Site-specific control of the seed-density can rely on maps of soil texture. The seed-density should rise from sand to silt and loam and fall again towards clay. In this way either the yields can be increased or seeds can be saved.

For the sowing depth, the site-specific control should be based either on texture or on water content of the soil. In regions with maritime climate and consequently frequent rain, the control via soil texture seems reasonable. This could be realized by using texture maps and adjusting the depth of openers on-the-go by means of ultrasonic distance sensing.

In areas with continental climate and thus longer dry spells, a control based on the water content of the soil is a good choice. Here a soil moisture seeking control system that adjusts the sowing depth on-the-go to the drying front in the soil via infrared reflectance- or electrical resistance seems reasonable.

A special challenge is the increasing conflict between no-till with crop residues on the surface and sowing techniques. The trend to smaller row widths in order to realize yield increases adds to this conflict. But there are concepts available that can cope with this conflict. These are dealt with.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Systems Engineering, University of Kiel, 24098, Kiel, Germany

    Hermann J. Heege

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  1. Hermann J. Heege
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Correspondence to Hermann J. Heege .

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  1. , Agricultural Systems Engineering, University of Kiel, Max Eyth Strasse 6, Kiel, 24098, Germany

    Hermann J. Heege

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Heege, H.J. (2013). Site-Specific Sowing. In: Heege, H. (eds) Precision in Crop Farming. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6760-7_8

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