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Achieving Consistent Emergence

This is an image of consistently emerged corn plants.

You don't have to hope all your plants will emerge at the same time. Benefit from emergence technology on your planter today!

3 Keys to Consistent Emergence

1. Uniform Soil Density Around Each Seed

2. Even Heat and Moisture Environment

3. 360 Degrees of Seed to Soil Contact

Why Emergence Matters

Plants that have delayed emergence lose yield, no matter the crop. It pays to set the stage for every seed to emerge consistently.

video watch time: 2:23

 

Uniform Soil Density Around Each Seed

Having uniform soil density around every seed means that the soil retains moisture, emergence is timely, and roots can flourish without restriction.

video watch time: 2:33

 

Even Heat and Moisture Environment

You are putting thousands of seed in the ground and you have one chance to get it right. Make sure you're taking actions while planting so each of those seeds become plants that emerge the same day. Check out Doug's short video below to learn how residue, depth, contact, and compaction all affect emergence. 

video watch time: 1:41

 

360 Degrees of Seed to Soil Contact

You're walking your fields and notice a gap in emergence. If you take out your pocket knife and start investigating, you might find the seed was closed well on top, but it's possible there is an air pocket below that caused your emergence issues. Doug explains the importance of seed to soil contact and ways to check for it. 

video watch time: 0:48 

 

Achieving Consistent Emergence Takes a System

Consistent emergence doesn't happen by accident. It takes a planting system that manages the environment seed is placed in and leaves the soil with no evidence the planter was ever there.  The system has to not only put the seed in the ground, but also allow the plant to thrive throughout the season. The 5-Step Precision Planting Emergence System allows you to have control over the planter so that each seed has the optimum opportunity to emerge consistently. 

Step 1: Control the Planter

  • Every pass across the field needs not just data, but in-depth knowledge of what is happening with your seed and equipment. 
  • 20|20 - The 20|20 is your planter control center in the cab. It provides you confidence that your planter is working the best that it can. 

Step 2: Clear Residue

  • Removal of residue from in front of the row unit prevents last year's crop residue from being hairpinned in the seed trench and wicking moisture away from the seed.
  • CleanSweep - Adjust your row cleaners from the cab to remove surface residue and keep it from getting mixed in with the seed.

Step 3: Maintain Depth 

  • Seeds need to be placed at the optimal depth, but sometimes that comes with the cost of compaction from excess downforce. Making sure that there is enough weight to maintain depth without using any excess is key/
  • DeltaForce - Get downforce right with an automated row-by-row system that measures gauge wheel weight and adjusts every second providing you consistent depth without compaction.

Step 4: Firm the Seed

  • Seeds need to be firmed into the bottom of the furrow to ensure there are no air pockets around them. Air pockets insulate the seeds and cause delays in emergence.
  • SmartFirmer - Gently press every seed into the bottom of the furrow while also measuring available moisture. Based on moisture reading, you can adjust planting depth to ensure consistent emergence. 

Step 5: Destroy the Furrow

  • Once seed is placed, the trench needs to be destroyed and returned to its original state. It's important to have consistent density around the seed for moisture to move in and roots to develop unobstructed. 
  • FurrowForce - This automated two-stage closing system with integrated sensing closes the furrow from the bottom up and then firms the soil to the correct density. This ensured the seed has a chance to obtain needed moisture.
emergence seed plant