Experimental research of influence of MF 9108 VE planter settings on sunflower yield

Abstract

The research is devoted to the influence of the row unit pressure force, planting depth, singulation and planting speed on sunflower germination and yield. Planting depth is crucial for technological operations of planting sunflower seeds. The research of planting sunflower seeds at a depth of 3.8 cm, 5 cm and 7.6 cm was performed using the MF 9108VE planter. Pressure force on the planter row unit is also important at planting operation. Insufficient pressure force leads to loss of the planting depth, planting of seeds in soil with low humidity and loss of the yield. Planting with excessive pressure force on the row unit leads to compaction of the root zone for plants and as a consequence the crop loss. The research of the pressure force on the row unit has been done with help of the Delta Force system from the Precision Planting company. The system has been adjusted to the pressing mode 200 kg, 20 kg, automatic mode (the contact force of the row unit depth wheels with soil at level 50 kg). Doubles and skips also have influence on sunflower yield. Therefore, the research of singulation is extremely important. If we have the doubles, we will have competition between plants, stress for them and a significant reduction of the yield. If we have skips, we will have the planting rate reduction, reducing of sunflower heads quantity in the row, and yields decreasing. The research of sunflower planting has been done with singulation 79.22% and the control plot with a singulation 96.05%. The research of how the planting speed 8 and 12 km·h influences on quality of planting and sunflower yield has been done. Based on the research results of the MF 9108VE planter with Delta Force system, the following operating modes can be recommended: plating depth – 5 cm, panting speed – 12 km·h, Delta Force in automatic mode with depth wheel force to the soil 50 kg, singulation at the level 96%. Such settings of the planter allow to raise the yield up to 0.4 t·ha.